Top 10 most dangerous cities in Delaware

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Delaware, the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, is known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cities. From the historic streets of New Castle to the scenic shores of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware offers a variety of experiences for residents and visitors alike. The state is also home to major corporations and financial institutions, contributing to its robust economy. Despite its many attractions, Delaware faces safety challenges in certain areas. The most dangerous cities in Delaware are identified by their violent crime rates per 100,000 people, highlighting regions where caution is advised. The juxtaposition of Delaware's historical significance and urban crime issues underscores the complexities of life in this small but dynamic state.

Efforts to improve safety in Delaware involve comprehensive strategies, including enhanced law enforcement measures and community engagement programs aimed at preventing violence. These initiatives are essential in addressing the safety concerns affecting some of the most dangerous cities in Delaware. While these areas present significant challenges, they also highlight the potential for community-driven solutions and revitalization efforts. Delaware's commitment to fostering safer environments is evident in its proactive measures and the resilience of its residents. The state's rich history, economic opportunities, and scenic beauty continue to attract people, even as it navigates the complexities of urban safety concerns.

Wilmington Population: 70,655 1,285 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 3.52 chance of being a victim: 1 in 78 Total Crimes / 100k: 4,896

Wilmington, DE holds the distinction of being the #1 most dangerous city in Delaware with 1,285 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The area continues to struggle with elevated assault (929), robbery (327), rape (10) and homicide (19) rates, as the violent crime rate comes in at 238% higher than the Delaware average. Contributing to these numbers could be the higher than average rates of poverty, unemployment, and gang activity. Ongoing efforts from local law enforcement and the community have been created to help reduce the crime rates going forward.

Seaford Population: 7,897 1,012 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 2.77 chance of being a victim: 1 in 99 Total Crimes / 100k: 5,164

The second most dangerous city is Seaford. With a population of 7,897 and a violent crime rate that is 166% higher than the Delaware average, the city has seen better days. The higher than average crime rates in Seaford are not new, as violent crime has been a serious issue for many years and topped 1,012 violent crimes per 100,000 people in the last calendar year. In some areas, the riks are greater than others, as residents have a 1 in 99 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.

Milford Population: 11,463 870 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 2.38 chance of being a victim: 1 in 115 Total Crimes / 100k: 4,414

Home to 11,463 residents, Milford, DE ranks #3 on the list of most dangerous cities in Delaware. Unfortunately for residents of Milford, crime is widespread, with more than 870 violent crimes per 100,000 people reported last year. When the numbers are analyzed, this translates to a staggering 2.38 crimes per day and a violent crime rate that is 129% higher than the Delaware violent crime rate.

Dover Population: 37,872 722 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 1.98 chance of being a victim: 1 in 138 Total Crimes / 100k: 5,208

With a violent crime rate that is 90% higher than the Delaware average, it's not hard to see why Dover made the list. The city reported crime (per 100,000 residents) in the following categories: robbery (50), assault (591), rape (73) and homicide (8). In regions where employment opportunities are scarce or where many jobs offer insufficient wages, the risk of increased unemployment and homelessness rises, this could be just some of the triggers that make Dover more vulnerable to high crime.

Georgetown Population: 7,436 670 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 1.83 chance of being a victim: 1 in 149 Total Crimes / 100k: 5,040

The ongoing battle with crime in Georgetown, DE, is not a new issue - which is why there's no surprise that this city has made the list. With a violent crime rate of 670 and a 1 in 149 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime (per 100,000 people), Georgetown has a violent crime rate that is 76% higher than the Delaware average. Higher than average poverty and unemployment rates as well as a lack of available well-paying jobs, are most likely all contributing to the high rate of violent crime in Georgetown.

New Castle Population: 5,302 561 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 1.54 chance of being a victim: 1 in 178 Total Crimes / 100k: 3,982

New Castle, DE comes in at number 6 on our list, with a violent crime rate of 561 per 100,000 people, which is 48% higher than the Delaware average. New Castle has a population of 5,302, which translates to 1.54 crimes per day and 1 in 178 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. As with most cities, a high violent crime rate does not mean that all areas are unsafe, as there are definitely some areas in New Castle which are much safer than others.

Elsmere Population: 5,814 392 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 1.07 chance of being a victim: 1 in 255 Total Crimes / 100k: 2,023

A 1 in 255 chance of becoming a victim of crime and 1.07 violent crimes per day - those are some fairly good reasons why Elsmere makes the list at #7. According to the most recent annual crime report, there were 392 violent crimes per 100,000 people, which translates to a violent crime rate that is 3% higher than the Delaware average. The number of violent crimes takes into account the following categories: assault (294), robbery (49), rape (0) and homicide (49).

Smyrna Population: 11,694 356 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 0.98 chance of being a victim: 1 in 281 Total Crimes / 100k: 2,703

Smyrna, DE is another one of the most dangerous cities in Delaware and tops the list at #8. The city has a population of 11,694 and a violent crime rate of 356 per 100,000 people. Of those crimes, there were 312 counts of assault, 15 counts of robbery, 22 counts of rape and 7 counts of homicide. All told, the Smyrna violent crime rate is 6% lower than the Delaware average.

Newark Population: 33,822 253 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 0.69 chance of being a victim: 1 in 395 Total Crimes / 100k: 2,094

Economic conditions, education, social environment, law enforcement and urbanization can all have an impact on crime rates. Feeling the effects of most of those issues, Newark, DE comes in as the 9th most dangerous city in Delaware with a violent crime rate of 253 per 100,000 people. If we break that down, the city sees 0.69 violent crimes per day and residents have a 1 in 395 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.

Middletown Population: 22,350 217 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 0.59 chance of being a victim: 1 in 462 Total Crimes / 100k: 2,060

Rounding out our list at #10 is Middletown, DE. With a population of 22,350 and a violent crime rate of 217 per 100,000 people (43% lower than the Delaware average), some parts of Middletown are incredible unsafe. The violent crime rate consists of 165 counts of assault, 43 counts of robbery, 8 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. Residents can expect to have a 1 in 462 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.

Full list of the most dangerous cities in Delaware

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Wilmington	70,655	1,285	4,896
2	Seaford	7,897	1,012	5,164
3	Milford	11,463	870	4,414
4	Dover	37,872	722	5,208
5	Georgetown	7,436	670	5,040
6	New Castle	5,302	561	3,982
7	Elsmere	5,814	392	2,023
8	Smyrna	11,694	356	2,703
9	Newark	33,822	253	2,094
10	Middletown	22,350	217	2,060

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the most dangerous 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 data (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) per 100,000 people and only included Delaware cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying violent crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Violent Crime By State

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Explore our interactive map to discover the most dangerous cities in each state across the USA. This map highlights the states with the highest crime rates, providing insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. From urban centers facing economic hardships to regions grappling with social challenges, the map offers a visual representation of crime hotspots. Click on each state to learn more about its most dangerous cities, the types of crimes most prevalent, and the underlying causes behind these issues.