Delaware, the second-smallest state in the union, faces a number of difficulties that force its citizens to look for other options. The following five towns have seen a sharp drop in population:
Wilmington
Wilmington, the largest and most populated city in Delaware, is one of the riskiest places to live and has many problems. According to the FBI, it had the highest violent crime rate in the state in 2020—1,387 incidents per 100,000 residents. The city also struggles with homelessness, unemployment, and poverty, which has led to a significant migration of citizens seeking safer and more prosperous places to live.
Dover
The second-biggest city in the state and capital, Dover, has trouble drawing in new inhabitants because of its poor air quality, high cost of living, and low median income. The city also struggles with a high student dropout rate and low graduation rate, which add to the city’s shrinking population as people go elsewhere in search of better opportunities.
Seaford
The small Sussex County town of Seaford is beset by a serious drug problem, especially in light of the opioid crisis. The town is not a desirable place to live for an extended period of time due to its high number of drug-related crimes and overdose deaths, low median property value, high poverty rate, and lack of facilities.
Laurel
Like Seaford, Laurel is a small town in Sussex County that struggles with high crime, low median income, and a general decline in quality of life. In addition, Laurel has a low diversity score and a high unemployment rate, which makes people actively look for chances elsewhere.
Georgetown
The county seat of Sussex County, Georgetown, struggles with undesirable elements like a high tax load, a low median property value, and a poor livability score. Due to the town’s problems—which include heavy traffic and a dense population—residents deliberately try to avoid going there.
Conclusion
Delaware’s towns, despite their small size, face a variety of difficult problems, such as poor living conditions, drug abuse, and unemployment. The difficulties Wilmington, Dover, Seaford, Laurel, and Georgetown encounter highlight the variety of factors behind the notable population reduction and the desire of locals to relocate to safer and more promising areas.
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