Welcome to Delaware! Delaware is known for being the second smallest state in the United States, and the first of the original colonies to ratify the Constitution, earning it the nickname “The First State.” Despite its small size, the state is densely populated and growing every year. If you’re thinking about moving here, we’ve compiled a list of the ten safest cities to help you make an informed choice.
1. Ocean View
- Population: 2,146
- Violent Crimes: 2 (0.0932 per capita)
- Non-Violent Crimes: 24 (1.1184 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny; Burglary
52.83% Below National Crime Rate, 55.91% Below State Crime Rate
Topping the list of safest cities is Ocean View, located in Sussex County. With only two violent crimes reported in the past year, residents, especially retirees, enjoy a peaceful, safe life in the quiet coastal town. Need additional incentive to move to Ocean View? True to its name, Ocean view is only one mile away from the Atlantic Ocean, making weekend trips to the beach a breeze.
2. Milton
- Population: 2,966
- Violent Crimes: 0 (0 per capita)
- Non-Violent Crimes: 47 (1.5846 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny; Burglary
38.30% Below National Crime Rate, 42.34% Below State Crime Rate
Milton resides on the Delmarva Peninsula in Sussex County. Founded in 1763 as “Head of the Broadkiln”, the town was renamed to “Milton” in 1807 after poet John Milton. No violent crimes were reported in the past year, making this quaint town the least violent in the state. Additionally, Milton is known for founding the Dogfish Head Brewery, so what’s not to love?
3. Bridgeville
- Population: 2,368
- Violent Crimes: 4 (0.1689 per capita)
- Non-Violent Crimes: 33 (1.3936 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny; Burglary; Aggravated Assault
39.16% Below National Crime Rate, 43.14% Below State Crime Rate
Bridgeville is another small town in Sussex County, with a population of just over 2,300. Although originating as an agricultural town, the introduction of the Delaware Railroad in 1856 shifted its industry and led to an increased population. Bridgeville holds an annual Apple Scrapple Festival, celebrating all things apple and scrapple.
4. Lewes
- Population: 3,134
- Violent Crimes: 7 (0.2234 per capita)
- Non-Violent Crimes: 65 (2.074 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny; Burglary
10.55% Below National Crime Rate, 16.40% Below State Crime Rate
Located along the Delaware Bay, Lewes is a charming seaside town with the fourth lowest crime rate in the state. Founded in 1643, Lewes is known for being the first European settlement in the state. Lewes stood strong through a pirate attack in 1698 and a British attack in the War of 1812, and still is thriving today.
5. Newark
- Population: 34,207
- Violent Crimes: 100 (0.2923 per capita)
- Non-Violent Crimes: 667 (1.9499 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny; Aggravated Assault
12.70% Below National Crime Rate, 18.41% Below State Crime Rate
Newark is the most populated city on the list, with over than 34,000 residents. From its state parks, Main Street shopping center, and University of Delaware campus, there’s no shortage of things to do in this college town! With a median home value of around $250,000, Newark is an affordable choice for residents who want the liveliness of a college town without the high costs.
6. Middletown
- Population: 22,350
- Violent Crimes: 64 (0.286 per capita)
- Non-Violent Crimes: 437 (1.955 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny; Burglary; Aggravated Assault
12.73% Below National Crime Rate, 18.43% Below State Crime Rate
Middletown is one of the larger towns on our list, with a population of over 22,000. The town started as a tavern stop, acting as a halfway point between landmarks in Delaware in Maryland; thus, the town became known as “Middletown.” With median house prices around $35,000, Middletown is pricier than some of its neighboring towns, but it’s still an affordable destination for anyone looking to live in one of Sussex County’s larger towns.
7. Clayton
- Population: 3,297
- Violent Crimes: 16 (0.4853 per capita)
- Non-Violent Crimes: 29 (0.8796 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny; Aggravated Assault
46.86% Below National Crime Rate, 50.33% Below State Crime Rate
Clayton is a town located in both Kent and New Castle Counties, with the majority of its land within Kent County. Clayton gained its name from John M. Clayton, a Delaware-born United States Secretary of State who advocated for the railroad. With a median age of 31 and houses often sold for $200,000 – $300,000, Clayton is a young, affordable town with a lot of charm.
8. Elsmere
- Population: 6,033
- Violent Crimes: 25 (0.4144 per capita)
- Non-Violent Crimes: 95 (1.5747 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny; Burglary
22.56% Below National Crime Rate, 27.62% Below State Crime Rate
With a population of over 6,000 residents, Elsmere is one of the larger towns on our list. Elsmere is a town in New Castle County, west of Wilmington. Town development began in the mid-late 1800s, and Elsmere was incorporated as a city in 1909. With multiple neighborhood parks and houses averaging $150,000 in price, Elsmere is a young, affordable town that’s perfect for families. And if you’re a dog owner as well — take your furry friend to Elsmere Bark Park!
9. Millsboro
- Population: 4,439
- Violent Crimes: 11 (0.2478 per capita)
- Non-Violent Crimes: 179 (4.0324 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny; Burglary
66.65% Above National Crime Rate, 55.76% Below State Crime Rate
Located in Sussex County, Millsboro is approximately 15 miles from Rehoboth Beach. While a modest size, Millsboro is experiencing rapid growth in comparison to nearby cities. In a 2019 Report on State Planning Issues, Millsboro ranked #1 out of 25 Sussex County cities for number of residential building permits issued. With more retail and restaurants opening each year, Millsboro is the place to be!
10. Selbyville
- Population: 2,494
- Violent Crimes: 9 (0.3609 per capita)
- Non-Violent Crimes: 56 (2.2454 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny; Burglary
1.47% Above National Crime Rate, 5.16% Below State Crime Rate
Rounding out our list is Selbyville, a Sussex County town founded in 1778. The town earned its name from resident Sampson Selby, who, in 1842, marked packages for delivery to his store, “Selby-Ville.” Modern Selbyville retains its small-town charm, with agriculture and ranching being its main industry. Its safety ratings are steady, having been ranked the 10th safest city for two years in a row.
All data are taken from FBI U.S. crime statistics.
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
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