List of municipalities in Delaware

Delaware is home to 57 incorporated municipalities, comprising 10 cities, 44 towns, and 3 villages, all of which are chartered by the Delaware General Assembly and serve as the primary units of local government within the state's three counties.^[1][2] These municipalities are unevenly distributed across New Castle County (14), Kent County (17), and Sussex County (26), reflecting the varying population densities and development patterns in the northern, central, and southern regions of the state, respectively.^[3] Governed under special acts of the General Assembly, Delaware's municipalities typically operate with a mayor-council or council-manager structure, enabling them to manage local services such as public safety, zoning, and utilities while adhering to state-mandated comprehensive planning requirements.^[4][5] The largest by population include Wilmington in New Castle County (over 70,000 residents) and Dover in Kent County (the state capital, with around 40,000), underscoring their roles as economic and administrative hubs.^[6][7]

Background

Types of Municipalities

In Delaware, incorporated municipalities are classified into three legal categories: cities, towns, and villages, all established as municipal corporations under special acts of the Delaware General Assembly. There are 10 cities, 44 towns, and 3 villages, totaling 57 incorporated places. These entities possess legislative, administrative, and police powers as defined in their individual charters, governed primarily by Title 22 of the Delaware Code.^[2] Cities represent the most populous and complex form of municipality. Municipalities with a population exceeding 1,000 residents may adopt home rule charters that allow them to amend their charters and assume additional legislative authority equivalent to what the General Assembly might grant. This enables qualifying municipalities to adopt sophisticated governance structures, such as the mayoral-council system, where an elected mayor serves as the chief executive alongside a legislative council. Towns function as standard municipal corporations with similar foundational powers but typically maintain simpler organizational forms, including council-manager systems where an appointed manager handles administration under an elected council. Villages, the smallest category, operate on a limited scale with more streamlined governance, often emphasizing community-based decision-making rather than extensive bureaucratic structures. All types share core abilities to levy taxes, provide services, and regulate local affairs, but their charters dictate specific variations in authority and operations.^[8][9] The classifications trace their origins to colonial-era charters granted by the English Crown or early colonial assemblies, which evolved into formalized structures following the adoption of Delaware's 1897 Constitution. This document, Delaware's fourth since independence, reinforced state oversight of local governments while allowing for expanded municipal autonomy through legislative acts. A significant modernization occurred with the enactment of the home rule statute in 1961 (codified in Title 22, Chapter 8), which extended self-governance options to qualifying municipalities regardless of classification, shifting from rigid legislative dependence to greater local initiative in charter amendments and policy-making.^[8][10] Prominent examples illustrate these distinctions. Wilmington, the state's largest city and a hub of New Castle County, exemplifies urban governance with its strong mayor-council framework, enabling comprehensive management of services for over 70,000 residents. In contrast, Arden—one of the three villages (alongside Ardencroft and Ardentown)—demonstrates a unique cooperative model rooted in early 20th-century single-tax principles, where a town assembly and committees handle affairs collectively, reflecting limited but community-driven authority.^[11][12]

Incorporation Process

The incorporation of municipalities in Delaware occurs through special legislative acts passed by the Delaware General Assembly, which enact tailored charters granting legal status, boundaries, governance structures, and specific powers to the new entity.^[2] These charters are authorized under the state's constitutional framework allowing special legislation for political subdivisions, distinct from the general laws prohibiting special acts for private corporations.^[13] Title 22 of the Delaware Code provides the overarching statutory framework for municipal operations once incorporated, including provisions for zoning, planning, and home rule, but the initial creation remains a legislative prerogative without a uniform procedural code.^[14] The process generally initiates with a petition submitted by residents of the proposed area to members of the General Assembly, detailing the territory's description, rationale for incorporation (such as improved local services or self-governance), and outline of desired boundaries and initial officials.^[15] The General Assembly reviews the petition through its committees, which may conduct public hearings to assess community support, potential impacts on surrounding areas, and compliance with state interests; boundary definitions must ensure contiguity and avoid overlap with existing municipalities.^[16] Following deliberation and possible amendments, the Assembly enacts a special bill as a chapter in the session laws, which requires gubernatorial assent to become effective—typically without a veto unless fiscal or constitutional concerns arise.^[17] Charter drafting is integral to this bill, specifying the form of government (e.g., mayor-council or commission) and initial ordinances, often drawing from model charters for efficiency. No statutory minimum population threshold exists for incorporation, allowing even small communities to form if legislative support is secured, though practical viability often correlates with at least several hundred residents to justify governance costs.^[18] Variations exist based on the municipality's scale and proposed powers: designations as a city (e.g., for larger urban areas with extensive regulatory authority) typically involve more rigorous legislative scrutiny and broader home rule provisions under Title 22, Chapter 8, while towns and villages—suited to smaller or rural settings—receive charters with scaled-back powers focused on basic services like utilities and zoning. Cities may require additional reviews for fiscal impacts, whereas villages emphasize limited self-governance without extensive taxation rights. Historically, the 19th century saw numerous incorporations amid post-colonial growth and railroad expansion, such as Middletown's charter enacted on February 12, 1861, establishing it as a one-mile-square town centered on key crossroads.^[19] In contrast, modern incorporations are infrequent due to Delaware's dense existing municipal coverage and preference for annexation over new formations; a notable recent example is South Bethany, chartered in 1969 to manage coastal development and protect a residential beach community of about 400 structures.^[20]

Municipalities by County

New Castle County

New Castle County, the northernmost and most populous county in Delaware, encompasses 15 incorporated municipalities that highlight the region's urban density and historical significance. As the economic hub of the state, the county features a mix of bustling cities, growing towns, and unique villages, with Wilmington standing out as the largest city and a key port on the Delaware River. These municipalities collectively represent over half of Delaware's urban population, emphasizing commercial, industrial, and residential development in the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area.^[21][2] The municipalities vary in governance types—cities, towns, and villages—each chartered by the Delaware General Assembly, with incorporation reflecting historical settlement patterns from colonial times to the 20th century. Population growth in recent years has been driven by suburban expansion, particularly in towns like Middletown and Townsend. Below is a comprehensive list of these municipalities, including their type, 2024 population estimates based on U.S. Census projections, and brief notes on incorporation. Populations for municipalities spanning county lines (Clayton and Smyrna) represent total figures across their jurisdictions.^[22][23]

Kent County

Kent County, located in central Delaware, serves as the home to the state capital and encompasses 20 incorporated municipalities that reflect a mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities heavily influenced by agriculture and historical development.^[26] The county's municipalities include three cities and 17 towns, with Dover as the largest and most prominent due to its role as the political center of Delaware.^[24] Smaller towns in the county often maintain strong ties to farming traditions, supporting local economies through crop production and related industries.^[27] The table below enumerates all municipalities in Kent County, including their type, 2024 population estimates, and incorporation dates. Populations for municipalities spanning county lines (Clayton, Milford, and Smyrna) represent total figures across their jurisdictions.^{[28][29][24][3]}

Sussex County

Sussex County, located in southern Delaware along the Atlantic coast, hosts 25 incorporated municipalities, consisting of three cities and 22 towns. These entities reflect the county's blend of rural inland communities and vibrant coastal resorts, with governance focused on tourism infrastructure, environmental protection, and seasonal population management. The coastal municipalities, in particular, support Delaware's beaches and contribute to the state's economy through visitor-driven activities like dining, shopping, and recreation.^[2] Many of these municipalities experience pronounced seasonal population increases due to tourism; for instance, Rehoboth Beach, a popular resort destination, sees its year-round population more than double during summer months, straining local services while boosting revenue from hospitality and events. Inland towns like Georgetown serve as administrative and agricultural hubs, contrasting with the beach-oriented governance in places like Dewey Beach and Fenwick Island. Populations for municipalities spanning county lines (Milford) represent total figures across their jurisdictions. The following table lists the municipalities alphabetically, including their type, 2024 population estimates from recent projections, and original incorporation dates as per state charters. Population figures represent year-round residents and are sourced from U.S. Census Bureau-derived estimates; incorporation dates are from Delaware General Assembly records.^[30][31][3]

Statistics and Trends

Population Distribution

Delaware's incorporated municipalities exhibit a pronounced population distribution skewed toward larger urban centers in the north, with smaller rural towns and villages comprising the majority of the 57 entities but contributing disproportionately less to the overall count. As of the July 1, 2024, estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau—the latest available data—these municipalities collectively house 304,614 residents, representing approximately 28.9% of the state's total population of 1,051,917.^[22] This aggregate underscores an urban-rural divide, where just five municipalities exceed 10,000 residents, while over half have fewer than 2,000, highlighting the concentration of people in northern New Castle County compared to more dispersed settlements in Kent and Sussex Counties. The top ten largest municipalities account for about 58% of the total municipal population, demonstrating significant dominance by a handful of cities. Wilmington remains the most populous at 73,176 (up from 70,889 in the 2020 Census), followed by Dover at 40,191 (from 39,498), Newark at 30,506 (down slightly from 30,621), Middletown at 25,686 (from 23,201), Milford at 14,079 (from 11,184), Smyrna at 13,326 (from 12,890), Seaford at 8,952 (from 7,936), Georgetown at 8,098 (from 7,150), Millsboro at 7,864 (from 6,899), and Elsmere at 6,234 (from 6,233).^[22] These figures reflect modest growth in most cases, with some stability or slight declines (e.g., Newark), and Milford showing the strongest increase of nearly 26% since 2020, driven by regional development. In contrast, smaller municipalities like Hartly (78 residents in 2024, up from 70) and Farmington (100, from 90) exemplify the stability or minimal change in rural areas.^[22] The following table ranks all 57 incorporated municipalities by their 2024 population estimates, including 2020 Census figures for comparison and each municipality's percentage of the state total. Percentages are calculated using Delaware's 2024 state population estimate of 1,051,917.^[22]

Growth and Changes

Delaware's overall population increased by 10.2% between 2010 and 2020, rising from 897,934 to 989,948 residents, driven primarily by net domestic migration and natural increase.^[32] This growth was uneven across municipalities, with suburban and coastal areas experiencing the most rapid expansion while urban centers like Wilmington saw stagnation or modest growth. The latest projections from the Delaware Population Consortium (as of the 2023 series) suggested the state's population would reach approximately 1,047,751 by 2025; however, the actual July 1, 2024, estimate of 1,051,917 already surpasses this figure, indicating stronger-than-projected growth.^[33][34] Among municipalities, Middletown in New Castle County stands out as one of the fastest-growing since 2010, with its population surging 29.4% to 24,415 by 2020, fueled by residential development and proximity to employment hubs. In Sussex County, coastal towns have also seen substantial increases; for instance, Millville's population more than tripled, growing 265.7% from 1,190 in 2010 to 4,354 in 2020, reflecting broader trends in the region's resort communities.^[35] Recent estimates from 2020 to 2024 highlight continued momentum in select areas, though at a slower pace overall. Key factors shaping municipal development include suburbanization in New Castle and Kent Counties, where post-World War II expansion and highway infrastructure like I-95 facilitated outward migration from urban cores, boosting populations in towns like Smyrna and Clayton.^[36] In Sussex County, tourism has been a primary driver, generating over $850 million annually and attracting retirees and second-home buyers to coastal municipalities, contributing to the county's 27.5% population increase from 2010 to 2020.^[37] Economic anchors, such as the chemical and financial sectors centered in the Wilmington area—including legacy operations from DuPont—have supported stable growth in northern New Castle County by providing high-wage jobs that draw commuters to surrounding suburbs.^[38] Looking ahead, new municipal incorporations in Delaware are unlikely in the near term, as the state's 57 existing municipalities and numerous census-designated places already provide comprehensive local governance coverage across developed areas, with growth more likely to occur through annexation or expansion of current boundaries rather than the creation of entirely new entities.^[39]

Former and Other Places

Disincorporated Municipalities

Delaware has experienced very few disincorporations of municipalities throughout its history, with the number of incorporated places steadily increasing from approximately 50 in the early 20th century to the current 57.^[40][2] This rarity stems from the state's robust county-level governance, which provides essential services such as infrastructure maintenance, public safety, and planning to unincorporated areas, thereby alleviating financial pressures that might otherwise lead to dissolution in other states.^[41] Population decline or economic shifts in small communities have typically resulted in annexation by larger municipalities or reliance on county services rather than full disincorporation, as annexation is infrequent but feasible under Delaware law.^[2] Historical records reveal no documented cases of formal disincorporation in the 20th or 21st centuries, though some 19th-century mill towns and port settlements in areas like Mill Creek Hundred initially sought incorporation but either failed to achieve it or operated informally without sustained municipal status.^[24] Financial insolvency has rarely forced dissolution, thanks to state legislative support for municipal charters and shared revenue mechanisms that sustain even small towns.^[31] When communities have faced challenges, such as Hartly in 2014—which briefly lacked functioning government due to low participation but ultimately revived without dissolving—county intervention has prevented outright loss of status.^[42] The impacts of potential disincorporations, though hypothetical in Delaware's context, would involve the absorption of local services by the parent county, including property tax collection, zoning enforcement, and emergency response.^[41] Residents would transition to unincorporated status, losing town-specific governance but gaining county-wide administration, which often includes broader resources. Efforts to revive dissolved entities have not occurred in Delaware, as the stable framework discourages such outcomes, contrasting with the incorporation process that emphasizes community initiative and legislative approval.^[24]

Census-Designated Places

Census-designated places (CDPs) are statistical geographic entities defined by the United States Census Bureau to represent closely settled, unincorporated communities that are locally recognized by name but do not have legally defined municipal boundaries or governments.^[43] In Delaware, these places provide a way to capture population data in suburban and rural areas outside incorporated municipalities, with 22 CDPs recognized as of the 2020 Census.^[44] Unlike incorporated municipalities, which have independent local governance, taxation authority, and service provision, CDPs in Delaware rely on their respective counties—New Castle, Kent, or Sussex—for public services such as policing, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance.^[43] This structure highlights the blurred lines between urban and rural development in the state, where CDPs often function as de facto neighborhoods with significant residential and commercial activity. Together, Delaware's CDPs house approximately 15% of the state's total population (147,245 out of 989,948 as of the 2020 Census), contributing to regional growth patterns without the formal status of towns or cities.^[45] The following table lists major CDPs by county, with 2025 population estimates illustrating their scale (New Castle County hosts the majority of larger CDPs; Sussex examples include Long Neck at an estimated 3,500): These estimates reflect ongoing suburban expansion, particularly in New Castle County, where most CDPs are concentrated.^[6]