Assisted Living in Wilmington, Delaware
Home to 70,166 residents, including 8,900 seniors, Wilmington is Delaware's largest and most populous city. This historic community was founded by America's first Swedish settlers in 1638 and was formally incorporated in 1731. Today, Wilmington is a thriving community known for its historic neighborhoods, abundant recreational opportunities and many cultural events. The city hosts holiday extravaganzas, music festivals and ethnic celebrations, including the enduring St. Anthony's Italian Festival.
Seniors in this community benefit from a high quality of life, a mild coastal-influenced climate and a cost of living that's roughly 10% lower than the national average. As part of the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metropolitan area, older adults in Wilmington enjoy reasonable assisted living costs of $4,875 per month, which is just above the national average and substantially lower than the state median. Additionally, the community is home to nearly two dozen assisted living facilities, giving local seniors a wide range of options.
The SeniorScore™ for Wilmington, Delaware
With a SeniorScore of 78 out of 100, Wilmington is an attractive, livable city that's ideal for retirees and older adults. The community's above-average ranking is six points higher than the national average and two points higher than the state median. This comprehensive scoring system uses information from public and private databases to grade the city on more than 100 data points. Ranking factors are split across four general categories, including Health and Safety, Finances, Quality of Life and Recreation.
Art, culture and outdoor fun are part of Wilmington's charm, so it's not surprising that the city earned an impressive Recreation and Leisure score of 76. Residents have access to two dozen parks, 100 golf courses and nearly 300 grocery stores and shopping centers. The city also received excellent marks for Health and Safety, thanks to its high number of health care providers, senior living communities and hospitals. These attributes earned it a solid category score of 70, despite the area's high crime rate.
Wilmington fared reasonably well from a financial standpoint. Its score of 67 was based on the area's below-average tax rates and above-average income. However, these factors were partially offset by the high cost of long-term care, especially in relation to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The community's SeniorScore also considered general quality of life based on the area's dense population, poor air quality, moderate climate and transportation access. These metrics earned the city a modest quality of life score of 62. Despite some shortcomings due to safety and schools, Wilmington is a livable, age-friendly community that offers a number of perks for older adults, who represent nearly 30% of the total population.
SeniorScore™ for Wilmington, Delaware
The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.
- Wilmington scores higher than the Delaware average of 76.
- Wilmington scores higher than the national average of 72.
- There is a very high number of Medicare registered physicians within the city limits.
- There are 9 hospitals within close range of the city, including St Francis Hospital, Veterans Affairs Med Center, and Alfred I Dupont Hospital.
- There are 88 senior living facilities in close proximity to the city, including Ingleside Homes, Ingleside Homes, and Regency Healthcare and Rehab Center.
- There is a very high number of home healthcare providers operating in the city.
- There is a very high number of fire stations serving the city.
- The average life expectancy is 78.4, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- There are 539 pharmacies within close range of the city.
- The area has a very high property crime rate.
- The area has a very high violent crime rate.
- The city has an average percentage of seniors in the population (28% of residents).
- There are 101 golf courses in or around the city, including North Course at Hercules Country Club, Nemours Course at DuPont Country Club, The, and Rock Manor Golf Club.
- There are 24 parks near the city center, including Wilmington State Parks, Rodney Square, and Old Swedes Church.
- There are 440 churches in or near the city, including Immanuel Church Highlands, St Ann\'s Church, and St Stephens Lutheran Church.
- There are 14 malls / shopping centers within close range of the city.
- There are 291 grocery stores within the city.
- There are 9 movie theatres in or near the city.
- There are 172 gyms or health clubs in or near the city.
- The property taxes average 1.78% of total income, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 0.55% of property value, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
- The city sales taxes averages 0.00%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 6.97%.
- Delaware has an average state income tax of 4.42%, compared to the national average of 3.38%.
- The city's mean household income is $82,626, which is significantly higher than the national average of $64,580.
- The city's median household income is $63,672, which is significantly higher than the national median of $51,560.
- The city's per capita income is $34,516, which is significantly higher than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs average $68,940 per year, which are very high compared to national figures.
- Nursing home costs average $117,895 per year, which are very high compared to national costs.
- Adult daycare costs average $17,995 per year, which are average compared to national numbers.
- Home healthcare costs average $45,760 annually, which are average compared to national costs.
- The unemployment rate is about 8.38%, which is average compared to national averages.
- The overall cost of living is high compared to national averages.
- 1% of the senior population are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
- Wilmington receives average levels of rainfall each year.
- Wilmington has average mean temperatures, with comfortable winters and pleasant summers.
- This city has very poor air quality.
- This city has below average water quality.
- Wilmington has a dense population density of 3,674.9 people per square mile.
- Residents of Wilmington have a short daily commute time.
- The city has a very high public transportation ridership.
- Wilmington has a very low public school quality ranking.
- The city has a very high public school safety rating.
- This city has an average graduation rate of 87.58%.
Assisted Living Costs in Wilmington, Delaware
Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey contained limited data for Delaware and included Wilmington with Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, due to its proximity. Therefore, Wilmington’s average cost of assisted living is $5,685, lower than Delaware’s state average by $310. However, it’s more than the national average of $4,500 by $1,185.
Dover was the only city in Delaware on Genworth’s list. At $6,073, Dover’s price was higher than Wilmington’s average by $388. Alternately, Wilmington’s cost was higher than most nearby cities in Pennsylvania, including Lancaster’s average cost of $5,550. However, it’s lower than Reading’s price of $5,720 by $35.
- Wilmington: $5,685
- Delaware: $5,995
- United States: $4,500
- Dover, Delaware: $6,073
- Gettysburg: $4,515
- York: $5,510
- Lancaster: $5,550
- Reading: $5,720
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Wilmington, Delaware
Assisted living is one senior care option and costs more in Wilmington than all other options except nursing home care. Semi-private rooms in nursing homes run $11,437, more than twice the cost. Conversely, in-home care costs $5,329, making it less by $356, and home health care is $5,339, or $346 less. Adult day health care is the lowest cost option at $1,777, less than a third of the cost of assisted living.
- In-home Care: $5,329
- Home Health Care: $5,339
- Adult Day Health Care: $1,777
- Assisted Living Facility: $5,685
- Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room): $11,437
Note: Data for Wilmington, DE was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Philadelphia, PA, was used instead.
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Wilmington, Delaware
Cadia Rehabilitation Pike Creek is a 130 room nursing care facility. It is situated near the North Star neighborhood of Wilmington, Delaware. With a median per-household income of $71,470, the community is in a mostly middle income area. ...
Cadia Rehabilitation Silverside is a 120 unit nursing home facility. It is located at 3322 Silverside Rd in Wilmington, Delaware. The surrounding area has a dense population, with roughly 26,000 residents in the 19810 zip code. It ...
Located at 2723 Shipley Rd in Wilmington, Delaware, Shipley Manor is an 82 bed senior care facility. With an average household income of $83,287, the facility is in a largely affluent area. It is densely populated, with approximately ...
Forwood Manor is a 72 bed senior housing facility. It is located at 1912 Marsh Rd in Wilmington, Delaware. With around 26,000 individuals living in the zip code of 19810, the neighboring area is heavily populated. It ...
Manorcare Health Services - Wilmington is a 138 bed nursing home facility situated in Wilmington, Delaware. The community is in a largely upper class area, with an average per-household income of $96,953. It is heavily populated, with roughly ...
Milton and Hattie Kutz Home is a 90 room senior community. It is located at 704 River Rd in Wilmington, Delaware. The surrounding area has a medium-density population, with around 15,000 residents in the zip code of 19809. ...
Located at 1212 Foulk Rd in Wilmington, Delaware, Foulk Manor North is a 40 room senior community. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with around 22,000 residents in the 19803 zip code. It is a mostly wealthier area, ...
Hillside Center is a 106 unit senior housing community. It is located at 810 South Broom St in Wilmington, Delaware. The facility is in a primarily middle class area, with a median family income of $46,000. It ...
Located at 2200 West 4th St, The Lorelton is a senior community serving Wilmington, Delaware. With around 42,000 residents in the 19805 zip code, the encompassing area is heavily populated. It is a mostly middle income area, with ...
Located at 4830 Kennett Pike in Wilmington, Delaware, Country House is a 60 room senior community. With approximately 8,000 individuals living in the 19807 zip code, the neighboring area has a medium-density population. It is a primarily well-to-do ...
Manorcare Health Services - Pike Creek is a 167 room nursing facility. It is located close to the North Star area of Wilmington, Delaware. The facility is in a primarily middle income area, with an average per-household ...
Luther Towers is a senior community located at 1420 N Franklin St in Wilmington, Delaware. The encompassing area has a medium-density population, with about 11,000 people residing in the 19806 zip code. It is a primarily middle ...
Arden Courts of Wilmington is a senior care facility located at 700 1 2 Foulk Rd in Wilmington, Delaware. The surrounding area has a dense population, with roughly 22,000 people residing in the zip code of 19803. It ...
Home For Aged Women Minquadale Home is a senior community located at 1101 Gilpin Ave in Wilmington, Delaware. The encompassing area has a medium-density population, with approximately 11,000 people residing in the zip code of 19806. It ...
Located at 1201 N Harrison St Ofc 1, Luther Towers is a senior care community serving Wilmington, Delaware. The neighboring area has an average population density, with about 11,000 individuals living in the zip code of 19806. It ...
Located at 1201 N Harrison St, Luther Towers I is a senior care facility in Wilmington, Delaware. The surrounding area has an average population density, with roughly 11,000 poeple living in the 19806 zip code. It is a ...
Sunrise of Wilmington is a senior care facility located at 2215 Shipley St in Wilmington, Delaware. With approximately 22,000 poeple living in the 19803 zip code, the surrounding area is heavily populated. It is a mostly affluent area, ...
Lodge Lane Assisted Living is a senior care facility located at 1221 Lodge Ln in Wilmington, Delaware. With a median per-family income of $62,356, the community is in a largely middle income area. It has a medium-density population, ...
Located at 1005 N Franklin St, Ingleside Homes is a senior care community in Wilmington, Delaware. The facility is in a mostly middle class area, with an average per-family income of $71,671. With approximately 11,000 poeple living in ...
Rockland Place is located at 1519 Rockland Rd in Wilmington, Delaware. It is a 95 unit senior housing facility. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with roughly 22,000 people residing in the 19803 zip code. With a ...
Located at 1605 N Broom St, Ingleside Assisted Living is a senior care facility serving Wilmington, Delaware. With around 11,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 19806, the neighboring area has a medium-density population. It is a ...
Located at 407 Foulk Rd, Foulk Manor South is a senior housing community in Wilmington, Delaware. With an average household income of $96,953, the facility is in a mostly upper class area. It is densely populated, with approximately ...
Located at 1005 North Franklin St, Ingleside Homes is a senior community in Wilmington, Delaware. With approximately 11,000 poeple living in the zip code of 19806, the neighboring area has an average population density. It is a generally ...
Free Assisted Living Resources in Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington Senior Center The Wilmington Senior Center provides life-sustaining services and socially enriching activities to seniors aged 50 and older who are residents of Wilmington and neighboring parts of Pennsylvania and Maryland. The senior center offers freshly prepared lunches, educational classes and exercise programs. Members participate in financial planning workshops, support groups, crafts, technology classes and Bible study meetings. Membership is $20 per year. The facility also offers a lifetime membership option and affordable per-activity rates for nonmembers. 1901 N. Market St., Wilmington, DE 19802 (302) 651-3400 https://wilmingtonseniorcenter.org |
Absalom Jones Senior Center Operated by New Castle County Parks and Recreation, this full-service senior center offers recreational activities, wellness programs, affordable lunches and local transportation. Staff members also provide benefits information and referrals related to Medicare, Medicaid, utility bill assistance and in-home services. Membership is free to all seniors in Wilmington and New Castle County. 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804 (302) 995-7636 https://www.nccde.org/491/Absalom-Jones-Senior-Center |
New Castle County Senior Services New Castle County Community Services offers a wide range of programs for seniors aged 50 and older. Popular services include senior home repair loans, property tax discounts and phone-based wellness checks through the Senior Roll Call Lifeline. The county also operates an art studio and a Book Buddy Program that delivers library items to homebound residents. Additionally, the county connects Wilmington seniors with volunteer opportunities throughout the community. 77 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720 (302) 395-5613 https://nccde.org/462/Senior-Services |
Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center Operated with support from Delaware Health and Social Services' Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, the Delaware ADRC functions as the state's area agency on aging. This one-stop center connects seniors, disabled adults and caregivers with community-based services and government-sponsored benefits. It provides general information, options counseling and enrollment support through a number of lead partner agencies. 1901 N. Dupont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720 (800) 223-9074 http://www.delawareadrc.com |
Independent Resources Inc. As part of the national Centers for Independent Living, Independent Resources provides a wide array services to help disabled residents live safely and independently in the community. It offers skills training, nursing home transition planning, advocacy and peer-to-peer support groups for individuals living with physical and intellectual disabilities or visual impairments. It also connects Wilmington seniors with in-home supports, adaptive equipment and accessible housing. 6 Denny Road, Ste. 101, Wilmington, DE 19809 (302) 765-0191 https://iri-delaware.org |
Jewish Family Services of Delaware A lead partner of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, JFS assists more than 2,200 families every year. It offers social programs for Delawareans of all ages and faiths. Its core Older Adult Services include options counseling, support groups and interdisciplinary Alzheimer's care designed to benefit dementia patients and their caregivers. JFS also provides subsidized housing for disabled adults at B'nai B'rith House and home-based services through JFS Village, a program that helps seniors in Wilmington and northern New Castle County live safely and independently within the community. 99 Passmore Road, Wilmington, DE 19803 (302) 478-9411 https://www.jfsdelaware.org/older-adult-services/ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
How much does assisted living cost in the state of Delaware?
Answer
With a range between around $100 and $197 daily, the median price of assisted living in Delaware is around $5,500 per month.
Question
How much does assisted living cost in Wilmington?
Answer
Assisted living in Wilmington, Delaware costs on average approximately $58,626 per year. Monthly, the range is between $1,050 and $11,250, with an average of about $4,886.
Question
What services are included with assisted living?
Answer
The services administered in assisted living facilities typically include spiritual programs, help getting dressed, social programs, incontinence care, and transportation services.
Question
What assisted living facilities in Wilmington take Medicaid?
Answer
These assisted living communities in Wilmington accept Medicaid: Rockhill Mennonite Community, Hopkins Center, Arbors at New Castle, Kearsley Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, and Fairview Care Center of Bethlehem Pike.
Question
What are the demographics of Wilmington?
Answer
While the city has 215,619 people, the encompassing statistical area has a total population of 532,564. Around 28% of the local residents are over the age of 55.