What to know when moving to Middletown, DE
Middletown at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A high-income area with a median household income of $129,971 and 13.7% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to nearby outdoor spaces like Lums Pond State Park, rated 4.7 stars from over 3,500 reviews.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0.6% of residents use public transit, making it a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,571 in monthly rent to secure a place here.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
With a population of 50,542, Middletown features a strong community of highly educated residents, as 49.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value is $444,900, which reflects the area's higher income level, but only 13.7% of the population rents, indicating a preference for homeownership.
Probably not your spot if you rely on public transit, as only 0.6% of residents commute this way.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median rent is $1,571, while the median home value is $444,900.
- About 49.2% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to the area's character.
- The poverty rate stands at 4.8%, indicating a relatively affluent community.
- Only 0.6% of residents use public transit.
- The renter vs. owner split is 13.7% renters to 86.3% owners.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Delaware, the annual arson rate is 8.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 14.4% lower than the national average. The arson rate has seen a 25.3% decrease from 2022 to 2025.
- Arson: 8.3 per 100k vs. national average of 9.7 per 100k, with a downward trend.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Delaware).
Schools & Higher Ed
There are 2 postsecondary institutions in the nearby area, providing educational options for residents.
- Academy of Massage and Bodywork in Bear, DE.
- Paul Mitchell the School-Delaware in Newark, DE.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Middletown experiences about 97 rainy days annually, with total precipitation around 33.8 inches. Residents can enjoy nearby outdoor spots like Lums Pond State Park, Glasgow Regional Park, and Fort Mott State Park, all rated 4.7 stars or higher.
- Lums Pond State Park: 4.7 stars, 3,545 reviews.
- Glasgow Regional Park: 4.7 stars, 2,842 reviews.
- Fort Mott State Park: 4.7 stars, 1,057 reviews.
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In New Castle County, the unemployment rate is 5.0% as of December 2025, with a labor force of 309,998 individuals.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% in December 2025.
- Employed individuals: 294,604.
- Total labor force: 309,998.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.