New Castle, De
New Castle, Delaware, is a historic city located in New Castle County along the Delaware River, at geographic coordinates 39.6612° N latitude and 75.5660° W longitude. The city’s ZIP codes primarily include 19720, with parts of the greater New Castle area also using 19721 and 19726. Founded in 1651 by the Dutch under the name Fort Casimir, New Castle is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the United States, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and cobblestone streets.
New Castle encompasses several main districts and neighborhoods. The heart of the city is the Historic District, a National Historic Landmark area featuring 18th- and 19th-century homes, the iconic Old New Castle Courthouse, and Battery Park along the river. Other prominent neighborhoods include Shawtown, Buttonwood, Collins Park, Wilmington Manor, and Penn Acres. Wilmington Manor, just north of the city proper, is often considered part of the New Castle area and has its own distinct residential and commercial zones.
New Castle covers an area of approximately 3.5 square miles (9.1 km²). According to the 2020 census, the population of the city proper is approximately 5,551 people, while the greater New Castle ZIP code area (19720) has a population of over 56,000. The racial makeup of the city is about 59% White, 27% African American, 2% Asian, and 8% Hispanic or Latino of any race, with other groups making up the remainder. The median age in New Castle is around 43 years. Households average 2.5 persons, with 24% having children under 18.
The median household income in New Castle is approximately $60,000, with a per capita income of about $30,000. The unemployment rate is roughly 6.5%. Approximately 10% of residents live below the federal poverty line. Educational attainment is high, with over 86% of adults having completed high school and 22% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
New Castle is served by the Colonial School District, with William Penn High School being the largest in the region. It lies near major transportation routes, including Interstate 95, U.S. Route 13, and State Route 141, providing quick access to nearby Wilmington (5 miles north) and Philadelphia (35 miles northeast). The city is also close to New Castle Airport (ILG), a regional air hub.
Major employers include the State of Delaware, New Castle County government, ChristianaCare Health System, and corporate distribution centers. The local economy is a mix of government, healthcare, retail, and logistics. The city is governed by a Mayor and a City Council, with municipal services including police, fire, public works, and parks & recreation.
Points of interest include the Amstel House, Read House & Gardens, Immanuel Episcopal Church, and the Delaware River waterfront. Annual events such as Separation Day and the Spirit of Christmas attract thousands of visitors. The city’s blend of colonial charm, riverside location, and modern amenities make it a unique and vibrant community in the Delaware Valley.
