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Cities›DE›Wilmington

Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Wilmington

Wilmington, DE has 76 affordable and income-based rental properties offering nearly 5,000 units across the city. With a median market rent of $1,224 per month (Census ACS 5-Year), income-based housing can make a real difference for the more than half of residents who rent. Lease Lantern has inspection-based condition scores for 36 of these properties to help you compare options with confidence.

76
Properties
4,998
Total units
82/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,224/mo

Affordability in Wilmington, DE

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024), the median monthly rent in Wilmington is $1,224 and the median household income is $58,671 annually. With 52% of households renting, income-based and HUD-assisted housing plays an important role in keeping options accessible across the city.

Lease Lantern tracks 46 affordable properties totaling 3,018 units in Wilmington, spanning HUD-assisted, Section 8, and LIHTC programs.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
1,138 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Wilmington Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 1,138 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 87 · Very Walkable

Getting Around Wilmington

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Wilmington scores an 87 (Very Walkable), a Transit Score of 48 (Some Transit), and a Bike Score of 48. Scores reflect conditions near the city's income-based and HUD-assisted housing.

Walk Score
🎓 Schools
53 schools · 14 districts

Schools

According to the NCES Common Core of Data, 53 schools across 14 districts serve Wilmington, including 29 elementary, 5 middle, and 18 high schools (plus 1 other). Ratings and quality vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for any specific address they are considering.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$58,671 median income

Cost of Living in Wilmington, DE

The median household income in Wilmington is $58,671 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates. With a citywide median rent of $1,224 per month (Census ACS 5-Year), affordable and income-based housing can make a meaningful difference for renters in this market.

Wilmington has 46 HUD-assisted and income-restricted properties offering 3,018 total units across the city. Rents at these properties are tied to income limits rather than market rates, which can result in significantly lower monthly costs for qualifying households.

  • Median household income: $58,671/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Median market rent: $1,224/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Share of households that rent: 52% (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Affordable housing units tracked: 3,018 across 46 properties
Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 46 HUD-assisted properties in Wilmington have been mapped for flood zone exposure. Of those, 1 property falls within a high-risk flood zone, while the remaining 45 are not designated high-risk.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 82/100(36 of 76 scored)
90+ (12)70–89 (17)60–69 (2)<60 (5)No score (40)

76 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 76 affordable apartments in Wilmington→

Other cities in DE

› Affordable housing in Claymont› Dover income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Georgetown› Harbeson affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Laurel› Affordable housing in Lewes› Middletown income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Milford› Millsboro affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Milton› Affordable housing in New Castle› Newark income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in DE› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

A Closer Look at Affordable Housing in Wilmington, DE

Wilmington is Delaware's largest city and a majority-renter community, with 52 percent of households renting according to Census ACS 5-Year data. With 46 HUD-assisted and income-based properties totaling 3,018 units, there is a substantial base of affordable housing across the city.

The median asking rent in Wilmington is $1,224 per month and the median household income is $58,671 annually, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. For households that qualify, income-restricted units can make a meaningful difference in housing costs.

Getting Around Wilmington

Wilmington scores 87 (Very Walkable) according to Walk Score, meaning many daily errands can be handled on foot. Transit and bike scores each come in at 48, indicating some options but likely a need to plan trips in advance for longer distances.

Property Conditions

Of the 46 properties tracked by Lease Lantern, 36 have inspection scores on file. Among those scored, 12 rated Excellent and 17 rated Good, while 2 rated Fair and 5 rated Poor. Prospective renters should review individual property scores before applying.

Flood Risk

All 46 properties have been mapped for flood risk. 1 property falls within a high-risk flood zone. Renters considering that property may want to ask about flood insurance requirements and building preparedness.

Safety Context

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer figures reported by the Wilmington Police Department, the city recorded a violent crime rate of 1,138 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Renters are encouraged to research specific neighborhoods and visit properties in person.

Schools

Wilmington is served by 14 school districts and 53 public schools -- including 29 elementary, 5 middle, and 18 high schools -- according to NCES Common Core of Data. Families should contact individual schools and districts to confirm enrollment eligibility based on address.

Eligibility & how to apply

Delaware income limits (2026)Delaware public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Delaware

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →