New Castle city, Delaware Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, New Castle city, Delaware has a total population of 5,519, the 21st largest city in Delaware, with a median household income of $92,565, which is 12% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 3.4%.
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 3.4% — among the lowest in Delaware.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.1%.
New Castle city Quick Facts
How New Castle city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 59 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
New Castle city Rankings in Delaware
Explore Delaware Rankings
Cities Similar to New Castle city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elsmere town | 6,189 | $76,378 | $210,200 | 14.9% | 18.8% |
| Edgemoor CDP | 6,671 | $79,572 | $291,000 | 36.4% | 16.1% |
| Millsboro town | 7,152 | $77,750 | $297,000 | 36.7% | 9.6% |
| Clayton town | 4,086 | $103,211 | $343,700 | 28.7% | 5.4% |
| Rising Sun-Lebanon CDP | 4,195 | $109,167 | $388,600 | 36.3% | 7.5% |
Population Overview
New Castle city is a small city located in Delaware. The total population is 5,519. It ranks as the 21st most populous out of 79 cities and towns in Delaware.
Age Demographics
The median age in New Castle city is 46.4 years. This is 12% higher than the state median of 41.5 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in New Castle city is $92,565. This is 12% higher than the state median of $82,855. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 18% higher. The poverty rate stands at 3.4%. This is 68% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.7%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 1.1%. This is 78% lower than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $262,100. Housing costs are 20% lower than the state median of $326,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.8x, New Castle city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 63.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% lower than the state average of 72.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in New Castle city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 64.5% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 27.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (5.2%) is well below the state average of 10.7%. The Asian population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 4.1%.
Education
32.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 9% lower than the state rate of 35.3%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.7%. Notably, 18.9% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for New Castle city, Delaware is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Delaware state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 79 Census-designated places in Delaware. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of New Castle city, Delaware?
New Castle city, Delaware has a population of 5,519 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in New Castle city, DE?
The median household income in New Castle city is $92,565, which is 18% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in New Castle city, DE?
The poverty rate in New Castle city is 3.4%. This means approximately 187 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of New Castle city, Delaware?
New Castle city's population is 64.5% White, 27.8% Black, 5.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in New Castle city, DE?
The median home value in New Castle city is $262,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x.
How educated is New Castle city, Delaware?
32.2% of adults (25+) in New Castle city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 18.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.