Is Newark or Smyrna Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Newark is safer than Smyrna (Safety Score 33/100 vs 29/100), with a total crime rate of 2,308 per 100,000 versus 2,450 for Smyrna — 6% lower. Newark has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Smyrna has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Newark is 2.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Newark — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Smyrna — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Newark, DE
Smyrna, DE
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Newark | Smyrna | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,307.7 | 2,450.3 | -142.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 309.7 | 485.6 | -175.9 |
| Murder Rate | 3.3 | 0.0 | +3.3 |
| Rape Rate | 23.3 | 44.8 | -21.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 23.3 | 37.4 | -14.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 259.7 | 403.4 | -143.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,998.0 | 1,964.7 | +33.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 179.8 | 246.5 | -66.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,611.7 | 1,509.0 | +102.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 206.5 | 209.2 | -2.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newark or Smyrna safer?
Newark is safer with a total crime rate of 2,308 per 100K vs 2,450 for Smyrna — a 6% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Newark has a violent crime rate of 309.7 per 100K while Smyrna has 485.6. Newark has lower violent crime.
About Newark, DE
Newark, Delaware, home to the University of Delaware, is a college town situated in northern New Castle County. Its historic Main Street is a vibrant hub for students and residents. With a safety score of 33/100 and a population coverage of 30,030, Newark has a total crime rate of 2,307.7 per 100,000 residents.
About Smyrna, DE
Smyrna, a town in Kent County, Delaware, lies along the Duck Creek, once vital for its shipbuilding industry. It's a small, rural community situated between Wilmington and Dover, reflecting a blend of agricultural heritage and residential growth. With a safety score of 29/100 and a population coverage of 13,386, Smyrna has a total crime rate of 2,450.3 per 100,000 residents.