Which Delaware communities are growing the fastest
Delaware has seen many changes over the decade – and that includes in some of its major cities.
According to the results of the 2020 U.S. Census, an estimated 989,948 people live in the First State, growing a little over 10% from a decade prior.
The state's population in 2023 was 1,031,890, a 1.2% growth from 2022. Delaware is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, according to United States Census Bureau data.
New Castle County remains the most populous of the three counties in the First State with over 570,000 people. (Sussex followed with over 237,000 residents, and Kent with a little over 181,500), according to the 2020 Census.
The First State has also seen rapid growth in several cities over the last 10 years.
Here’s what we know about some of the largest – and fastest-growing – cities in Delaware.
What are the largest communities in Delaware?
Based on data collected by Delaware Demographics, here are the most populous cities or communities in the First State this year.
Wilmington, with 71,675 residents.
Dover, with 39,894 residents.
Newark, with 30,169 residents.
Middletown, with 25,022 residents.
Bear, with 23,070 residents.
Glasgow, with 15,405 residents.
Brookside, with 14,331 residents.
Hockessin, with 13,878 residents.
Milford, with 13,289 residents.
Smyrna, with 13,272 residents.
More: What are Delaware's 5 safest cities?
What are the fastest-growing cities in Delaware?
According to a 2022 report from Stacker, here are the cities that saw steady growth from 2010 to 2020.
Middletown, grew 39.3%, adding 6,544 residents.
Bear, grew 23%, adding 4,312 residents.
Dover, grew 11.1%, adding 3,929 residents.
Smyrna, grew 38.1%, adding 3,553 residents.
Millsboro, grew 88.5%, adding 3,223 residents.
Claymont, grew 31.7%, adding 2,384 residents.
Milford, grew 21.9%, adding 2,010 residents.
Millville, grew 266.5%, adding 1,327 residents.
Clayton, grew 50.2%, adding 1,323 residents.
Townsend, grew 90.5%, adding 1,291 residents.
Who's been moving to Delaware?
Today’s Homeowners reported that Delaware has seen a total net migration of 7,129 people in 2021. This included Generation Z (young adults between the ages of 18 to 24), millennials (ages 24 to 44), and baby boomers (ages 55 to 67).
GENERATION Z: They prefer living in big cities. Here's how many moved to Delaware recently
Why are people moving to Delaware?
According to an annual movers survey conducted by the United Van Lines, many people come to live in Delaware for quite a few reasons. Close to 35% of respondents cited retirement as the reason behind their move, while others listed moving because of family, work, health, and overall lifestyle.
DELAWARE IS GROWING: First State has 6th biggest per capita population bump in US
In addition to being tax-friendly, respondents have also noted the state’s affordable cost of living, comfortable climate, and its closeness to big cities like Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
Delaware was also ranked No. 21 on the best states list in a study conducted by U.S. News & World Report in 2023, rating high in fiscal stability, healthcare, and socioeconomic opportunity.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware cities are growing fast. Largest cities ranked
