Delaware Crime & Safety
Crime rates and safety scores for all 3 counties.
Avg Violent Crime Rate
403.0
per 100K
Avg Property Crime Rate
1989.0
per 100K
Avg Safety Score
96/100
State Overview
Crime & Safety in Delaware
National Context
Delaware Mirrors the National Crime Average
Delaware’s total crime rate of 2,392.4 per 100,000 residents sits remarkably close to the national average of 2,385.5. This positioning places the First State directly in the middle of the national safety spectrum. Residents experience a crime environment that largely reflects broader American trends.
Violent vs. Property Crime
Property Offenses Outpace Violent Crime
Property crime accounts for the vast majority of incidents in Delaware, totaling 1,988.9 per 100,000 residents. While the state's violent crime rate of 403.4 is slightly higher than the national benchmark of 369.8, non-violent theft and burglary remain the primary drivers of crime statistics. For most Delawareans, securing property is a more common daily concern than personal safety threats.
Safest Counties
Sussex County Leads the State in Safety
With only 1,844.9 total crimes per 100,000 residents, Sussex County stands out as the safest region in the state. New Castle County and Kent County follow with rates of 2,598.1 and 2,734.1 respectively, rounding out the state's three unique jurisdictions. The lower rates in the south highlight a distinct safety advantage for those living near the coastal and agricultural regions.
Crime Hotspots
Analyzing Activity in Kent and New Castle
Kent County reports the state's highest crime rate at 2,734.1 per 100,000, though it remains within a manageable range compared to major urban centers nationwide. New Castle County follows closely with 2,598.1 incidents per 100,000, reflecting the higher activity levels typical of Delaware's most densely populated northern corridor. These figures provide a data-driven view of where law enforcement resources are most concentrated.
The Takeaway
A Predictable and Balanced Safety Profile
Delaware offers a safety profile that aligns with national expectations, making it a predictable environment for current and future residents. Sussex County provides the most secure living conditions, while the northern counties track closer to regional urban norms. Prospective movers can find confidence in a state that avoids the extremes of the national crime spectrum.
All Delaware Counties
| County | Safety Score |
|---|---|
| Sussex County | 97/100 |
| New Castle County | 96/100 |
| Kent County | 96/100 |
Crime rates per 100K population. — = data pending.
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Data Sources
Crime data sourced from the FBI Crime Data Explorer (UCR) and County Health Rankings. Safety scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Not legal or security advice. Coverage varies by county and reporting year.