Wilmington, De
Wilmington, Delaware, located at latitude 39.7391° N and longitude 75.5398° W, serves as the largest city in the state of Delaware and the county seat of New Castle County. The city spans approximately 17 square miles and sits at the confluence of the Christina River and the Brandywine River, near where they flow into the Delaware River. Wilmington is part of the 19801, 19802, 19803, 19804, 19805, 19806, 19807, 19808, 19809, 19810, 19850, 19884, 19885, 19886, 19887, 19889, 19890, 19891, 19892, 19893, 19894, 19895, 19896, 19897, 19898, and 19899 ZIP code areas, making it a central location for business, government, and community life in Delaware.
Wilmington is composed of several distinct neighborhoods and districts, including Downtown Wilmington (the central business district), Trolley Square, Riverfront, Quaker Hill, Brandywine Village, Hilltop, Little Italy, Browntown, East Side, West Center City, Southbridge, Forty Acres, and Highlands. Each neighborhood offers a unique character, from the historic cobblestone streets of Quaker Hill to the vibrant nightlife and dining scene in Trolley Square. The Riverfront district has undergone significant revitalization, featuring the Chase Center, Delaware Children’s Museum, and numerous restaurants, while areas like Forty Acres and Highlands are known for their residential charm and proximity to parks like Rockford Park and Brandywine Park.
As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Wilmington’s population was approximately 70,898, making it the most populous city in Delaware. The demographic makeup is diverse: about 52.7% Black or African American, 33.6% White, 2.0% Asian, 0.4% Native American, and 8.9% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race make up 19.1% of the city’s population. The median age is 36.2 years. Households number around 30,400, with an average household size of 2.31, and approximately 35% of homes are owner-occupied.
Wilmington is a hub for the financial and legal industries, with many national and international banks and law firms maintaining offices downtown, due largely to Delaware’s business-friendly incorporation laws. Major employers include JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Chemours, and ChristianaCare. The city is also known for its rich history, dating back to its founding by Swedish settlers in 1638 as Fort Christina. The city’s historic districts feature architecture from the Colonial, Federal, Victorian, and early 20th-century eras.
Transportation options in Wilmington are robust, with Interstate 95 running through the city, a major Amtrak station (Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Railroad Station), and access to SEPTA commuter rail. The city is served by the DART First State public transit system. Wilmington’s educational institutions include Delaware College of Art and Design, Widener University Delaware Law School, and several public and charter schools operated by the Red Clay, Christina, and Brandywine school districts.
Wilmington hosts annual events such as the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, the Italian Festival, and the Wilmington Flower Market. The city also boasts a strong arts scene, led by the Delaware Art Museum, Grand Opera House, and The Queen theater. Green spaces like Brandywine Park, Bellevue State Park, and Alapocas Run State Park offer residents and visitors opportunities for recreation along the city’s scenic riverbanks.
