Is Delaware Safe, Pros and cons of living in Delaware

Delaware, the “First State,” offers a unique blend of coastal charm, historical significance, and a burgeoning economy. It’s a state that prides itself on its accessibility, with a strategic location on the East Coast, and a business-friendly environment that attracts a diverse range of industries. For those considering a move, understanding the nuances of life in Delaware, from its safety and cost of living to its job market and educational opportunities, is crucial.

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Delaware, covering essential aspects that potential residents need to know. From the daily realities of living expenses and employment to the broader considerations of climate and community, we delve into the details to paint a clear picture of what life is like in this mid-Atlantic gem.

Is it Safe to Live in Delaware?

Delaware’s overall crime rate presents a mixed picture, with some areas experiencing higher rates than others. Statewide, the violent crime rate is slightly above the national average, standing at 361 offenses per 100,000 people in 2024 (as reported by USAFacts). However, specific violent crime categories like murder, robbery, and rape are below the national norm. Aggravated assaults are a notable exception, at 16 percent higher than the American average (as reported by SafeHome.org).

Property crime rates in Delaware are generally lower than the national average, with a rate of 1,746 offenses per 100,000 people in 2024 (as reported by USAFacts). Burglaries and vehicle thefts are particularly low compared to the national average. Despite these positive trends, the state’s property crime rate is still ranked among the higher end nationally, placing Delaware 19th among states (as reported by USAFacts).

Cost of Living in Delaware

Housing Costs

Delaware’s cost of living is considered moderate, with a cost of living index of 103.5, only slightly higher than the national baseline (as reported by SoFi). Housing expenses, while varying by location, are generally in line with or slightly below the national average. The median home sale price in Delaware is $475,000 (as reported by realtor.com®), and the median rent is approximately $2.0K per month (as reported by realtor.com®).

However, specific areas can significantly influence these figures. For instance, desirable coastal towns like Rehoboth Beach and Lewes tend to have higher housing prices due to their popularity as vacation destinations. In contrast, cities like Dover offer more affordability, with a median home sale price of $320,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment around $1,622 (as reported by Zumper and Delaware Housing & Rental Market Trends).

Everyday Expenses

Beyond housing, everyday expenses in Delaware are also generally moderate. The state does not charge sales tax, which can be a significant saving for residents (as reported by SoFi). Utilities are reported to be more affordable than the national average, while housing and healthcare costs can be pricier (as reported by SoFi).

Groceries in Delaware are very close to the national average, with an estimated monthly cost of $353 for one person (as reported by SoFi). For a family of four, this could amount to about $1,412 per month. Transportation costs are also a factor, with the average price per gallon of regular gas around $3.04 as of August 2025 (as reported by ConsumerAffairs®).

Job Market and Economy

Average Salaries and Wages

Delaware offers competitive salaries, ranking among the top states for average earnings. The average annual salary in Delaware is $67,520, which breaks down to approximately $32.46 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The average weekly wage was $1,073 in January 2026 (as reported by USAFacts).

Certain sectors offer higher earning potential. Workers in financial activities reported the highest average weekly earnings at $1,587 per week as of January 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). High-paying fields such as Information Technology and Healthcare can offer salaries exceeding $150,000 annually (as reported by Playroll).

Unemployment and Major Employers

The unemployment rate in Delaware was 5.4% in February 2026, unchanged from the previous month (as reported by USAFacts). Over the past year, the unemployment rate has seen an increase. Major employers in Delaware span various industries, including JP Morgan Chase, DuPont, Perdue Farms, and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield (as reported by Delaware Prosperity Partnership).

Other significant employers include Christiana Care Health Services, Saint Francis Hospital, and WSFS Bank (as reported by Indeed.com and Wilmington, DE Major Employers). The state’s diverse economic base provides a range of employment opportunities across different sectors.

Climate in Delaware

Temperatures and Seasons

Delaware experiences a humid, temperate climate, moderated by the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay (as reported by Britannica). Summers are warm and humid, with average high temperatures in July around 86°F (30°C) in northern Delaware, while southern parts of the state tend to be a couple of degrees warmer (as reported by Britannica and NOAA). Winters are cool to cold, with average low temperatures in January around 23°F (-5°C) in northern Delaware (as reported by Britannica).

The state sees distinct seasons, with spring and autumn offering milder weather. The moderating influence of the ocean tends to lessen temperature extremes, though the state can be affected by cold continental air masses in winter. The warmest temperature ever recorded in Delaware was 110°F (43°C) in July 1930, and the coldest was -17°F (-27°C) in January 1893 (as reported by CoCoRaHS).

Precipitation and Weather Patterns

Annual precipitation in Delaware averages around 45.9 inches, with slight variations between the northern and southern parts of the state (as reported by NOAA and CoCoRaHS). August is typically the rainiest month, while February receives the least precipitation (as reported by Britannica). Snowfall averages between 9 to 20 inches annually (as reported by NOAA).

Delaware is subject to various weather phenomena, including winter and spring nor’easters, autumn tropical systems, and severe thunderstorms in spring and summer. Coastal flooding can also be a concern due to its location (as reported by Delaware Climate Office). The state also experiences the moderating effect of sea breezes, which can create temperature contrasts between coastal and inland areas (as reported by CoCoRaHS).

Education in Delaware

Public School Performance

Delaware’s public school system serves approximately 141,946 students across 235 schools (as reported by Public School Review). The state ranks seventh nationally for its public schools, with a particular strength in safety, ranking third in that category (as reported by World Population Review). The average ACT score in Delaware is 24.1, which is higher than the U.S. average (as reported by World Population Review).

The top-ranked public schools in Delaware include Charter School Of Wilmington, North Star Elementary School, and Major George S. Welch Elementary School (as reported by Public School Review). However, the average percentage of students achieving math proficiency is 31%, and reading proficiency is 42% (as reported by Public School Review).

School Districts and Ratios

Several school districts in Delaware receive high ratings. Among them are Appoquinimink School District, Cape Henlopen School District, and Red Clay Consolidated School District, all receiving ratings above 4.1 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). The pupil-to-teacher ratio in Delaware is 14:1 (as reported by Public School Review).

While Delaware excels in school safety, the overall testing rank is based on combined math and reading proficiency scores. The state’s commitment to education is evident in its school safety rankings and the performance of its top-tier institutions, though proficiency rates indicate areas for continued focus.

Demographics of Delaware

Population and Diversity

As of 2025, Delaware’s population is estimated to be over 1.06 million people, making it the 45th most populous state in the U.S. (as reported by USAFacts). The state has experienced population growth, with an increase of about 9,800 people between 2024 and 2025 (as reported by USAFacts). Delaware is a racially diverse state, with a significant portion of its population identifying as White (58.1% non-Hispanic White) (as reported by Delaware Demographics and USAFacts).

Other significant racial and ethnic groups include Black or African American (21.4% Black or African American, non-Hispanic) (as reported by Delaware Demographics), Hispanic or Latino (11.0% Hispanic or Latino) (as reported by Delaware Demographics), and Asian (4.3% Asian, non-Hispanic) (as reported by Delaware Demographics). Delaware’s population is more diverse than some neighboring states, with a higher share of multiracial residents compared to New Jersey and Pennsylvania (as reported by Delaware Demographics).

Age and Gender Distribution

Delaware’s population has a notable segment of older residents, with approximately 21.8% of the population aged 65 and older in 2024, which is higher than the U.S. overall (as reported by USAFacts). Conversely, residents under 18 years of age constitute about 20.4% of the state’s population (as reported by USAFacts).

The gender distribution in Delaware shows a slight female majority, with 51.4% of the population being female compared to 48.6% male (as reported by Delaware Demographics). This gender ratio is lower than the national average. The state’s median age is 41.4 years (as reported by Delaware’s Population).