Delaware's Five Largest Cities by Population

Despite being the second-smallest U.S. state, Delaware's urban centers concentrate most of its population. Based on recent census data:

Key Context:

• Wilmington, the economic hub, contains ~7% of the state's total population (~1 million)
• Dover, the capital, is the second-largest but less than half Wilmington's size
• Newark hosts the University of Delaware, driving its growth
• Middletown has grown rapidly due to suburban expansion from Wilmington/Philadelphia
• Milford straddles Kent and Sussex counties, serving as a southern commercial center

Note: Population figures vary by census year and methodology (city proper vs. metropolitan area). These represent typical recent estimates for municipal boundaries.