Wilmington is one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most recognizable cities, known for its historic industrial and financial roots, revitalized riverfront district, and rich collection of historic neighborhoods, all positioned within the broader Philadelphia–Newark–Wilmington metro area.
For people comparing neighborhoods, buying a home, or planning a move, crime data is often part of the decision-making process. It also helps explain why many residents look into home security in Wilmington when thinking about how to protect their homes, vehicles, and families. Recent source data shows Wilmington’s crime rates remain above national averages, although several major categories have improved year over year.
With a total crime index of 2 — with 100 being the safest — Wilmington is safer than just 2% of U.S. cities, according to the latest Neighborhood Scout data, which includes information from multiple sources. With some 73,000 residents, here’s how the Delaware city looks crime-wise compared to some other U.S. municipalities of its size.
Violent Crime in Wilmington
The chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime in Wilmington is one in 84. Of the 3,672 crimes reported in Wilmington over the most recent 12-month period, 866 were violent. The FBI defines violent crime as one of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, rape, and aggravated assault.
By comparison, Portland, Maine, has similar issues. Reno has about 69,000 residents and a TCI of 9. If you’re there, there’s a one in 376 chance you’ll experience violent crime. Of the 1,903 crimes reported, 185 were violent.
Then there is Lynwood, California, with more than 63,000 residents and a total crime index of three. The chances of being victimized by violent crime are one in 112. Of 2,565 crimes reported over 12 months, 568 were in the violent category.
But in Flagstaff, Arizona, a city with a population of nearly 77,000 and a TCI of 8, 1,915 of its 2,284 crimes were violent. There, you have a one in 210 chance of victimization.
Property Crime in Wilmington
Then there is property crime, defined by the FBI as burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, and larceny theft. In Wilmington, your chances of experiencing this type of crime are one in 26 — for a rate of 38.35 per 1,000 residents. There were 3,672 crimes logged over 12 months, 866 of which were property crimes.
As for Portland’s property crime picture, you have a one in 40 chance of victimization. Of all the 1,903 crimes in St. Paul, 1,718 were in the property category.
Compare Wilmington’s data with that of Lynwood, where you have a one in 32 chance of being victimized, for a rate of 31.40 per 1,000 residents. Lynwood reported 1,997 property crimes over 12 months — 233 of them burglaries.
In Flagstaff, meanwhile, there’s a one in 40 chance of experiencing a property crime. That’s a rate of 24.70 per 1,000 residents. Of the city’s 2,284 crimes, 1,915 were property crimes.
Wilmington’s Police Department
The Wilmington Police Department can trace its roots back to 1739. The department is proud to have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies since 1994 through decades of effective law enforcement and investigative services. With 305 sworn police officers and additional civilian support staff, the Wilmington Police Department proudly serves its community by working with residents to make Wilmington safer.
How to Stay Safe
Monitored home security systems can help play a crucial role in preventing crime by working closely with local police like those in the Wilmington area. These systems work in tandem with law enforcement and first responders to lessen the chance of being the victim of a crime or emergency.
With a monitored security system, when an alarm is triggered, the security company’s monitoring center immediately assesses the situation and notifies law enforcement if necessary. By providing real-time information, such as the nature of the alarm and whether it’s a break-in or fire, first responders can respond more quickly and efficiently. The partnership between first responders and a monitored home security company helps enhance public safety and reduce response times.
In Summary
Compared to other cities with similar populations, incidences of violent crimes, in particular, are higher in Wilmington. Meanwhile, in the U.S. as a whole, a residential break-in occurs every 26 seconds. Further, homes with no security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized wherever they are. Some 83% of would-be burglars search for the presence of an alarm system before attempting a break-in. That’s why monitored home security systems from Guardian Protection offer around-the-clock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wilmington, DE, considered a safe city?
Wilmington is a well-known Mid-Atlantic city recognized for its historic industrial and financial roots, revitalized riverfront, and diverse neighborhoods. While it remains an important regional hub, recent data shows its crime rates are higher than national averages. With a total crime index of 2 (where 100 represents the safest cities), Wilmington ranks safer than only about 2% of U.S. cities, according to NeighborhoodScout data.
How does violent crime in Wilmington compare to other cities?
The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Wilmington is about 1 in 84. Violent crimes include robbery, aggravated assault, rape, and murder. Compared to similarly sized cities such as Lynwood, California or Flagstaff, Arizona, Wilmington’s violent crime rate is on the higher end, though some peer cities show comparable or even higher rates depending on category and year.
What is the property crime rate in Wilmington, DE?
Property crime—including burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson—is more common than violent crime in Wilmington. The likelihood of experiencing a property crime is about 1 in 26, based on recent reporting. This makes property crime the largest share of total reported incidents in the city.
How does Wilmington compare to other similar cities for property crime?
Wilmington’s property crime rate is higher than many similarly sized cities. For example, cities like Portland, Maine, and Flagstaff, Arizona, report lower overall risk levels for property-related offenses. However, some urban areas, such as Lynwood, California, show comparable property crime rates, reflecting broader trends in densely populated regions.
How can residents improve safety in Wilmington?
Many residents turn to monitored home security systems to help reduce risk and improve emergency response. When an alarm is triggered, monitoring centers can assess the situation and notify local authorities if needed. This added layer of support helps improve response times and provides extra protection for homes, vehicles, and families in higher-risk areas.
Why do homeowners in Wilmington consider security systems important?
Because property crime makes up a large share of reported incidents, many homeowners invest in security measures such as alarms and video monitoring. Research also shows burglars often look for visible security systems before attempting a break-in, making deterrence a key benefit of monitored protection.
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