Wilmington, DE demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
71,727
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,671/yr
6.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
35,514
-0.7% year-over-year change

Wilmington population

How many people live in Wilmington

Wilmington is home to 71,727 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47% of Wilmington locals are male, and 53% are female.

Total population
71,727
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47%
33,738
Female
53%
37,989
Value Percent YoY change
Male 33,738 47% 2.3%
Female 37,989 53% -0.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Wilmington is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.6% are children under 15, then 11.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.3% of the population, while another 23.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
11.9%
25 to 44
31.3%
45 to 64
23.7%
Over 65
15.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 12,639 17.6% 1.9%
15 to 24 8,553 11.9% 2.6%
25 to 44 22,461 31.3% 0.9%
45 to 64 16,991 23.7% -1.3%
Over 65 11,083 15.4% 1.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Wilmington, 88.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 30.8% of locals are Caucasian, 52.2% are African American and 1.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.8%
Non-citizens
4.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 63,495 88.5% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,853 6.8% -0.9%
Non-citizens 3,379 4.7% 21.5%
Racial breakdown
White
30.8%
Black or African American
52.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
1.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.6%
Other
7.4%
Value Percent
White 22,079 30.8%
Black or African American 37,465 52.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 215 0.3%
Asian 1,196 1.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 12 0%
Two or more races 5,449 7.6%
Other 5,311 7.4%

Households in Wilmington

A peek inside Wilmington households

Wilmington has 31,655 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 47.5% are families, while the remaining 52.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
31,655
-1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
16,627
Family households
15,028
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 16,627 52.5% -4.5%
Family households 15,028 47.5% 2.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Wilmington

The housing landscape of Wilmington

Wilmington's housing consists of 35,514 units, with 9.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 53.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
35,514
-0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,405 9.6%
1 unit, attached 19,054 53.6%
2 units 1,716 4.8%
3 or 4 units 2,249 6.3%
5 to 9 units 1,202 3.4%
10 to 19 units 899 2.5%
20 to 49 units 1,579 4.4%
50 or more units 5,367 15.1%
Mobile home 31 0.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 12 0%
Homes built since 2020
223
16.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wilmington

In Wilmington, the median construction year is 1946. About 42.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 15,180 42.7% -2.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4,134 11.6% -2.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,583 10.1% -7.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,697 7.6% -3.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,431 6.8% -4.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,734 4.9% -0.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,134 3.2% 7.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,428 6.8% 14.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,970 5.6% 15.5%
Built in 2020 or later 223 0.6% 16.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Wilmington occupancy rates

Out of the 31,655 occupied housing units in Wilmington, 48% are owner-occupied, while 52% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
31,655
-1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
16,450
Owner occupied
15,205
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 16,450 52% -5.0%
Owner occupied 15,205 48% 3.2%
Unoccupied housing units
10.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Wilmington housing costs

Housing costs in Wilmington come to a median of $1,251 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,224.

Median housing costs per month
$1,251/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Wilmington
$1,224/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Wilmington

Wilmington education at a glance

About 41.3% of the population in Wilmington went to high school, while 18.5% pursued college studies. Another 5.8% earned an associate degree and 17% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,809 3.2% 5.1%
High school diploma 23,395 41.3% -2.9%
College diploma 10,494 18.5% 7.2%
Associate degree 3,259 5.8% 8.6%
Bachelor's degree 9,635 17% -1.9%
Graduate degree 8,077 14.2% 4.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Wilmington

How much people earn in Wilmington

The average annual household income in Wilmington was $88,930 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $58,671, reflecting a +6.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wilmington
$88,930/year
6.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wilmington
$58,671/year
6.2% year-over-year change

Wilmington income by age

In Wilmington, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $68,708. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $61,361 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $43,851, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $43,866 in earnings. Overall, 78.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $43,851 22.2%
25 - 44 $68,708 4.2%
45 - 64 $61,361 2.5%
Over 65 $43,866 4.7%
Above poverty level
54,285
Below poverty level
14,553
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 54,285 78.9% 3.3%
Below poverty level 14,553 21.1% -7.2%

Average renter income in Wilmington

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Wilmington, their median household income was $34,408 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$34,408
Rent-to-income ratio
42.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Wilmington

Workforce and job types in Wilmington

The job market in Wilmington is powered by 35,788 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.2% run their own businesses, 62.9% are employed by private companies, and 16.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
35,788
2.8% year-over-year change
White collar
28,999
Blue collar
6,789
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 28,999 81% 2.1%
Blue collar 6,789 19% 5.6%
Employer type
Self employees
6.2%
Private companies
62.9%
Governmental workers
16.2%
Not for profit companies
14.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,215 6.2% -4.1%
Private companies 22,525 62.9% 2.4%
Governmental workers 5,787 16.2% 0.8%
Not for profit companies 5,261 14.7% 10.3%
Unemployment rate
7.3%
-2.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wilmington stands at 7.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Wilmington

How people get around in Wilmington

In Wilmington, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 68.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
2.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 23,807 68.4% 1.0%
Taxicab 135 0.4% 28.6%
Bus or trolleybus 2,581 7.4% 5.3%
Subway or elevated 49 0.1% N/A
Railroad 39 0.1% -85.5%
Bicycle 262 0.8% 6.9%
Walk 1,761 5.1% -11.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Wilmington by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
19801 16,327 8,150 $52,810 $72,868
19802 26,051 10,478 $53,812 $76,912
19803 22,279 8,679 $135,218 $185,626
19804 18,779 7,677 $79,701 $117,838
19805 41,402 15,722 $60,221 $78,995
19806 9,777 6,033 $88,855 $144,167
19807 7,815 3,555 $153,341 $252,995
19808 39,082 15,544 $94,234 $116,577
19809 14,311 6,121 $81,288 $101,646
19810 26,530 10,655 $112,775 $147,528

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FAQs about Wilmington demographics 

What is the total population of Wilmington?

Wilmington has a total population of 71,727 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wilmington?

The gender ratio in Wilmington is as follows:
  • 47% males (33,738 residents)
  • 53% females (37,989 residents)

What is the median age in Wilmington?

The median age in Wilmington is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wilmington?

The age distribution in Wilmington is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.6% (12,639 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.9% (8,553 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.3% (22,461 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.7% (16,991 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.4% (11,083 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wilmington?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wilmington is as follows:
  • White: 30.8% (22,079 residents)
  • Black or African American: 52.2% (37,465 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (215 residents)
  • Asian: 1.7% (1,196 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (12 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.6% (5,449 residents)
  • Other: 7.4% (5,311 residents)

What percentage of the population in Wilmington are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.5% of the population in Wilmington.

How many housing units are there in Wilmington?

There are 35,514 housing units in Wilmington, reflecting a -0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Wilmington and what is the average household size?

Wilmington has a total of 31,655 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wilmington?

Wilmington has a median household income of $58,671, representing a +6.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Wilmington?

The employment rate is 92.7% in Wilmington, with a workforce of 35,788 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81% (28,999 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19% (6,789 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.2% (2,215 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.9% (22,525 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.2% (5,787 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.7% (5,261 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025