Wilmington, Delaware Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Wilmington, Delaware had a total population of 71,727, the 1st largest city in Delaware, with a median household income of $58,671, which is 31% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 21.4%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Wilmington is the 1st largest city in Delaware with a population of 71,727.
- Household income is 31% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Wilmington Quick Facts
How Wilmington Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 71,124 | 71,727 | +0.8% |
| Median household income | $55,269 | $58,671 | +6.2% |
| Median home value | $224,500 | $231,400 | +3.1% |
How Wilmington Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 60 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Wilmington Rankings in Delaware
Explore Delaware Rankings
Other Cities in New Castle County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | 30,330 | $76,912 | 27.7% | $382,500 |
| Middletown | 24,661 | $112,831 | 8.3% | $409,600 |
| Bear | 22,370 | $91,687 | 8.7% | $304,800 |
| Glasgow | 15,546 | $113,982 | 8.0% | $373,900 |
| Brookside | 15,115 | $78,328 | 14.6% | $279,700 |
| Hockessin | 13,439 | $171,204 | 1.5% | $568,800 |
| Smyrna | 13,165 | $67,048 | 12.9% | $291,400 |
| Pike Creek Valley | 12,431 | $102,434 | 6.2% | $340,300 |
| Claymont | 8,786 | $74,712 | 10.0% | $276,600 |
| Wilmington Manor | 8,214 | $78,078 | 11.6% | $240,600 |
Cities Similar to Wilmington
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | 39,837 | $60,199 | $258,900 | 26.7% | 15.0% |
| Newark | 30,330 | $76,912 | $382,500 | 58.2% | 27.7% |
| Bear | 22,370 | $91,687 | $304,800 | 32.5% | 8.7% |
| Middletown | 24,661 | $112,831 | $409,600 | 44.0% | 8.3% |
| Brookside | 15,115 | $78,328 | $279,700 | 29.1% | 14.6% |
Population Overview
Wilmington is a mid-sized community located in Delaware, within New Castle County. The total population is 71,727. It ranks as the 1st most populous out of 79 Census-designated places in Delaware.
Age Demographics
The median age in Wilmington is 37.0 years. This is 11% lower than the state median of 41.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Wilmington is $58,671. This is 31% lower than the state median of $84,954. It is also 27% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 21.4%. This is 105% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.4%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 7.3%. This is 43% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $231,400. Housing costs are 34% lower than the state median of $352,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x. 48.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 34% lower than the state average of 73.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Wilmington is Black or African American, making up 51.6% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 29.3%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (51.6% vs 21.4%). The Asian population (1.6%) is well below the state average of 4.3%.
Education
33.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 7% lower than the state rate of 35.8%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.1%. Notably, 15.9% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Wilmington, Delaware is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. 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. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Wilmington, Delaware?
Wilmington, Delaware has a population of 71,727 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Wilmington, DE?
The median household income in Wilmington is $58,671, which is 27% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Wilmington, DE?
The poverty rate in Wilmington is 21.4%. This means approximately 14,863 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Wilmington, Delaware?
Wilmington's population is 29.3% White, 51.6% Black, 11.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.6% Asian.
What is the median home value in Wilmington, DE?
The median home value in Wilmington is $231,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
How educated is Wilmington, Delaware?
33.1% of adults (25+) in Wilmington hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 15.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.