Founded: 1683; incorporated 1829
Head Official: Mayor Stephen R. Speed (N-P) (since 2001)
City Population
1980: 23,507
1990: 27,630
2000: 32,135
2003 estimate: 32,808
Percent change, 1990–2000: 16.30%
U.S. rank in 1990: 1,160th (State rank: 2nd)
U.S. rank in 2000: Not reported (State rank: 2nd)
Metropolitan Area Population
1980: 98,219 (Kent County)
1990: 110,993 (Kent County became an MSA in 1990)
2000: 126,697 (MSA)
Percent change, 1990–2000: 14.15%
U.S. rank in 2000: 225th
Area: 22.7 square miles (2000)
Elevation: 36 feet above sea level
Average Annual Temperature: 55° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 44.14 inches
Major Economic Sectors: services, trade, manufacturing, military
Unemployment rate: 2.7% (November 2004)
Per Capita Income: $19,445 (1999)
2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 1,923
Major Colleges and Universities: University of Delaware, Delaware State University, Wesley College, Delaware Technical and Community College, Wilmington College—Kent County
Daily Newspaper: Delaware State News, News Journal