Wilmington, DE Crime Map

Navigating the safety landscape of Wilmington, Delaware, starts with a clear understanding of the Wilmington crime map, a vital tool for residents and visitors alike. With an average crime score of 0.552, Wilmington earns an overall crime grade of C-, indicating below-average safety across its 44 analyzed neighborhoods. Notably, only 11.4% of these neighborhoods achieve a top-tier A grade for safety, while a combined 34% score an A or B, marking them as the safer areas within the city. This data highlights the importance of knowing where to focus for a secure living or visiting experience in Wilmington. Whether you're considering a move, planning a visit, or simply exploring, understanding the Wilmington crime rate and specific neighborhood safety profiles can guide your decisions. Dive into our comprehensive guide to uncover the safest spots and areas requiring extra caution in this historic city of 70,655 residents.

Understanding Wilmington's Safety Landscape

Wilmington, Delaware, nestled in New Castle County with a population density of 2,503 per square mile, presents a diverse safety profile that varies significantly across its neighborhoods. The Wilmington crime map reveals a city where safety is not uniform—while some areas boast low crime rates and high livability, others face challenges that impact overall Wilmington safety. With a median household income of $45,139 and a poverty rate of 24.9%, socioeconomic factors play a role in shaping crime trends in this community. Additionally, the unemployment rate of 9.8% and a relatively young median age of 36 years contribute to the unique dynamics of crime in Wilmington. Understanding these elements is key to interpreting the data and making informed choices about where to live, work, or explore in the city.

For those seeking reliable data on national crime trends to contextualize Wilmington's statistics, the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program offers comprehensive insights. This resource can help residents and potential movers compare Wilmington's safety metrics with other cities across the United States, providing a broader perspective on local crime rates.

Safest Neighborhoods in Wilmington

When searching for safe neighborhoods in Wilmington, certain areas stand out on the Wilmington crime map for their impressive safety grades and community appeal. These neighborhoods not only offer lower crime rates but also often feature higher median incomes and a strong sense of community, making them ideal for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Below, we highlight the top five safest neighborhoods based on crime data, providing a starting point for anyone prioritizing Wilmington safety in their relocation or exploration plans.

• The Highlands: Earning a stellar A+ crime grade, The Highlands is the safest neighborhood in Wilmington. With a population of 2,860 and a median income of $162,057, this area combines affluence with security, offering a peaceful environment for residents.
• Union Park Gardens: Scoring an A for safety, Union Park Gardens is home to 702 residents with a median income of $91,962. Its tight-knit community and low crime incidence make it a desirable spot.
• Forty Acres: With an A- crime grade, Forty Acres supports 1,222 residents and boasts a median income of $88,510. This neighborhood offers a safe haven with easy access to Wilmington's amenities.
• 11th Street Bridge: Graded B+, this area has a smaller population of 663 and a median income of $35,778. Despite lower income levels, it maintains a strong safety profile.
• 9th Ward: Also earning a B+ grade, 9th Ward houses 1,237 residents with a median income of $82,098, blending safety with a vibrant community atmosphere.

Other notable safe neighborhoods in Wilmington include Northwest Wilmington, Brandywine Hills, Harlan Park, Tilton Park, and Delaware Avenue, all of which score B or B+ on the crime scale. These areas collectively represent the 34% of Wilmington neighborhoods graded A or B, offering multiple options for those prioritizing safety. Whether you're drawn to the higher-income enclaves like The Highlands or more affordable yet secure spots like 11th Street Bridge, the Wilmington crime map helps pinpoint these safer zones for a confident lifestyle choice.

Areas Requiring Greater Awareness

While many parts of Wilmington offer safety and comfort, certain neighborhoods on the Wilmington crime map indicate a need for heightened awareness due to higher crime rates. Areas such as Riverside, Price's Run, East Side, Quaker Hill, and West Center City have received lower safety grades, ranging from F to F+. These neighborhoods, comprising a significant portion of the 47.7% of Wilmington areas graded D or F, face challenges that may include socioeconomic issues and higher incidences of property or violent crime. It's important to approach these statistics with context—crime in Wilmington can be influenced by factors like poverty (24.9% rate) and unemployment (9.8% rate), which impact community resources and policing efforts.

For residents or visitors in these areas, taking practical safety precautions—such as securing homes, staying aware of surroundings, and engaging in community initiatives—can make a difference. Additionally, city efforts to address underlying issues are ongoing, and resources from authoritative sources like the Bureau of Justice Statistics provide valuable data on national trends that can inform local strategies. Understanding the Wilmington crime rate in these zones helps in planning safe travel routes or deciding on community involvement to foster improvement.

Crime Trends and Local Factors

The Wilmington crime rate reflects a complex interplay of demographic and economic factors that shape the city's safety landscape. With an overall crime grade of C- across its 44 neighborhoods, Wilmington sees a distribution where 18.2% of areas are graded C, while nearly half (47.7%) fall into D or F categories. Property crimes, such as theft and burglary, often outpace violent crimes in frequency, though specific risks vary by neighborhood. The Wilmington crime map serves as a critical tool in identifying these patterns, helping residents and policymakers target areas for intervention. For instance, neighborhoods with higher poverty rates or lower median incomes often correlate with increased crime incidences, a trend seen in parts of Wilmington where the median household income sits at $45,139.

Local factors contributing to crime in Wilmington include a relatively high poverty rate of 24.9% and an unemployment rate of 9.8%, both of which can strain community resources and contribute to social challenges. Additionally, the city's population density of 2,503 per square mile means that urban issues like overcrowding or limited access to services can exacerbate safety concerns in certain areas. However, Wilmington also benefits from active community programs and law enforcement initiatives aimed at reducing crime. Educational attainment, with 29% of residents being college-educated, also plays a role in fostering safer environments through community engagement. By understanding these trends via the Wilmington crime map, stakeholders can better address root causes and enhance overall Wilmington safety.

It's also worth noting that seasonal variations and specific events can influence crime rates. For example, economic downturns or large public gatherings may lead to temporary spikes in certain types of crime. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news and city updates, using the Wilmington crime map as a guide to navigate changing safety dynamics. Community policing and neighborhood watch programs have shown promise in areas striving to improve their safety grades, offering hope for long-term positive change across the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wilmington safe?

Wilmington's safety varies widely depending on the neighborhood, as shown by the Wilmington crime map. With an overall crime grade of C-, the city falls below average in terms of safety. While 34% of neighborhoods earn A or B grades, indicating safer environments, nearly half (47.7%) are graded D or F, suggesting higher crime risks in those areas. Neighborhoods like The Highlands and Union Park Gardens are notably safe, while others require more caution. Overall, Wilmington safety can be achieved by choosing the right area and taking standard precautions.

What is the crime rate in Wilmington?

The Wilmington crime rate reflects a mixed safety profile across its 44 neighborhoods, with an average crime score of 0.552, translating to a C- grade. According to the crime grade distribution, 11.4% of neighborhoods score an A, 22.7% a B, 18.2% a C, 29.5% a D, and 18.2% an F. This means that while some areas are quite safe, a significant portion faces higher crime challenges. The Wilmington crime map is an essential resource for pinpointing specific risks and safer zones within the city.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Wilmington?

The safest neighborhoods in Wilmington, based on crime data, include The Highlands (A+), Union Park Gardens (A), Forty Acres (A-), 11th Street Bridge (B+), and 9th Ward (B+). These areas consistently show lower crime rates on the Wilmington crime map and often feature higher median incomes and strong community ties. For those prioritizing Wilmington safety, these neighborhoods offer the best starting points for living or visiting with confidence.

Is Wilmington a good place to live?

Whether Wilmington is a good place to live depends on individual priorities and the specific neighborhood chosen. The city offers a rich historical backdrop, proximity to major East Coast hubs, and a median home value of $174,499, which is relatively affordable. Safe neighborhoods in Wilmington like The Highlands and Forty Acres provide excellent quality of life. However, challenges like a high poverty rate (24.9%) and variable Wilmington crime rates mean that some areas require caution. Overall, with the right location and awareness of crime in Wilmington, it can be a rewarding place to call home.

Exploring Wilmington with Confidence

Armed with insights from the Wilmington crime map, residents and visitors can explore this dynamic city with greater confidence. By focusing on safe neighborhoods in Wilmington like The Highlands, Union Park Gardens, and Forty Acres, you can enjoy the city's cultural offerings, historic charm, and community spirit while minimizing safety concerns. Understanding the Wilmington crime rate and local trends empowers informed decisions, whether you're relocating, visiting, or simply navigating daily life. Stay proactive by leveraging tools like the crime map, engaging with community resources, and practicing everyday safety measures to make the most of your Wilmington experience. This city of 70,655 holds potential for everyone willing to explore its safer corners and contribute to ongoing improvements in Wilmington safety.