Is Smyrna or Wilmington Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Smyrna is safer than Wilmington (Safety Score 29/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 2,450 per 100,000 versus 4,286 for Wilmington — 43% lower. Smyrna has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Smyrna has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Wilmington is 5.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Smyrna — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Wilmington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Smyrna, DE
Wilmington, DE
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Smyrna | Wilmington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,450.3 | 4,285.8 | -1,835.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 485.6 | 1,127.1 | -641.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 34.7 | -34.7 |
| Rape Rate | 44.8 | 7.0 | +37.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 37.4 | 254.3 | -217.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 403.4 | 831.0 | -427.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,964.7 | 3,158.8 | -1,194.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 246.5 | 486.4 | -239.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,509.0 | 2,001.2 | -492.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 209.2 | 671.2 | -462.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smyrna or Wilmington safer?
Smyrna is safer with a total crime rate of 2,450 per 100K vs 4,286 for Wilmington — a 43% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Smyrna has a violent crime rate of 485.6 per 100K while Wilmington has 1,127.1. Smyrna has lower violent crime.
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.
About Wilmington, DE
Wilmington, Delaware, a port city on the Christina River, is home to the Rollins Building, a historic landmark. Its diverse population of roughly 70,000 resides just 30 miles south of Philadelphia. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 71,958, Wilmington has a total crime rate of 4,285.8 per 100,000 residents.