Delaware may be the second-smallest state in the US, but it has a lot of diversity and charm. However, not all of its towns are equally appealing to residents and visitors. Some of them have high crime rates, low incomes, poor schools, or lack of amenities. Here are seven Delaware towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible, according to various sources.
1. Seaford
Seaford is a town of about 7,000 people in Sussex County, near the Maryland border. It was once a thriving industrial center, but it has suffered from economic decline and social problems in recent years. Seaford has the highest crime rate in Delaware, with a violent crime rate of 11.8 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 64.9 per 1,000 residents, according to the FBI. It also has a low median household income of $37,000 and a high poverty rate of 23.4%, according to the Census Bureau. Seaford has been ranked as the worst place to live in Delaware by RoadSnacks and the most miserable place in Delaware by 24/7 Wall St.
2. Laurel
Laurel is another town in Sussex County, with a population of about 4,000 people. It is adjacent to Seaford, and shares many of its problems. Laurel has the second-highest crime rate in Delaware, with a violent crime rate of 10.5 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 57.4 per 1,000 residents, according to the FBI. It also has a low median household income of $34,000 and a high poverty rate of 22.9%, according to the Census Bureau. Laurel has been ranked as the second-worst place to live in Delaware by RoadSnacks and the second-most miserable place in Delaware by 24/7 Wall St.
3. Wilmington
Wilmington is the largest city in Delaware, with a population of about 70,000 people. It is the economic and cultural hub of the state, but it also has a dark side. Wilmington has the third-highest crime rate in Delaware, with a violent crime rate of 9.6 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 42.6 per 1,000 residents, according to the FBI. It also has a low median household income of $41,000 and a high poverty rate of 26.4%, according to the Census Bureau. Wilmington has been ranked as the third-worst place to live in Delaware by RoadSnacks and the third-most miserable place in Delaware by 24/7 Wall St. It has also been dubbed as “Murder Town USA” by Newsweek and “the most dangerous small city in America” by The Guardian.
4. Dover
Dover is the capital and second-largest city of Delaware, with a population of about 38,000 people. It is home to the state government, several colleges, and the Dover Air Force Base. However, it also has some serious issues. Dover has the fourth-highest crime rate in Delaware, with a violent crime rate of 6.4 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 36.9 per 1,000 residents, according to the FBI. It also has a low median household income of $49,000 and a high poverty rate of 18.6%, according to the Census Bureau. Dover has been ranked as the fourth-worst place to live in Delaware by RoadSnacks and the fourth-most miserable place in Delaware by 24/7 Wall St.
5. Georgetown
Georgetown is a town of about 7,000 people in Sussex County, and the county seat. It is known for its historic buildings, annual Return Day festival, and diverse population. However, it also has some drawbacks. Georgetown has the fifth-highest crime rate in Delaware, with a violent crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 35.8 per 1,000 residents, according to the FBI. It also has a low median household income of $46,000 and a high poverty rate of 19.9%, according to the Census Bureau. Georgetown has been ranked as the fifth-worst place to live in Delaware by RoadSnacks.
6. Milford
Milford is a city of about 11,000 people in Kent and Sussex Counties, along the Mispillion River. It is known for its arts and culture, historic downtown, and annual Bug and Bud Festival. However, it also has some challenges. Milford has the sixth-highest crime rate in Delaware, with a violent crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 34.4 per 1,000 residents, according to the FBI. It also has a low median household income of $48,000 and a high poverty rate of 16.9%, according to the Census Bureau. Milford has been ranked as the sixth-worst place to live in Delaware by RoadSnacks.
7. New Castle
New Castle is a city of about 5,000 people in New Castle County, near the Delaware River. It is one of the oldest and most historic places in Delaware, with many colonial and revolutionary landmarks. However, it also has some problems. New Castle has the seventh-highest crime rate in Delaware, with a violent crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 33.9 per 1,000 residents, according to the FBI. It also has a low median household income of $50,000 and a high poverty rate of 15.8%, according to the Census Bureau. New Castle has been ranked as the seventh-worst place to live in Delaware by RoadSnacks.
Conclusion
Delaware is a small state with a lot of variety and charm. However, not all of its towns are equally attractive to residents and visitors. Some of them have high crime rates, low incomes, poor schools, or lack of amenities. These are the seven Delaware towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible, according to various sources. If you are looking for a better place to live in Delaware, you may want to avoid these towns and consider some of the more desirable ones, such as Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Newark, or Middletown.