Delaware is a small state with a rich history and a diverse population. It is known as the “First State” because it was the first to ratify the US Constitution in 1787. It is also home to some of the largest corporations in the country, thanks to its favorable tax laws and business-friendly environment. However, not everything is rosy in the Diamond State. Some of its cities have high rates of crime and violence, making them unsafe for residents and visitors alike.
The Most Dangerous City in Delaware: Seaford
According to the latest FBI crime data, the most dangerous city in Delaware is Seaford, a town of about 8,500 people located in Sussex County. Seaford has the highest rate of property crime in the state, with 6,251 incidents per 100,000 people. It also has the third-highest rate of violent crime, with 961 incidents per 100,000 people. In 2023, Seaford reported one murder, 18 rapes, 30 robberies, and 49 aggravated assaults.
Seaford’s crime problem is not new. The town has been struggling with poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang activity for years. In 2016, Seaford was named the “Heroin Capital of America” by the Drug Enforcement Administration, after it seized more than 4,000 bags of heroin in a single raid. In 2018, Seaford was ranked the second-worst place to live in Delaware by the website RoadSnacks, based on factors such as income, education, and crime.
Seaford’s officials and residents have been trying to improve the situation by implementing various initiatives, such as increasing police presence, enhancing community engagement, promoting economic development, and providing addiction treatment and prevention services. However, the results have been mixed and the challenges remain.
Other Dangerous Cities in Delaware
Seaford is not the only city in Delaware that faces high levels of crime and violence. Other cities that rank among the most dangerous in the state include:
Laurel: Laurel is a town of about 4,000 people located in Sussex County, near the Maryland border. Laurel has the highest rate of violent crime in the state, with 1,237 incidents per 100,000 people. It also has the second-highest rate of property crime, with 5,655 incidents per 100,000 people. In 2023, Laurel reported two murders, 12 rapes, 14 robberies, and 37 aggravated assaults.
Dover: Dover is the capital and the second-largest city of Delaware, with a population of about 38,000 people. Dover has the second-highest rate of violent crime in the state, with 1,029 incidents per 100,000 people. It also has the fourth-highest rate of property crime, with 3,860 incidents per 100,000 people. In 2023, Dover reported five murders, 44 rapes, 120 robberies, and 263 aggravated assaults.
Georgetown: Georgetown is a town of about 7,600 people located in Sussex County, and the county seat. Georgetown has the fourth-highest rate of violent crime in the state, with 789 incidents per 100,000 people. It also has the third-highest rate of property crime, with 4,012 incidents per 100,000 people. In 2023, Georgetown reported one murder, 15 rapes, 17 robberies, and 42 aggravated assaults.
The Safest City in Delaware: Ocean View
On the other end of the spectrum, the safest city in Delaware is Ocean View, a town of about 2,200 people located in Sussex County, near the Atlantic Ocean. Ocean View has the lowest rate of both violent and property crime in the state, with zero and 136 incidents per 100,000 people, respectively. In 2023, Ocean View reported no murders, rapes, robberies, or aggravated assaults, and only three burglaries, 27 larcenies, and one auto theft.
Ocean View’s low crime rate is attributed to its small size, affluent population, and proximity to the beach. The town is a popular destination for vacationers and retirees, who enjoy its scenic views, peaceful atmosphere, and recreational opportunities. Ocean View also has a strong sense of community and a responsive police department, which help to deter and prevent crime.
Conclusion
Delaware is a state with many contrasts and contradictions. It is a place where history and modernity, business and leisure, urban and rural, coexist and collide. It is also a place where some cities are safe and prosperous, while others are dangerous and struggling. The crime statistics reveal the disparities and inequalities that exist within the state, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Delaware’s most dangerous city, Seaford, and its safest city, Ocean View, are both located in the same county, but they are worlds apart in terms of quality of life and security. The question is, how can Delaware bridge the gap and make all of its cities safer and better for everyone?