Wilmington, DE Crime Rate & Safety

Wilmington, DE has a crime safety grade of D- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 234% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 92 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 17 chance for property crime. Wilmington has higher crime than 99% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Wilmington has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D-. Approximately 35% of the city's 46 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Bancroft Village is one of the safest areas, while Riverside has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Wilmington is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Wilmington are Bancroft Village, Wawaset, The Highlands, Union Park Gardens, and Forty Acres. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Wilmington include Riverside, Price's Run, East Side, Quaker Hill, and West Center City. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Wilmington is 1,090.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 187% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 92 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 15.2 per 100K (203% above average); aggravated assault at 879.1 per 100K (228% above average); robbery at 138.4 per 100K (87% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Wilmington is 5,724.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 212% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 17 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 670.1 per 100K (148% above average); larceny/theft at 4,081.3 per 100K (191% above average); vehicle theft at 973.5 per 100K (205% above average).

Wilmington's overall crime rate is 234% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (228% above average), while rape is 73% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Wilmington has higher crime than 99% of them.

Visitors to Wilmington should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 212% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Bancroft Village, Wawaset, The Highlands.

Delaware as a whole has crime that is 11% below the national average. Wilmington's crime rate is 234% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Delaware city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Wilmington, with an estimated rate of 4,081.3 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 191% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (5,725 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (1,091 per 100K) in Wilmington, which is consistent with national trends.