1002 movers in New Castle
What to know when moving to New Castle, DE
TL;DR: New Castle at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 32.8% of residents rent and the median household income is $75,985.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to 12 nearby postsecondary institutions, including Wilmington University.
- The Reality Check:
- 10.1% of the population lives below the poverty line.
- Commute:
- Only 2.6% use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 97 rainy days annually, so invest in good rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
The New Castle area features a diverse population of about 60,593 residents. With 21.6% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher, education is a priority for many. The community has a relatively low renter percentage at 32.8%, indicating a mix of homeowners and renters. The average rent is $1,282, while the median home value stands at $242,600. The area experiences significant rainfall, with an annual average of 33.8 inches.
Probably not your spot if: high poverty rates at 10.1% are a concern for you.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,282, making it an affordable option compared to many areas.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $242,600, which may appeal to potential homeowners.
- 21.6% of the adult population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to community education levels.
- 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line, highlighting economic challenges in the area.
- Only 2.6% commute via public transit, indicating a strong reliance on vehicles.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Delaware, the state-level crime data shows that the annual arson rate is 8.3 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 14.4% lower than the national average. Over the past few years, there has been a 25.3% decrease in arson offenses since 2022.
- Arson: 8.3 incidents per 100,000 vs. national average of 9.7.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Delaware).
Schools & Higher Ed
New Castle residents have access to a total of 12 nearby postsecondary institutions, with 11 located within New Castle County. Notable schools include Wilmington University and the University of Delaware, offering various degree programs.
- Postsecondary institutions: 12 total.
- Schools with College Scorecard data: 11.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
New Castle County experiences an annual precipitation of about 33.8 inches, with 97 rainy days each year. Snowfall averages around 2.3 inches, occurring over 11 days. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy several parks, including:
- New Castle Battery Park - 4.7 stars (3,803 reviews)
- Lums Pond State Park - 4.7 stars (3,545 reviews)
- Glasgow Regional Park - 4.7 stars (2,842 reviews)
- White Clay Creek State Park - 4.7 stars (1,318 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In New Castle County, the unemployment rate is currently at 5.0%, with 294,604 individuals employed out of a labor force of 309,998.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% (as of December 2025).
- Labor force: 309,998 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
