Wilmington, Delaware Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Wilmington, Delaware is 71,124 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 1st-largest city in Delaware. The median household income is $55,269, the median home value is $224,500, and the median age is 37.0.
The population has grown 3.4% since 2010 (70,764 → 73,176).
71,124
Population
6528
People / sq mi
$55,269
Median Income
$224,500
Median Home Value
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Wilmington covers 10.9 sq mi of land at 6528 people per square mile.
About Wilmington, DE
The poverty rate is what most separates Wilmington from the typical city: 18.7% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 71,124 residents, Wilmington is a city in Delaware. It is the #1-largest of all cities in Delaware nationally.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $55,269, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 18.7%, poverty is near the top of the range for US cities, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $224,500, with typical rent around $1,187.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 33.1% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 14.5% of workers work from home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Wilmington: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Wilmington city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Wilmington city had a population of 70,764 in 2010 and 73,176 in 2024, a 3.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 73,176 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.24%.
73,176
Population (2024)
70,764
Population (2010)
73,176
Peak (2024)
0.24%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 70,764 |
| 2011 | 70,868 |
| 2012 | 71,045 |
| 2013 | 71,201 |
| 2014 | 71,201 |
| 2015 | 71,131 |
| 2016 | 70,919 |
| 2017 | 70,658 |
| 2018 | 70,457 |
| 2019 | 70,166 |
| 2020 | 70,842 |
| 2021 | 70,712 |
| 2022 | 71,727 |
| 2023 | 72,126 |
| 2024 | 73,176 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 32.4% |
| Black or African American | 52.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$55,269
Median Household Income
$38,786
Per Capita Income
18.7%
Poverty Rate
4.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$224,500
Median Home Value
$1,187
Median Rent
46.0%
Owner-Occupied
Education
88.6%
High School+
33.1%
Bachelor's+
Commute
8.4%
Drive Alone
62.2%
Public Transit
14.5%
Work From Home
23.0 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
37.7%
Foreign Born
87.1%
Non-English at Home
5.1%
Veterans
17.9%
With Disability
92.8%
Health Insurance
94.4%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 27.0% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 13.0% |
| Information | 10.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.5% |
| Retail Trade | 8.2% |
| Public Administration | 6.5% |
| Manufacturing | 5.2% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.1% |
| Construction | 4.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.3% |
Largest cities in Delaware
Largest counties in Delaware
Part of Delaware
Metro areas in Delaware
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wilmington, Delaware has a population of 71,124 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 1st-largest city in Delaware.
The median household income in Wilmington, Delaware is $55,269, with 18.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Wilmington, Delaware is $224,500, with median monthly rent at $1,187 and a homeownership rate of 46.0%.
The median age in Wilmington, Delaware is 37.0 years. The population is 46.4% male and 53.6% female.
The population has grown 3.4% since 2010 (70,764 → 73,176).
Where to stay in Wilmington
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Full rankings of Delaware cities by population
Statewide data for Delaware
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Delaware
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.