Rents are 3% below what Wilmington's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.
Rent by unit size
These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,802 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.
Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →
12-month history
Last updated: August 17, 2026
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Who lives here
Wilmington, DE is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income below the national average, 33.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How Wilmington, DE has changed in 5 years
The median rent in Wilmington, DE stood at $1,250 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,802, reflecting a 44.2% increase over the period. Census figures show median household income at $58,671 today, compared with $49,354 five years earlier. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 1.1% since 2021, moving from about 70,926 residents to roughly 71,727. Renters now make up 52% of households, compared with 56.3% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 33.1% of adults here, versus 30.6% in 2021. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.
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Can you afford rent in Wilmington on your salary?
At $1,802/mo, how Wilmington rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
Wilmington rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in Wilmington. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in Wilmington
Last updated: August 17, 2026
The median rent in Wilmington is $1,802/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,277/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,676/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,407/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,019/mo.
At 37% of local median household income ($58,671/yr), Wilmington ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 4.7% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wilmington an affordable city for renters?
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What percentage of Wilmington residents rent vs. own?
How does Wilmington rent compare to the national average?
At $1,802/mo, rent takes ~37% of Wilmington's median household income ($58,671/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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