Wilmington, DE
Population 71,124 · Delaware
About Wilmington, DE
Wilmington is a mid-sized city located in Delaware with a population of 71,124 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,269 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wilmington features a median home value of $224,500, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Wilmington in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,187, 2% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 35,772 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (14,737 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (17,325 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wilmington shows an unemployment rate of 7.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wilmington have an average one-way commute time of 23 minutes.
Education & Demographics
33.1% of Wilmington residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.2% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 6.0% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 8.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wilmington Ranks in Delaware
Cost of Living in Wilmington, DE
Compared to national averages, Wilmington has a median household income of $55,269 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $224,500, which is 8% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,187 is 2% above the US average of $1,163. Within Delaware, Wilmington's income is 36% below the state average of $85,962, and home values are 42% below the state median of $387,860.
Why Live in Wilmington, DE?
Wilmington offers affordable housing with a median home value of $224,500, below the US average of $244,900, and short commute times averaging just 23 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,269) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Wilmington provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Wilmington has a population of 71,124 with a median age of 37 years. Compare Wilmington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Delaware.
Similar Cities Near Wilmington
Cities in Delaware with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | 39,491 | $58,336 | $248,500 | Compare |
| Newark | 30,309 | $71,373 | $357,600 | Compare |
| Middletown | 24,071 | $115,252 | $399,500 | Compare |
| Bear | 22,604 | $88,985 | $280,200 | Compare |
| Glasgow | 16,095 | $109,803 | $346,200 | Compare |
| Brookside | 15,262 | $72,031 | $264,800 | Compare |
| Hockessin | 13,608 | $172,695 | $550,200 | Compare |
| Smyrna | 13,031 | $70,473 | $273,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Delaware
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Wilmington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wilmington
What is the population of Wilmington, DE?
The population of Wilmington, DE is 71,124 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Delaware.
What is the median household income in Wilmington?
The median household income in Wilmington, DE is $55,269 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wilmington?
The median home value in Wilmington, DE is $224,500, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Wilmington?
The median monthly rent in Wilmington, DE is $1,187, which is 2% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wilmington?
The unemployment rate in Wilmington, DE is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wilmington, DE a good place to live?
Wilmington offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 71,124 and a median age of 37, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wilmington, DE?
33.1% of residents in Wilmington aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Wilmington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wilmington, DE: median home value is $224,500 (8% below national), median rent is $1,187/month, and median household income is $55,269. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Wilmington?
The poverty rate in Wilmington, DE is 23.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Wilmington, DE?
Wilmington's population is 3.2% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 6.0% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 51.6% two or more races. 8.3% of residents are foreign-born.