Living in Wilmington, DE
Wilmington is home to about 74,000 people in 2025. It has grown 3.7% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (102.6 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 73,512+3.7% since 2020
- Median home value
- $231,4003.9 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,224/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $58,671median, per year
- Price level
- 102.6US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 41° / 87°lows 26° / 68°
- Average commute
- 24 min16% work from home
- State income tax
- 6.6%top rate, graduated
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County: New Castle County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 92 ft
Metro area: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Cost of living in Wilmington
The median home in Wilmington is worth $231,400 and the median household earns $58,671 a year, so a typical home costs about 3.9 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,224 a month, about 25% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metro area at 102.6, with housing at 113.1 and goods at 96.8 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $76,900 here. Delaware taxes wages at a top rate of 6.6%. The average combined state and local sales tax in Delaware is 0%.
What would my salary be worth in Wilmington?
Wilmington weather
Average highs run from 41°F in January to 87°F in July, and January nights average 26°F. It gets 45 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 20 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 92 times a year. The most comfortable months are April to May and August to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Wilmington
People and work
The median resident is 37.0 years old, and 33% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 48% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 24 minutes; 16% of workers work from home and 8% take public transit.
- Median age
- 37.0308th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 33%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 48%of households
- People per sq mile
- 6,74710.9 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 8%5% walk, 0.8% bike
- Unemployment
- 7.3%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 21.4%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1946median year
Who moves to Wilmington, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Kings County, NY, New York (Queens County) and Bronx County, NY. People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Plano (Collin County), Kings County, NY and New York County, NY. See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively High
FEMA rating for New Castle County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: winter weather, inland flooding, coastal flooding, strong wind.
Home prices
+4.4% in a year
Up 47% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Wilmington, DE-MD-NJ (MSAD) area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
41% good days
13 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Wilmington
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Citizens Bank Park 23 miles
- University of Pennsylvania 24 miles
- University of Delaware 12 miles
- Temple University 26 miles
- Rowan University 23 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Wilmington
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| New Castle Airport ILG | 6 mi | 125,071 |
| Philadelphia International Airport PHL | 19 mi | 15,102,261 |
| Trenton-Mercer Airport TTN | 54 mi | 241,950 |
| Atlantic City International Airport ACY | 55 mi | 489,848 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Wilmington
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Delaware | 12 mi | 19,071 | $16,337 | 78% |
| Rowan University | 23 mi | 15,841 | $23,938 | 69% |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania | 15 mi | 14,164 | $24,778 | 68% |
| Drexel University | 24 mi | 13,233 | $37,529 | 78% |
| University of Pennsylvania | 24 mi | 10,650 | $29,577 | 97% |
| Wilmington University | 5 mi | 7,906 | $20,210 | 25% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Wilmington
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 7, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 22 and the first frost comes around November 1.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Wilmington New Castle Co Airport, DE, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Wilmington.
Wildfire smoke in Wilmington
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Wilmington on about 115 days a year, including about 22 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Wilmington
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 31,655 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Wilmington
Downtown Wilmington is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christina School District | Pre-K to 12 | 12,954 | 29 | 12.5 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Red Clay Consolidated School District (14,444 students), West Chester Area School District (12,042 students), Brandywine School District (10,349 students), Colonial School District (8,575 students), Garnet Valley School District (4,449 students), Kennett Consolidated School District (3,831 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Wilmington's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Wilmington's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Cincinnati, OH78% matchCompare
- Indianapolis, IN76% matchCompare
- Columbus, OH73% matchCompare
- Pawtucket, RI72% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Wilmington
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Wilmington
- Bear Creek Ski and Recreation Area 51 miles
- Blue Marsh Ski Resort 55 miles
- Blue Mountain Ski Area 74 miles
- Camelback Mountain Resort 91 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Wilmington
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what do you love about Wilmington?
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Wilmington report card from locals
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Wilmington through locals' eyes
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Cities near Wilmington
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA | 28 mi | 1,574,281 | $243,100 | 102.6 | Compare |
| Reading, PA | 46 mi | 95,832 | $121,300 | 97.1 | Compare |
| Trenton, NJ | 58 mi | 91,506 | $160,700 | 103.2 | Compare |
| Allentown, PA | 59 mi | 126,044 | $206,600 | 100.0 | Compare |
| Bethlehem, PA | 64 mi | 79,644 | $260,400 | 100.0 | Compare |
| Baltimore, MD | 65 mi | 569,997 | $229,600 | 104.5 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Wilmington ranks 45th of 48 in our best suburbs of Philadelphia ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Wilmington with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Wilmington a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show homes that cost under four years of median income. Compare Wilmington side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Wilmington?
The Census Bureau estimates Wilmington had 73,512 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 70,916 in April 2020 (+3.7%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Wilmington?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $76,900 in the Wilmington area. The median household here earns $58,671.
When is the best time to visit Wilmington?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April to May and August to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 87°F and January 41°F for daytime highs.
What county is Wilmington in?
Wilmington is in New Castle County, Delaware. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Wilmington in?
Wilmington is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Wilmington?
About 92 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Delaware have a state income tax?
Yes. Delaware has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 6.6% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Wilmington. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Wilmington New Castle Co Airport, DE station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.