Delaware City, Delaware Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

Delaware City, Delaware is located in the state of Delaware on the banks of the Delaware River. The city has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from the mid-50s to mid-80s. The city has a rich history, having been founded in 1826 by Thomas Jefferson and incorporated in 1855. It is known for its maritime history and was once an important port for steamboats traveling up and down the river.

Politically, Delaware City is part of New Castle County and operates under a mayor-council form of government, with a mayor elected every four years. The economy of Delaware City is largely based on tourism due to its historic sites, such as Fort DuPont and Battery Park, as well as its riverfront location. The city also boasts several restaurants, shops, and businesses that cater to both locals and visitors alike.

The city’s public school system includes elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, special education programs, adult education programs, and alternative learning centers. Additionally there are several private schools located within the city limits which offer religious education or specialized curriculums such as Montessori or Waldorf methods.

Delaware City is home to many landmarks including Fort DuPont State Park which offers camping areas as well as trails for biking or hiking alongside scenic views of the river; Battery Park which features picnic tables; Hose Hook & Ladder Fire Company Museum; St George’s Chapel; Kalmar Nyckel Museum; Old Drawbridge Inn; Fort Mott Historic Site; Old Town Hall; St John’s Church & Cemetery; St Paul’s Episcopal Church; Battery Park Pavilion & Playground; Washington Street Mall & Promenade Walkway; Riverfront Marina & Boat Ramps; Delaware City Historic District Walking Tour; Havre de Grace Maritime Museum; and many more sites that help make up this vibrant community!

Delaware City is located at 20 km south of Wilmington. This coastal town south of Wilmington is primarily of interest because it’s the gateway to Fort Delaware State Park. On Pea Patch Island in Delaware Bay, the park is only accessible by boat. The fort was used as a prison during the Civil War and is surrounded by a moat.

Population: 1,453. Estimated population in July 2024: 1,510 (+3.9% change)
Males: 732 (50.4%), Females: 721 (49.6%)

New Castle County

Zip code: 19706

Demographics

Median resident age: 38.3 years
Median household income: $43,611
Median house value: $99,300

Population by Race

Races in Delaware City:

  • White Non-Hispanic (86.9%)
  • Black (10.3%)
  • Hispanic (1.2%)
  • Two or more races (0.9%)
  • Other race (0.7%)
  • American Indian (0.6%)

Ancestries: Irish (21.3%), German (18.4%), English (14.2%), Italian (8.9%), United States (8.7%), Polish (4.5%).

Elevation: 9 feet

Land area: 1.3 square miles

Map of Delaware City, DE

Population by Education

Delaware City, Delaware is a small town of approximately 1,695 people as of the 2010 census. The majority of the population is White (86%), followed by African American (7%) and Hispanic or Latino (3%). The median age in Delaware City is 43.9 years old, slightly higher than the national average. Although the town is small in size, it has a diverse range of industries and businesses that contribute to its economic stability and growth. The major industries are manufacturing, retail trade, health care and social assistance, educational services and transportation. The unemployment rate in Delaware City is 4.9%, which is lower than the national average of 5%. The median household income in Delaware City is $50,744 which is slightly higher than the national average. Overall, Delaware City offers a high quality of life with a low cost of living compared to other areas in the region.

For population 25 years and over in Delaware City

  • High school or higher: 81.4%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 14.5%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 5.8%
  • Unemployed: 3.4%
  • Mean travel time to work: 26.3 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Delaware City city

  • Never married: 28.7%
  • Now married: 44.2%
  • Separated: 2.9%
  • Widowed: 7.6%
  • Divorced: 16.6%

1.8% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -231 (-13.7%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Delaware City:

  • ROCKFORD CENTER (about 1 miles; NEWARK, DE)
  • DELAWARE PSYCHIATRIC CENTER (about 7 miles; NEW CASTLE, DE)
  • MEADOWWOOD BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEM (about 7 miles; NEW CASTLE, DE)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Delaware City:

  • NEW CASTLE COUNTY (about 7 miles; WILMINGTON, DE; Abbreviation: ILG)
  • PHILADELPHIA INTL (about 32 miles; PHILADELPHIA, PA; Abbreviation: PHL)
  • DOVER AFB (about 33 miles; DOVER, DE; Abbreviation: DOV)

Other public-use airports nearest to Delaware City:

  • SUMMIT (about 10 miles; MIDDLETOWN, DE; Abbreviation: EVY)
  • RAINTREE (about 17 miles; ELKTON, MD; Abbreviation: 1C4)
  • SPITFIRE AERODROME (about 19 miles; PEDRICKTOWN, NJ; Abbreviation: 7N7)

Amtrak stations near Delaware City:

  • 12 miles: WILMINGTON (M. L. KING BLVD, & FRENCH ST.). Services: ticket office, partially wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, snack bar, ATM, paid short-term parking, paid long-term parking, car rental agency, taxi stand, intercity bus service, public transit connection.
  • 13 miles: NEWARK (429 S. COLLEGE AVE.). Services: public payphones, free short-term parking, call for car rental service, call for taxi service, public transit connection.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Delaware City:

  • UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE (about 1 miles; NEWARK, DE; Full-time enrollment: 17,786)
  • WILMINGTON COLLEGE (about 7 miles; NEW CASTLE, DE; Full-time enrollment: 3,087)
  • DELAWARE TECHNICAL & COMM COLL-STANTON-WILMINGTON (about 10 miles; NEWARK, DE; Full-time enrollment: 3,817)
  • WIDENER UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS (about 25 miles; CHESTER, PA; Full-time enrollment: 3,646)
  • WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (about 26 miles; WEST CHESTER, PA; Full-time enrollment: 10,419)
  • DELAWARE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 27 miles; MEDIA, PA; Full-time enrollment: 5,248)
  • DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY (about 29 miles; Dover, DE; Full-time enrollment: 2,641)

Libraries

Library in Delaware City:

  • DELAWARE CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $140,113; Location: 407 CLINTON STREET; 22,294 books; 473 audio materials; 262 video materials; 76 serial subscriptions)