Discover the Largest Cities in Delaware (By Population, Total Area, and Economic Impact)

As the second-smallest state, Delaware packs a big punch in terms of population and economy in a small area. This east coast state is known for its beaches and history, as well as more modern sites like music festivals, museums, and even a world-class motor speedway. Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution in 1787, earning it the nickname “The First State.”

Largest Cities in Delaware By Population 

Wilmington

This is the largest city in Delaware by population by quite a bit. It is almost twice the size of the second-largest city, Dover. Why is Wilmington such a large city even in such a small state? The answer has a lot to do with its economic impact and industry. It was originally founded in the 1630s by Swedish settlers but became home to large groups of Dutch and British immigrants as well before it eventually became an American city when Delaware became the first state in 1787.

Many of the people who live in Wilmington work in the businesses and industries in the city. Many residents like the abundance of restaurants and shops coupled with affordable and available housing in the city. Wilmington also has the largest airport in the state. There are urban areas, including apartments, townhouses, and historic rowhomes. You can also go into the suburbs and easily commute downtown. The city also has plenty of green spaces, including Brandywine Park and Fox Point State Park, as well as many others.

Dover

This is the state capital and second-largest city in Delaware by population. Dover is home to the Dover International Speedway, which is used by NASCAR and other organizations. As the capital city, Dover has plenty of government buildings and services as well as historic buildings. The Old State House was the capital building until the 1930s and is now a restored museum. The green around the Old State House served as the city center as far back as the colonial era and is still a must-visit part of the city.

Dover also has a large military and veteran population. Dover Air Force Base is home to the Air Force’s Air Mobility Command. While many portions of the base are restricted, there is a museum that is open to the public. If you enjoy military history, you’ll like what there is to see and do in Dover.

Newark

Don’t get Newark, Delaware confused with its even larger neighbor, Newark, New Jersey. They are both named for a city in England. Many of the first settlers in Newark were Scots-Irish or Welsh and the city officially began following its charter from King George II in 1758. Unlike other cities in the area, early growth in Newark was fueled by educational institutions. A private academy grew into the present-day University of Delaware. This brought in many new residents, either to work and teach or attend. Fortunately, the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore railroad connected Newark to other major cities, including Wilmington. Today, the University of Delaware continues to be a major fixture in the local community.

Middletown

Middletown owes its formation to a conveniently located tavern on the route between Odessa, Delaware, and Behomia Landing, Maryland. Farmers would bring cartloads of goods to the Chesapeake Bay on this route, often stopping at the tavern which was around halfway. The town of Middletown grew as additional businesses and services cropped up to accommodate the needs of travelers. Today, just under 25,000 residents live in Middletown. It is between Wilmington and Dover, making it an easy commute to either city. Middletown’s Main Street is the hub of the city and community, hosting special events throughout the year and celebrating the town’s history and heritage.

Bear

This mainly agricultural part of Delaware has a decent population with plenty of housing. It is near Highway 40, which makes it easy to get from Bear to larger nearby cities. Many residents of Bear commute to Wilmington for work, which is less than 15 miles away. The town does support its own local economy as well and continues to have a rich tradition of farming and agriculture.

Largest Cities in Delaware By Total Area

Dover

Even though it is the second-largest city by population, Dover is the largest when you look at the actual area of the city. Of its roughly 23 square miles, around half of a square mile is water. There are plenty of places to enjoy the water, including many wildlife reserves and protected areas between Dover and the Delaware River. Nearby towns to Dover include Highland Acres, Kent Acres, and Camden. Dover itself is divided into numerous neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and characteristics.

Wilmington

As the most populous city in Delaware, Wilmington is one of the best-known places in the state. it is quite a bit smaller in area than the capital city of Dover, however. Wilmington is definitely urban compared to many of its neighbors. Residents tend to live in apartments, condos, townhouses, or row homes. Outer suburbs have single-family homes. Many people who work in Wilmington but want suburban living actually live in other nearby cities, such as New Castle or Newark. The city is right on the Delaware River.

Middletown

This city was named for its location as the midway point on a popular trade route between Delaware and Maryland. It is roughly one-third down from the northern border of Delaware. It is right on the western edge of the state, adjacent to Maryland. Unlike some other cities and towns in Delaware, which closely follow the Delaware River or the Atlantic Ocean, Middletown is further inland.

Hockessin

This town is right on the border between Delaware and Pennsylvania. It is on the upper curved section of the state. This unusual border is based on the water levels around nearby Wilmington. It is one of the largest suburban areas around Wilmington. Hockessin covers just over 10 square miles in total.

Glasgow

Located just south of Newark and west of Bear, Delaware along the border of Delaware and Maryland, Glasgow is a medium-sized town that is known for being a family-friendly community. It is considered a suburb of Newark and many residents commute to Newark for work. It spans just under 10 square miles and includes the stunning Glasgow Regional Park. At around 250 acres, the park includes everything from playgrounds, dog parks, and walking trails to concerts, farmers’ markets, and special events.

Largest Cities in Delaware By Economic Impact 

Rehoboth Beach

It’s probably not surprising that many of the beach communities in Delaware are some of the most expensive as well. Not only is it expensive to buy a home there, but amenities such as restaurants and shops also bring in money from visiting tourists. Rehoboth Beach households have an average annual income of over $255,000. This is staggering compared to many other cities in Delaware and around the United States. Data collected from Rehoboth Beach shows that this average is heavily skewed by older households with large incomes. Other beach towns in the Rehoboth area include Lewes, Bethany Beach, and Dewey Beach.

New Castle

This moderate-sized town has a booming local economy and plenty of things to make it a great place to visit. Tourism is a strong part of the New Castle economy. The actual city of New Castle is on the southern end of New Castle County, which includes Wilmington, Newark, and major portions of the most populated and economically important areas in Delaware. The city has a rich history, including historic buildings, Battery Park, and the Delaware River. Many visitors and residents in Wilmington come to New Castle for a quieter pace as well as to see the historic sites. Because it is near other major metropolitan areas, residents can easily commute to larger cities for work but live in New Castle.

Wilmington

Wilmington grew a lot in both population and influence in the 1800s during the Industrial Revolution. The Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad brought people and business to Wilmington. It also allowed businesses to develop and thrive, leading to general growth across all areas. The Civil War and both World Wars also had an impact on Delaware’s industry and economy. Today, it is considered part of the Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan area, which ranks in the top 20 highest GDP cities in the world with an estimated GDP of $455 billion. Within Wilmington, household incomes average around $72,000 per year. The suburb of Greenville has the highest household income within the area, averaging around $116,000 annually.

In the modern economy, the state tax laws in Delaware make it very favorable for many businesses and industries. Delaware does not charge sales tax, making it cheaper for many businesses to operate in the state. Of course, the tax code is complicated and changes often, so it’s important to know the ins and outs, plus talk to a tax professional if you are a business owner in Delaware. However many businesses who provide goods or services all around the country or even the world choose to make Delaware their home base, boosting the economy in the state. As the largest city in the state, Wilmington is the logical choice for access to other things they may need.

Dover

Dover’s charm and history are some of the main attractions that bring people to visit, injecting money into the area. As the state capital, government employment is also a big driver for the local economy. The average annual household income in Dover is around $63,000. Since 2020, household incomes in Dover did increase on average, as much as $3,000 per year.

Newark

Newark is on the border of Delaware and Maryland. It is home to the University of Delaware, which is also one of its major employers. Other industries in the city include financial services as well as various types of manufacturing. It is easily accessible from nearby Wilmington, making the two cities closely linked when it comes to economic interests. Both Wilmington and Newark are also near Philadelphia and some residents choose to live in Delaware and commute out of state for work, or vice versa.