The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Delaware


The most dangerous places in Delaware are Seaford and Laurel for 2024 based on Saturday Night Science.

Most dangerous cities in Delaware research summary. We analyzed the most recent FBI crime data using Saturday Night Science to determine the most dangerous cities in Delaware.

We examined the violent and property crime per capita statistics for every place with over 2,000 residents. In total, we analyzed 21 Delaware cities. Here are the results of our analysis:

  • The most dangerous city in Delaware is Seaford based on the most recent FBI crime data.

  • The violent crime rate in Delaware is 961 per 100k people.

  • The property crime rate in Delaware is 6,251 per 100k people.

  • The safest city in Delaware is Ocean View.

  • Delaware is the 20th most dangerous state in the United States.

Most Dangerous Cities In Delaware Map


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Methodology | FAQs | References


You would think that being the oldest state in the country, you should’ve had plenty of time to work out your kinks. That’s not the case in Delaware, as it has its share of dangerous cities.

We created a list of the most dangerous places in Delaware for 2024 based on the FBI’s latest crime report for violent and property crime statistics for every place with over 2,000 residents. We discovered that most of Delaware’s most dangerous places are centralized around Delaware’s two largest cities, Wilmington and Dover.

And while Delaware might not be one of the top ten most dangerous states in the country, the state’s most dangerous places do need some work.

The Most Dangerous Cities In Delaware For 2024

  1. Seaford
  2. Laurel
  3. Dover
  4. Georgetown
  5. Wilmington
  6. Milford
  7. Camden
  8. Harrington
  9. New Castle
  10. Smyrna

What’s the most dangerous city in Delaware? The most dangerous city in Delaware for 2024 is Seaford.

If you’re curious to see if your city is dangerous, look at our list below or head to the bottom for a complete list of crime by city in Delaware.

For more Delaware reading, check out:

The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Delaware For 2024

Seaford, DE

Source: Wikipedia User Levelhead at English Wikipedia | GFDL

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 8,526
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 961 (Third most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 6,251 (Most dangerous)
Murders: 1
More on Seaford: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

When it comes to the community’s current highlights, we doubt anyone is bragging about its 13th highest place rank for rape and highest place rank for total crime in Delaware. In 2023, Seaford was lowest on this list. Its number 1 spot in 2024 suggests crime is trending down. If that pattern continues, high rates of lawlessness may even be a thing of the past someday.

Life in the area is not all bad though. This city is proud of its history, which visitors and residents alike can immerse themselves in at the Seaford Museum. Now that is a comforting thought to enjoy as you stroll along the nearby Nanticoke River.

Laurel, DE

Source: Wikipedia User Bwave at English Wikipedia | GFDL

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 4,178
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,651 (Most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,853 (Fourth most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Laurel: Data | Crime

Do not be deceived by the small-town charm of the first city on this list. You may want to watch your back in Laurel. Crime in this southern Delaware town is considerably higher than the national average.

Your possessions are most in trouble here. The community is number 8 in the state for burglaries. So, it might not be a bad idea to invest in extra home security if you live in Laurel. After a good night’s sleep, you can head out for a day at one of Delaware’s first state parks, Trap Pond. The wetland forest attracts hikers, bird-watchers, and fans of fishing.

Just make sure you keep an eye on those around you. Laurel ranks highest for violent crime.

Dover, DE

Source: Wikipedia User Tim Kiser (w:User:Malepheasant) | CC BY-SA 2.5

Overall SnackAbility

4
/10

Population: 38,438
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 819 (Fifth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,529 (Third most dangerous)
Murders: 3
More on Dover: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Dover is headed in the wrong direction. The state’s capital was formerly the third most dangerous city in Delaware but is now the third.

A problem with property crime is partly to blame for the change. The second largest city on this list must have a decent population of people who enjoy playing with fire. More arson occurred in this community than any other one included in this countdown.

Being out and about in Dover is not safe either. Be sure to keep tabs on personal items when seeing sights like the Dover International Speedway. If you do not, you might join the 1,541 people who were victims of larceny in 2022 and discover that possessions like your phone or wallet are missing.

4. Georgetown

Georgetown Location In Delaware

Georgetown, DE

Source: Wikipedia User Eli Pousson from Baltimore, MD, USA | CC BY-SA 2.0

Population: 7,667
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 847 (Fourth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,612 (Fifth most dangerous)
Murders: 3
More on Georgetown:

Georgetown has come a long way since 2023 as it now ranks as the fourth most dangerous city in Delaware. The Sussex county seat still has plenty of work to do though. Getting a grip on violent crime would be a good start.

During its traditional Return Day gathering, the town celebrates the notion of burying the hatchet. But ironically, residents and visitors seem to have a knack for ruffling each other’s feathers every other time of year. In 2024, there were 36 aggravated assaults in Georgetown.

If you do manage to avoid the violence, your belongings may not fare much better. The area ranks 3rd in Delaware for burglary.

Wilmington, DE

Source: Wikipedia User Tim Kiser (User:Malepheasant) | CC BY-SA 2.5

Overall SnackAbility

7
/10

Population: 70,625
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,200 (Second most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,372 (Eighth most dangerous)
Murders: 18
More on Wilmington: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

A prime location between New York and Washington, D.C. draws people here but the criminal activity just might drive you away. This community does not snag the top spot as most dangerous, but it leads in plenty of other categories including violent and property crimes.

Wilmington’s 70,625 residents make it the most populous city in the state. The area is also the deadliest on this list. There were 18 murders recorded here in 2022. But shockingly enough, crime may be improving. In 2023, the community was the second most dangerous city in Delaware.

If you can handle the risks that come with being here, there is plenty to do in neighborhoods like the Riverfront.

Milford, DE

Source: Wikipedia User Tim Kiser (w:User:Malepheasant) | CC BY-SA 2.5

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 13,326
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 675 (Sixth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,594 (Sixth most dangerous)
Murders: 2
More on Milford: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Milford is a mid-sized city in Kent and Sussex counties. A sixth highest place rank for property crime in Delaware helped it land a spot on this list.

People here just cannot seem to keep their hands off items that belong to others. There were 413 larcenies, 35 burglaries, and 31 car thefts in 2022.

Your property is not all you have to worry about. The area has also been plagued by 90 violent crimes.

That is enough to make any resident want to get away from it all with a trip to Milford’s DuPont Nature Center or Abbott’s Mill Nature Center.

Camden, DE

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

7
/10

Population: 4,852
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 432 (13th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,967 (Second most dangerous)
Murders: 1
More on Camden: Data | Crime

Head out of Delaware’s capital city of Dover going southwest on Highway 13 and you’ll pass by Camden. Why would you do that? We don’t know. The beaches are in the other direction. But maybe you want to check out parts of Maryland and Virginia that people don’t tend to visit.

Whatever the reason, be careful if you stop for gas. Camden has its crime problems. In fact, it represents the number 7 most dangerous community in Delaware. Violence isn’t a massive problem here, but keep an eye on your belongings. The town ranks number 2 in terms of highest rate of property crimes.

Harrington, DE

Source: Wikipedia User Lee Cannon from Bayville aka West Fenwick, DE, USA | CC BY-SA 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 3,785
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 634 (Seventh most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,140 (11th most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Harrington: Data | Crime

You might not get out of Harrington alive, literally. The city is the only area on this list with a population under 10,000 that had any homicides in 2022. Another disconcerting fact is that Harrington ranks 14th highest in the state for murder.

Your life is not the only thing you are taking a gamble on here. The area ranks seventh highest in Delaware for violent crime in general. The chance of one happening to you is one in 157. If you could care less about those odds, you might enjoy a visit to the local casino.

For people that can look past its imperfections and call Harrington home, there is some good news. Of the cities on this list, the community had one of the lower number of burglaries.

New Castle, DE

Source: Wikipedia User Ataraxy22 | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

7
/10

Population: 5,465
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 494 (11th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,568 (Seventh most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on New Castle: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

New Castle is only a short drive from downtown Wilmington. When exploring it, you may feel slightly at ease knowing that the area dropped in rank from the 11th most dangerous city in Delaware in 2023 to the ninth for 2024.

However, property crime is a major problem for this community, which ranks seventh highest in the state for it. In fact, the rate of property crime in New Castle is considerably above the national average. If that is not shocking enough, you have a one in 28 chance of being a victim of one.

Violent crime certainly exists here too but it was not as much of an issue in 2022.

Smyrna, DE

Source: Wikipedia User Tim Kiser (w:User:Malepheasant) | CC BY-SA 2.5

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 13,361
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 516 (Eighth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,148 (Tenth most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Smyrna: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

You find yourself in Smyrna. That means you’re in a coastal city in Turkey, overlooking the glistening Aegean Sea, amid the ruins of a majestic ancient city that once represented a crucial site in ancient Greek culture. Or you’re in Delaware.

Where would you rather be? The Delaware version kind of lacks some of the historic grandeur of the spot in Anatolia. And you’ve got the crime rate to consider. Smyrna, Delaware, had 12 car thefts in a population of just 13,361 people. That ranks as the number 14.0 highest rate in the state.

Crime By City In Delaware

Rank City Population Total Crimes Per 100K Violent Crimes Per 100K Property Crimes Per 100K Murders
1 Seaford 8,526 7,213 961 6,251 1
2 Laurel 4,178 5,505 1,651 3,853 0
3 Dover 38,438 5,348 819 4,529 3
4 Georgetown 7,667 4,460 847 3,612 3
5 Wilmington 70,625 4,573 1,200 3,372 18
6 Milford 13,326 4,269 675 3,594 2
7 Camden 4,852 5,399 432 4,967 1
8 Harrington 3,785 2,774 634 2,140 0
9 New Castle 5,465 4,062 494 3,568 0
10 Smyrna 13,361 2,664 516 2,148 0
11 Delmar 2,178 2,479 505 1,974 0
12 Millsboro 7,386 2,816 379 2,437 0
13 Bridgeville 2,761 2,209 507 1,702 0
14 Selbyville 3,104 2,126 451 1,675 0
15 Newark 31,015 2,389 274 2,115 0
16 Middletown 25,044 2,184 367 1,816 0
17 Lewes 3,533 1,302 254 1,047 0
18 Elsmere 6,111 1,701 98 1,603 0
19 Milton 3,548 563 112 450 0
20 Clayton 4,003 824 74 749 0
21 Ocean View 2,851 666 35 631 0

Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous cities in Delaware for 2024?

Every year the FBI release two crime datasets on cities in Delaware. First a preliminary dataset limited to the biggest cities in Delaware, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year.

For our analysis, we focused on the 2022 data, specifically the 2022 Crime In The United States Report for Delaware.

So what criteria did we use? Have a look:

  • Violent Crimes Per Capita
  • Property Crimes Per Capita

In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered Delaware cities over 2,000 in population. That left us with 21 cities in Delaware.

We then ranked each city from 1 to 21 for the two criteria with a #1 ranking being the most dangerous for the particular criteria.

Next, we averaged the two rankings into one “Dangerous Index”.

Finally, we ranked every city on the “Dangerous Index” with the lowest index being the most dangerous in Delaware — Seaford. Any ties went to the smaller city.

This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. It is our tenth time ranking the most dangerous places to live in Delaware and is updated for 2024.

Most Dangerous Places To Live In Delaware FAQs

Yes, Delaware is a dangerous state as it ranks as the #20 most dangerous state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The violent crime rate in Delaware ranks 17th most dangerous in the United States — 16.79% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the First State ranks 25th most dangerous in the United States — 0.36% worse than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022.

Yes, Wilmington is a dangerous city. Wilmington ranks as the #140 most dangerous out of 1433 major cities over 30,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Wilmington might be considered dangerous you still need to be aware of where you are.

Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Wilmington ranks 33rd highest in America — 220.97% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 224th highest in the United States — 55.91% worse than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022 and that no city in America is ‘dangerous’. Despite the uptick in murders, it’s nothing like you’d see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.

Graphing The Most Dangerous And Safest Places In Delaware

Most Dangerous Cities In Delaware Graph

Click To Enlarge

Summary: Locking It All Up In Delaware

So what is the most dangerous city in Delaware? After analyzing 21 cities in Delaware, Seaford takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in Delaware based on the most recently reported FBI data — 2022.

The latest FBI crime data shows that Seaford ranks as the most dangerous city in Delaware for 2024.

The most dangerous cities in Delaware are .

We want to point out again that there’s still safes places in Seaford and that this isn’t a comment on the people that live there. So please don’t beat us up.

What’s the most dangerous city in Delaware? The most dangerous city in Delaware for 2024 is Seaford.

If you’re curious to see if your city is dangerous, look at our list below or head to the bottom for a complete list of crime by city in Delaware.

Learn more about the safest places in Delaware.

If you’re looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.

Here are the safest cities in Delaware:

  1. Millsboro (Pop. 7,386)
  2. Bridgeville (Pop. 2,761)
  3. Selbyville (Pop. 3,104)
  4. Newark (Pop. 31,015)
  5. Middletown (Pop. 25,044)
  6. Lewes (Pop. 3,533)
  7. Elsmere (Pop. 6,111)
  8. Milton (Pop. 3,548)
  9. Clayton (Pop. 4,003)
  10. Ocean View (Pop. 2,851)

For more Delaware reading, check out:

References

About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.

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