Safest cities in Delaware

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Known as the 'First State,' Delaware is small in size but rich in history and charm. Located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, Delaware boasts beautiful coastal areas, historic towns, and vibrant urban centers. The state's economy is bolstered by finance, insurance, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, making it a dynamic place for business and innovation. Wilmington, the largest city, is a hub for financial services and cultural activities, with numerous museums, theaters, and parks. Delaware is also known for its tax-friendly policies, attracting businesses and residents alike.

The safest cities in Delaware offer a high quality of life with low crime rates, enhancing the overall livability of these communities. Safety is a crucial factor in fostering strong, thriving neighborhoods where residents can feel secure. Factors contributing to the safety of Delaware's cities include effective law enforcement, community policing efforts, and active local involvement in public safety initiatives. These cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, providing a clear and reliable measure of safety. With this focus on security, residents can fully enjoy Delaware's cultural richness, economic opportunities, and natural beauty without the constant concern of crime.

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Middletown Population: 22,350 1,668 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 125 Property Crime / 100k: 1,543 chance of being a victim: 1 in 60

Middletown proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Delaware. With only 1,668 crimes per 100,000 people, Middletown has a crime rate that is 74% lower than the Delaware average. This equates to an average of 1.17 crimes per day and a 1 in 60 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Elsmere Population: 5,814 2,021 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 244 Property Crime / 100k: 1,777 chance of being a victim: 1 in 49

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Elsmere comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Delaware with a crime rate of 2,021 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 244 counts of burglary, 1,174 counts of theft, 359 counts of vehicle theft, 228 counts of assault, 16 counts of robbery, 0 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Elsmere, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Newark Population: 33,822 2,308 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 310 Property Crime / 100k: 1,998 chance of being a victim: 1 in 43

With a population of 33,822 and a total crime rate of 2,308 per 100,000 residents, Newark is the 3rd safest city in Delaware. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 70% lower than the Delaware average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Smyrna Population: 11,694 2,450 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 486 Property Crime / 100k: 1,965 chance of being a victim: 1 in 41

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Smyrna is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 2,450, 87% lower than the Delaware average. This amounts to 0.90 crimes per day and a 1 in 41 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Smyrna a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

New Castle Population: 5,302 3,909 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 378 Property Crime / 100k: 3,530 chance of being a victim: 1 in 26

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, New Castle consistently ranks high in safety. In New Castle, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 3,909, which is 94% lower than the state average.

Wilmington Population: 70,655 4,286 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 1,127 Property Crime / 100k: 3,159 chance of being a victim: 1 in 23

Wilmington has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Delaware. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 4,286 crimes per 100,000 people, 28% lower than the Delaware average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 486 reports of burglary, 2,001 reports of theft, 671 reports of vehicle theft, 831 reports of assault, 254 reports of robbery, 7 reports of rape and 35 reports of homicide.

Milford Population: 11,463 4,441 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 791 Property Crime / 100k: 3,650 chance of being a victim: 1 in 23

Milford ranks as the seventh safest city in Delaware and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 1.71 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Milford’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Delaware.

Georgetown Population: 7,436 5,692 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 702 Property Crime / 100k: 4,990 chance of being a victim: 1 in 18

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Georgetown is the 8th safest city in Delaware. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 92% lower than the Delaware average, reporting a total of 5,692 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Seaford Population: 7,897 5,701 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 1,134 Property Crime / 100k: 4,568 chance of being a victim: 1 in 18

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Seaford is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Delaware, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 5,701 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 91% lower than the state average.

Dover Population: 37,872 7,082 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 1,013 Property Crime / 100k: 6,069 chance of being a victim: 1 in 14

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Delaware, is Dover. With a low rate of crime that included 140 burglaries, 5,573 thefts, 357 vehicle thefts, 841 assaults, 115 robberies, 40 rapes and 17 homicides, the overall crime rate was 60% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Delaware

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Middletown	22,350	125	1,543	1,668
2	Elsmere	5,814	244	1,777	2,021
3	Newark	33,822	310	1,998	2,308
4	Smyrna	11,694	486	1,965	2,450
5	New Castle	5,302	378	3,530	3,909
6	Wilmington	70,655	1,127	3,159	4,286
7	Milford	11,463	791	3,650	4,441
8	Georgetown	7,436	702	4,990	5,692
9	Seaford	7,897	1,134	4,568	5,701
10	Dover	37,872	1,013	6,069	7,082

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Delaware is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Delaware cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.