Overall, Delaware is a pretty safe state, but there are definitely dangerous places in Delaware. You do need to be careful in some of our cities at night, or when the crowds finally head home. We all know that Wilmington has a reputation for some unsafe neighborhoods and that you really need to be careful in certain parts of the city, whether it’s dark or light out. Though, we do have to say that the “Murder City” nickname is a bit over-the-top. And I’m sure you’ve been told to keep an eye out for pickpockets when you’re on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach – but did you know that property crime rate is pretty high in the small town of Camden, too? We used FBI Crime Data to compile this list – some of these places may surprise you! So read on, and keep your wits about you when you’re traveling after dark.
- Wilmington
Flickr / Edward Weston When Jay Z rapped that he was from the “murder capitol, where we murder for capital” he wasn’t talking about Wilmington, but he might as well have been. Wilmington has earned the nickname “Murder City, USA” and is consistently on the lists of most dangerous cities in the United States. Even in the more upscale areas of town where you may feel safer, you’ve got a high chance of being a victim of property crime, too. So, keep your wits about you, and walk in groups if you’re out late at night.
- Rehoboth Beach
Flickr / Bob Micah Rehoboth Beach is the #1 spot for property crime in Delaware, particularly in the summer. While the percentages are a little skewed based on the huge summer population increases, you still have an 11% change of being the victim of a property crime in RB, making it one of the more dangerous places in Delaware.
- Milford
Flickr / John Mollura Milford is in the top 5 for both violent and property crime in Delaware. Located in the southeastern part of the state, Milford is the 3rd most dangerous city in Delaware, and the second most populous to make this list. Property crime is high - you’ve got a 1 in 20 chance of being a victim here. The violent crime rate is also disturbingly high, which just over a 1-in-100 chance of having to defend yourself from violent crime.
- Laurel
Flickr / Jimmy Emerson, DVM This one surprised me. I frequently spend time in Laurel, and I rarely ever feel unsafe. However, it is usually the 2nd most violent city in Delaware, which unsettles me a bit! Property crime is also high, which doesn’t bode well for this city, either, and makes it one of the most dangerous places in Delaware. Be sure to keep aware when you’re in Laurel after dark.
- New Castle
Flickr / Ken Lund New Castle is funky - it’s a larger area than a lot of Delaware towns, and the crime is sort of a gradient. You’re pretty safe in Old New Castle, but as you head further towards the outskirts of town, you’ll need to worry a little more about your safety. Parts of New Castle have some of the highest crime rates in Delaware, overall.
- Seaford
Flickr / Gavin St. Ours Seaford is the largest year round city in Sussex, and it’s got high property and violent crime rates. You’ve got a 1-in-14 chance of being a victim of a property crime (#4 in the state), and 1-in-111 of being a victim of violent crime (#3 in the state). Be careful when you go out in Seaford!
- Camden
Flickr / Mike Mahaffie Camden (and neighboring Wyoming) has struggled with poverty and rising crime rates over the last few years. While you’ve got a near-zero chance of being a victim of violent crime (it’s one of the safest cities in the state in that respect), you need to be aware that it’s one of the most dangerous places in Delaware when it comes to property crime - that’s a 1-in-13 chance, and the property crime rate is rising.
Want to read more unsettling things about your home state? Our Delaware Ghost Stories should make you feel a lot better about your safety in Delaware… that is, unless you believe in ghosts!
Flickr / Edward Weston
When Jay Z rapped that he was from the “murder capitol, where we murder for capital” he wasn’t talking about Wilmington, but he might as well have been. Wilmington has earned the nickname “Murder City, USA” and is consistently on the lists of most dangerous cities in the United States. Even in the more upscale areas of town where you may feel safer, you’ve got a high chance of being a victim of property crime, too. So, keep your wits about you, and walk in groups if you’re out late at night.
Flickr / Bob Micah
Rehoboth Beach is the #1 spot for property crime in Delaware, particularly in the summer. While the percentages are a little skewed based on the huge summer population increases, you still have an 11% change of being the victim of a property crime in RB, making it one of the more dangerous places in Delaware.
Flickr / John Mollura
Milford is in the top 5 for both violent and property crime in Delaware. Located in the southeastern part of the state, Milford is the 3rd most dangerous city in Delaware, and the second most populous to make this list. Property crime is high - you’ve got a 1 in 20 chance of being a victim here. The violent crime rate is also disturbingly high, which just over a 1-in-100 chance of having to defend yourself from violent crime.
Flickr / Jimmy Emerson, DVM
This one surprised me. I frequently spend time in Laurel, and I rarely ever feel unsafe. However, it is usually the 2nd most violent city in Delaware, which unsettles me a bit! Property crime is also high, which doesn’t bode well for this city, either, and makes it one of the most dangerous places in Delaware. Be sure to keep aware when you’re in Laurel after dark.
Flickr / Ken Lund
New Castle is funky - it’s a larger area than a lot of Delaware towns, and the crime is sort of a gradient. You’re pretty safe in Old New Castle, but as you head further towards the outskirts of town, you’ll need to worry a little more about your safety. Parts of New Castle have some of the highest crime rates in Delaware, overall.
Flickr / Gavin St. Ours
Seaford is the largest year round city in Sussex, and it’s got high property and violent crime rates. You’ve got a 1-in-14 chance of being a victim of a property crime (#4 in the state), and 1-in-111 of being a victim of violent crime (#3 in the state). Be careful when you go out in Seaford!
Flickr / Mike Mahaffie
Camden (and neighboring Wyoming) has struggled with poverty and rising crime rates over the last few years. While you’ve got a near-zero chance of being a victim of violent crime (it’s one of the safest cities in the state in that respect), you need to be aware that it’s one of the most dangerous places in Delaware when it comes to property crime - that’s a 1-in-13 chance, and the property crime rate is rising.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Wilmington, DE, USAAddress: Rehoboth Beach, DE, USAAddress: Milford, DE 19963, USAAddress: Laurel, DE 19956, USAAddress: Camden, DE, USAAddress: Seaford, DE 19973, USAAddress: New Castle, DE 19720, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
most dangerous cities in Delaware August 13, 2021 Kim Magaraci What scary places in Delaware are said to be haunted? One of the most haunted places on Earth, Fort Delaware, sits in the water off of the Delaware City coast. This Civil War prison is home to tremendous amounts of paranormal activity. Don’t believe it? You can spend the night there during Halloween season to see for yourself. If you’re not quite that brave, take a guided paranormal tour, also offered during the fall. Other haunted spots in the First State include the Addy Sea Inn, Crabby Dick’s, the Delaware City Hotel, and the Lewes Ferry Terminal. What are the best things about living in Delaware? The best thing about living in Delaware is how easy it is to live in a small state! You’re never far from parks, beaches, or cities, and there’s never a long drive to get anywhere. Most of us live practically around the corner from our grocery stores, favorite shops, and the main street districts in our town. Plus, Delaware’s cost of living is low, our schools rank among the best in the nation, and we’re home to the best beach towns in the country. What’s not to love? What are the worst things about living in Delaware? Turns out, there are a few things not to love about Delaware. Being in a small state does have its downsides - like crowded towns and streets, limited attractions, and not much to do if you’re down way south and don’t want to go to the beach. Most of us would agree that the good does outweigh the bad, though.
The OIYS Visitor Center
most dangerous cities in Delaware
August 13, 2021
Kim Magaraci
What scary places in Delaware are said to be haunted? One of the most haunted places on Earth, Fort Delaware, sits in the water off of the Delaware City coast. This Civil War prison is home to tremendous amounts of paranormal activity. Don’t believe it? You can spend the night there during Halloween season to see for yourself. If you’re not quite that brave, take a guided paranormal tour, also offered during the fall. Other haunted spots in the First State include the Addy Sea Inn, Crabby Dick’s, the Delaware City Hotel, and the Lewes Ferry Terminal. What are the best things about living in Delaware? The best thing about living in Delaware is how easy it is to live in a small state! You’re never far from parks, beaches, or cities, and there’s never a long drive to get anywhere. Most of us live practically around the corner from our grocery stores, favorite shops, and the main street districts in our town. Plus, Delaware’s cost of living is low, our schools rank among the best in the nation, and we’re home to the best beach towns in the country. What’s not to love? What are the worst things about living in Delaware? Turns out, there are a few things not to love about Delaware. Being in a small state does have its downsides - like crowded towns and streets, limited attractions, and not much to do if you’re down way south and don’t want to go to the beach. Most of us would agree that the good does outweigh the bad, though.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
One of the most haunted places on Earth, Fort Delaware, sits in the water off of the Delaware City coast. This Civil War prison is home to tremendous amounts of paranormal activity. Don’t believe it? You can spend the night there during Halloween season to see for yourself. If you’re not quite that brave, take a guided paranormal tour, also offered during the fall. Other haunted spots in the First State include the Addy Sea Inn, Crabby Dick’s, the Delaware City Hotel, and the Lewes Ferry Terminal.
What are the best things about living in Delaware?
The best thing about living in Delaware is how easy it is to live in a small state! You’re never far from parks, beaches, or cities, and there’s never a long drive to get anywhere. Most of us live practically around the corner from our grocery stores, favorite shops, and the main street districts in our town. Plus, Delaware’s cost of living is low, our schools rank among the best in the nation, and we’re home to the best beach towns in the country. What’s not to love?
What are the worst things about living in Delaware?
Turns out, there are a few things not to love about Delaware. Being in a small state does have its downsides - like crowded towns and streets, limited attractions, and not much to do if you’re down way south and don’t want to go to the beach. Most of us would agree that the good does outweigh the bad, though.
