The 10 Fastest-Growing Towns in Delaware Everyone Is Talking About

Even though Delaware is the second smallest state in the United States, it is one of the top seven fastest-growing states between 2022 and 2023. There are several possible reasons Delaware attracts so many new residents. One might be that Delaware has low property taxes and no sales tax. Another reason may be that retirees have a lower tax rate in Delaware than in most states. Also, with the retiree boom, senior citizens are moving to places with good healthcare. Delaware is ranked as one of the best states for healthcare quality, affordability, and access. Whatever the reason, these 10 fastest-growing towns in Delaware are getting attention.

#10 Ellendale

Ellendale went from 493 people in 2020 to 549 people in 2023, a 3.58 percent increase. Ellendale is located in Sussex County, Delaware’s fastest-growing county. The county is a retiree hot spot and is known for its highly-rated schools and low crime rate.

Ellendale, in particular, is known as the “Gateway to Delaware’s Resort Beaches.” It’s on U.S. Route 113, parallel to Delaware’s Atlantic seaboard resorts and beaches. Ellendale is also part of the Salisbury, Maryland-Delaware Metropolitan Statistical Area, home to Maryland’s second-largest airport and port. In short, while Ellendale’s population is small, it is a quick drive to a metropolitan area.

#9 Greenwood

This town also increased its population by 3.58 percent. However, its population density is higher than Ellendale’s; overall, it has a larger population of 1,100. Also located in Sussex County, Greenwood’s proximity to the ocean and resorts is a huge benefit, especially to retired residents. It is also part of the Salisbury, MD-DE Metropolitan Statistical Area, giving Greenwood the small-town charm not far from urban conveniences. Home appreciation has increased by 11 percent in Greenwood in the past year.

#8 Millville

Experiencing a 3.6 percent growth in population, Millville gained 205 new residents since 2020. Keeping with the trend, Millville is located in Sussex County and conveniently located within the Salisbury, MD-DE Metropolitan Statistical Area. It has a very low crime rate, reasonable cost of living, and low poverty rate. However, Millville’s population as of 2023 is 2,046, and some residents fear that the continued population increases will turn this suburban town into a bustling city.

#7 Ocean View

The 19^th most populated city in Delaware, Ocean View experienced a 3.61 percent increase in population. Going from 2,656 people in 2020 to 2,954 people three years later, Ocean View continues to expand. Also, Ocean View, a town in Sussex County, is only one mile west of the Atlantic Ocean and one mile south of Indian River Bay. A community primarily comprised of retirees, Ocean View is a place where outdoor recreation is plentiful. From boating to fishing, Ocean View is just a short drive to the beach and is a fantastic retirement location.

#6 Middletown

As the 4^th most populated city in Delaware, Middletown’s population of 25,956 results from a 3.64 percent increase from 2020. Located within New Castle County, Middletown’s low crime rate and exceptional schools attract many new residents. In fact, 95 percent of its students graduate high school. Middletown is also home to the well-known boarding school St. Andrew’s, the setting of the 1989 movie Dead Poets Society.

#5 Frankford

With a 3.72 percent population growth, Frankford is yet another town located in the popular county of Sussex. It’s a smaller town, with a population of only 891 people as of 2023. It has a rural, small-town feel, and the cost of living is below the national average.

#4 Slaughter Beach

Despite its name, this town has seen a population growth rate of 3.83 percent since 2020. That makes it one of the top five fastest-growing towns in Delaware. Still, Slaughter Beach is only the 48th most populated city in Delaware. It is located in Sussex County and is right on Delaware Bay, just a short drive from the Atlantic Ocean. The shoreline is also a welcoming sanctuary for spawning horseshoe crabs every May and June.

#3 Wyoming

The city of Wyoming’s population has increased 5.82 percent in three years. This small town of 2,017 people is in Kent County. Wyoming is also about 13 minutes away from the Dover International Speedway (NASCAR) and Bally’s Dover, one of the largest casinos in the area.

#2 Milford

The quaint area of Milford saw an 8.59 percent increase from 11,301 residents to 14,471 in 2023. Located in both Kent and Sussex Counties, Milford is only a 25-minute drive to the state’s capital, Dover. Also, Milford is only a 15-minute drive from some of the best beaches along Delaware Bay, such as Slaughter Beach. Milford also hosts iconic festivals annually, such as the Bug & Bud Festival, which celebrates its agricultural heritage, and the Riverwalk Music & Arts Festival, which hosts concerts during the summer.

#1 Camden

This town experienced a 14.22 percent population growth over three years, making it the fastest-growing town in Delaware. In Kent County, Camden is only five miles from the Delaware Bay. The cost of living in Camden is one percent lower than the national average. Plus, it’s close to big employers like the Dover Air Force Base and the state capital. With a population of 5,542 in 2023, Camden still has that small-town charm and low crime rate everyone loves.

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