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Smyrna, Delaware

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

68
Overall Score

Smyrna, Delaware, is a charming and rapidly growing community situated in both Kent and New Castle counties, offering a blend of small-town atmosphere with convenient access to larger metropolitan areas. Historically known as Duck Creek Cross Roads, the town has evolved from an agricultural and shipping hub into a desirable residential area. Its strategic location along major routes like Delaware Route 1 and US Route 13 provides residents with easy commutes to Dover, Wilmington, and even Philadelphia. People are drawn to Smyrna for its affordability, strong community focus, quality school district, and commitment to planned growth, making it an appealing choice for families, retirees, and those seeking a quieter lifestyle without sacrificing amenities.

About Delaware

Delaware, known as "The First State," offers a diverse character ranging from bustling urban centers like Wilmington to serene beaches and farmlands. Its economy is robust, heavily influenced by the finance and insurance sector, which contributes significantly to the state's GDP, alongside major industries such as chemical manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade. Living in Delaware generally presents a moderate cost of living, often near the national average, with the advantage of no sales tax and relatively low property taxes. The state experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters, with precipitation distributed throughout the year. Residents can enjoy a lifestyle that blends small-town charm with access to major East Coast cities and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.

13,936
Population
$53K
Avg Salary
99
Cost Index
68.0
Quality Score

Quality Scores

Business
72
Livability
68
Affordability
70
Growth
75

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Smyrna is generally considered affordable, with some sources indicating it is 1.0% lower than the national average. Housing expenses, in particular, are noted to be 9.7% less expensive than the national average, contributing significantly to the town's overall affordability. While groceries are slightly less expensive and utilities are about 3.9% lower than the national average, transportation costs are marginally higher. For a single adult, a comfortable annual salary of around $57,912 is suggested to cover basic household expenses, including an average rent of $1,448 per month.

Average Rent
$1,750/mo
Groceries
$420/mo
Transport
$120/mo
Utilities
$190/mo
Healthcare
$150/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$22.00
Monthly groceries
$420.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$150.00

Salary Insights

Smyrna's economy benefits from its strategic location, offering residents access to job markets in nearby Dover and Wilmington. While the town itself maintains a small-town atmosphere, it is part of Kent County, which has a diverse labor force. Leading industries in Smyrna as of 2024 include Health Care and Social Services, Retail, Education, and Accommodation and Food Services. Major employers in the broader Kent County area, which also provide opportunities for Smyrna residents, include Bayhealth, Dover Air Force Base, the Delaware State Government, Procter and Gamble, and Kraft Heinz. The average individual salary in Smyrna is approximately $52,722 per year as of July 2026.

The average salary in Smyrna is $52,722 per year. You would need approximately $57,912 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Education +1.80% Government +1.00% Accommodation and Food Services +2.00% Retail +1.50% Health Care and Social Services +2.50%

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
70.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Smyrna primarily relies on personal vehicles, as indicated by a Walk Score of 0, signifying high car dependency. The average commute time for residents is approximately 33.4 minutes. While driving is prevalent, public transportation is available through the DART First State System, which operates several bus routes connecting Smyrna to nearby towns like Dover and Wilmington. Major roadways such as Delaware Route 1 and US Route 13 pass through the town, providing direct access to other parts of the state and region.

33 min
Avg Commute
25.00/10
Transit Score
/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Smyrna is one of the fastest-growing communities in Delaware, indicating strong development and opportunity.
The cost of living in Smyrna is generally lower than the national average, particularly for housing.
The town boasts a quality school district, making it attractive for families.
Smyrna's strategic location provides convenient access to larger job markets in Dover and Wilmington.
The town offers a strong community-focused lifestyle with a walkable downtown and local events.
Drawbacks
Smyrna has a higher crime rate compared to both national and statewide averages, with a worsening crime trajectory.
The town exhibits high car dependency due to a Walk Score of 0.
The average commute time of 33.4 minutes is higher than the national average.
Public transportation options, while available, may have limited frequency and coverage.
Despite growth, the town itself has limited economic opportunities, requiring commutes for many jobs.

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