The Largest Cities In Delaware

The U.S. state of Delaware is located in the Mid Atlantic region of the country. With a population of around 952,065 (2016 estimate), Delaware is the 6th least populous American state. It has an area of 5,046.7 square km which makes it the 2nd smallest state by land area. Delaware has 3 counties (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex) and 57 incorporated places including cities, towns, and villages. While Wilmington is the largest municipality in the state, the smallest one is Hartly. The latter has only 71 residents living in an area of just 0.16 square km.

The Biggest Cities In Delaware

1. Wilmington

With a population of 70,851 individuals, Wilmington is Delaware’s most populous city but the 5th least populated city in the US. It is located in New Castle County at the confluence of two rivers, the Brandywine River and the Christina River. Wilmington was established at the site of North America’s first Swedish settlements called Fort Christina. The city is a major financial center in the US and has a thriving credit card industry. Other important industries active in the city include retail banking, insurance, and legal services.

2. Dover

Dover, the second most populous city in Delaware, is also the capital of the state. Dover hosts a population of only around 36,047 individuals. It is located in the Kent County and also serves as the county seat of its county. Dover is located on the banks of the St. Jones River in the coastal plain formed of the Delaware River. The state and county governments are the largest employers in the city. Apart from the governments, the Dover Air Force Base also provides significant employment to the city’s residents. The manufacturing facilities of Procter & Gamble and Kraft Foods are also located in the city.

3. Newark

Located in the New Castle County of Delaware, Newark is the third biggest city in the state. As of 2010, the city had a population of 31,454 individuals. Newark was founded in 1694 by the Welsh and Scots-Irish settlers. It was chartered as a town in 1758 by King George II of Great Britain. The University of Delaware is located in the city and is one of the largest employer’s of Newark.

4. Middletown

With a population of 18,871 individuals (2010 census), Middletown is the fourth most populous municipality in Delaware. The town is located in the New Castle County at an elevation of 66 feet. Middletown is the fastest growing area in the state. It experienced a population boom between 2000 and 2010 when its population grew by 206.3%. It hosts several affluent housing developments, national food chain and retail stores, an Amazon fulfillment center, and more.

5. Smyrna

With a population of 10,023, Smyrna is Delaware’s fifth most populated urban area. It was named in 1806 after the ancient seaport in Greece called Smyrna. The territory of the town spans across the Kent and New Castle counties. Smyrna developed as a hub of shipping along the Duck Creek but is currently an important agricultural center in the state.