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Delaware Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Delaware is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is bordered by Maryland to the south and west, Pennsylvania to the north, and New Jersey and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
Delaware is the sixth least populous state in the United States and the second-smallest U.S. state by land area. The total land area of the state is 1,982 square miles (5,130 square kilometers), with an average population density of 469 people per square mile, making Delaware the 6th most densely populated state in the U.S. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Delaware had a population of 989,948 (0.98 million).
As of July 1, 2024, the estimated population of Delaware is 1,051,917, which is approximately 1.0 million people.
👉 Projected Population of Delaware (2026): ~1.07 million
Delaware Population Growth (2010–2020)
Delaware experienced a population growth rate of 10.2% between 2010 and 2020, adding approximately 92,014 residents during the decade. This growth reflects Delaware’s appeal due to its proximity to major East Coast metro areas and favorable cost-of-living factors.
The median age of Delaware’s population is about 39.6 years, and the state has a slight gender imbalance, with 51.6% females and 48.4% males.
Delaware Census Snapshot (2020)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 989,948 (0.98 million) |
| Percentage Change since 2010 | 10.2% |
| Population Rank | 45th |
| Total Land Area | 1,982 sq mi (5,130 km²) |
| Area Rank | 49th |
| Population Density | 469/sq mi (179/km²) |
| Capital City | Dover |
| Largest City | Wilmington |
Delaware Historical Population
Delaware’s population has grown steadily since the late 18th century, with especially strong expansion during the mid-20th century and the early 21st century. Industrial development, suburban growth, and Delaware’s proximity to major East Coast cities have all contributed to its long-term population increase. By the 2020 Census, Delaware’s population had reached nearly 1 million residents, reflecting consistent decade-over-decade growth.
Decadal Population Change (1910–2020)
| Census Year | Population | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1790 | 59,096 | — |
| 1800 | 64,273 | 8.80% |
| 1810 | 72,674 | 13.10% |
| 1820 | 72,749 | 0.10% |
| 1830 | 76,748 | 5.50% |
| 1840 | 78,085 | 1.70% |
| 1850 | 91,532 | 17.20% |
| 1860 | 112,216 | 22.60% |
| 1870 | 125,015 | 11.40% |
| 1880 | 146,608 | 17.30% |
| 1890 | 168,493 | 14.90% |
| 1900 | 184,735 | 9.60% |
| 1910 | 202,322 | 9.50% |
| 1920 | 223,003 | 10.20% |
| 1930 | 238,380 | 6.90% |
| 1940 | 266,505 | 11.80% |
| 1950 | 318,085 | 19.40% |
| 1960 | 446,292 | 40.30% |
| 1970 | 548,104 | 22.80% |
| 1980 | 594,338 | 8.40% |
| 1990 | 666,168 | 12.10% |
| 2000 | 783,600 | 17.60% |
| 2010 | 897,934 | 14.60% |
| 2020 | 989,948 | 10.20% |
Delaware Demographics (Summary)
Religion and Affiliations
Christianity is the majority religion in Delaware, followed by approximately 64% of the population. The largest Christian denominations in the state are Protestants (46%) and Roman Catholics (22%).
The Unaffiliated population accounts for about 24% of Delaware’s residents, who do not identify with any religious faith. Other non-Christian religions make up roughly 8% of the population and include Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and other smaller faiths.
For more details, read Religion in Delaware
Race and Ethnicity in Delaware
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the White alone (non-Hispanic) population was the largest racial or ethnic group in Delaware, comprising 58.57% of the total population. It was followed by the Black or African American population at 21.51%. The Hispanic or Latino population made up 10.53%, while people identifying with two or more races accounted for 4.35%. The Asian population represented 4.28% of the state’s population.
Ancestry in Delaware
Based on census studies and population estimates, German, Irish, and English are among the most commonly reported ancestry groups in Delaware.
For more details, read Race and Ethnicity in Delaware
Cities and Counties in Delaware
As of 2022, Delaware is divided into three counties: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex. New Castle County is the most populous county in the state, with a population of 571,708 residents.
The largest city in Delaware is Wilmington, with a population of 70,898, followed by Dover (39,403) and Newark (30,601).
Read more about Cities and Counties in Delaware
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Delaware
What is the population of Delaware in 2026?
Delaware’s population is projected to be approximately 1.07 million in 2026, based on recent census trends and population estimates.
Is Delaware one of the least populated states in the U.S.?
Yes. Delaware is among the 10 least populated U.S. states, but it is also one of the most densely populated due to its small land area.
Which city has the largest population in Delaware?
Wilmington is the largest city in Delaware, with a population of about 71,000 residents, followed by Dover and Newark.
Is Delaware’s population growing?
Yes. Delaware’s population grew by 10.2% between 2010 and 2020, and growth has continued into the mid-2020s.
Why is Delaware’s population density high?
Delaware’s high population density is due to its small geographic size, proximity to major East Coast cities, and strong suburban development.
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