Situated in the northern suburbs of Columbus, Delaware is a beautiful, family-friendly city. Famous for being the home of Ohio Wesleyan University, a charming historic downtown area, and peaceful residential neighborhoods, moving to Delaware, Ohio is a wonderful choice.
Delaware, OH was first founded in 1808. Soon after in 1816, the city was incorporated. By 1851, railroads connected the area to surrounding cities. Starting in 1946, Delaware, OH became famous for its now internationally-known horse race, The Little Brown Jug. Thanks to its myriad amenities and conveniences, Delaware, Ohio is a great place to live and is popular among families, commuters, retirees, and students. According to the city’s official website, Delaware, was recently named as one of the Top 50 Best Places to Live in America.
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Where is Delaware, Ohio?
Delaware, Ohio is in Delaware County. The city is part of the Columbus, Ohio metropolitan area. It is located along the Olentangy River, and borders neighboring towns such as Ostrander, Radnor, and Kilbourne. Delaware, OH is also minutes down the road from sprawling Delaware State Park and Delaware Lake.
It is approximately 26 miles from Delaware OH to Columbus OH, which is the closest city. Additionally, it is a 67 mile drive from Delaware to Cedarville (which is located just outside of Dayton).
Delaware, Ohio Population & Demographics
According to the 2020 US Census, the population of Delaware, Ohio is 41,252 , which equals a population density of 2,094.8 people per square mile. Since 2010, the population has increased by over 20%. Notable individuals who’ve lived in Delaware, Ohio include 19th President of the United States Rutherford B. Hayes, 26th Vice President Charles W. Fairbanks, and former MLB player and coach Buck Rodgers.
Delaware, Ohio Demographics:
- Percentage of men vs. women: 51% female, 49% male
- Median age: 36.5 years
- Racial and ethnic composition: 85% White, 4% Black, 4% two or more races, 3% Asian, 3% Hispanic
- Median household income: $74,130 (approximately 10% higher than the median household income in the Columbus, OH Metro Area)
- Educational attainment: 94.3% high school diploma (or higher), 42.5% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 3.8%
Delaware, Ohio is a very safe place to live. According to the FBI crime statistics, Delaware has a total crime rate of 1,008 per 100,000 residents; crime in Delaware, OH is 53.3% lower than the state average. Additionally, the city’s violent crime rate is 57% lower than the state average, and 64.9% lower than the U.S. average. Protecting the city is the 55 officers of the Delaware Police Department.
Cost of Living in Delaware, Ohio
Living in Delaware, Ohio is affordable. The surrounding Columbus OH Metro area has a composite Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 91.5. This figure is well below the U.S. average of 100. Housing is especially affordable, with a COLI of just 86.5.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $87,106 per year to afford to live in Delaware, Ohio.
Typical Delaware, Ohio Living Expenses:
- Average Delaware, OH utilities per month: $246.56
- Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $70
- Preschool or private kindergarten: $1,000 per month per child
- Gym membership: $45 per month
- Internet: $50 per month
Source: Numbeo
Thinking about buying a home before moving to Delaware, Ohio? According to Redfin, the Delaware, Ohio median home price is $360,000. This figure is significantly less than the U.S. median home sale price. Explore Delaware, OH homes for sale.
For those who prefer to rent, the average Delaware rent cost is $1,259 per month for a 984 square foot apartment (Source: RentCafe.com). When compared to rent costs in similarly sized cities, living in Delaware, Ohio is a great value.
Delaware, Ohio Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Delaware, Ohio
Wondering where to live in Delaware, Ohio? Although the area is relatively small, the city has distinct communities that offer their own unique personality, conveniences, and amenities.
One of the best neighborhoods for families in Delaware, Ohio is the area around Veterans Park. Encompassing tranquil subdivisions that offer newly built homes, the Delaware Community Center YMCA, and Boulder Park, this locale is wonderful for parents and their children. For individuals who are looking for a similar environment with properties that are more established, the tree-lined communities near Smith Park are ideal.
Want to be closer to shopping, dining, and other conveniences? Some of the best Delaware, Ohio neighborhoods can be found near Highway 23. In this general area, enjoy living minutes from Delaware’s historic downtown, the Richard M. Ross Art Museum, Ohio Wesleyan University, and Bicentennial Park.
Delaware, Ohio Weather & Climate
According to the Köppen classification, Delaware, Ohio has a humid continental climate. This means that the city experiences hot and humid summers, as well as chilly winters. To avoid the extremes of this climate type, the best times to visit Delaware, Ohio are during the spring and fall months.
The average annual temperature of Delaware, Ohio is approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it a good place for those who enjoy cooler weather. The average rainfall is 38 inches per year, which is the same amount as the U.S. national average. Delaware, Ohio experiences an average of 22 inches of snowfall per year.
Things to Do in Delaware, Ohio
Year-round, there are many things to do in Delaware, Ohio. Exploring some of the best things to do in Delaware is helpful prior to moving to the area.
When looking to go shopping, enjoy the convenience of living near the Delaware Shopping Center, the Delaware Community Plaza, and the Georgetown Shopping Center.
Alum Creek State Park
Sitting along the Alum Creek Reservoir, Alum Creek State Park is a sprawling natural area that features 3,000 feet of sandy beaches. Kid-friendly and family-friendly, visitors can go swimming, hiking, and can spend time at its playground.
3400 Lewis Center Rd, Lewis Center, OH 43035, 740-548-4631.
Delaware State Park
Another picturesque local park is the Delaware State Park. Located on the north side of the city, just off of Highway 23, visitors enjoy access to Delaware Lake and the Delaware State Park Marina, camping sites, a disc golf course, and more.
5202 U.S. Highway 23 North, Delaware, OH 43015, 740-548-4631.
Delaware County Fairgrounds
Home to the historic Little Brown Jug horse race, motor sports events, and the family-friendly Delaware County Fair (held every September), the Delaware County Fairgrounds features ample sights, sounds, and entertainment throughout the year.
236 Pennsylvania Ave, Delaware, OH 43015, 740-362-3851.
Additional attractions in Delaware, Ohio:
Searching for more things to do in Delaware, Ohio? City of Delaware Parks and Recreation manages all local parks, recreation programs, and more. You can also check the Main Street Delaware events calendar to uncover upcoming events in the area!
Delaware, Ohio Restaurants
Looking for the top restaurants in Delaware, Ohio? In the central part of the city, there is an abundance of exceptional eateries for residents and visitors to frequent.
Mohio Pizza Co. Enjoy some of the best pizza in Delaware OH at Mohio Pizza Co. Handcrafted from scratch, popular pizzas include the Sausage Poblano, the Mortadella, and the Sriracha Margarita.
23 N Sandusky St, Delaware, OH 43015, 740-363-9990.
1808 American Bistro. Individuals who desire an upscale dining experience in Delaware, Ohio will adore the ambiance at 1808 American Bistro. Offering dishes made with locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients, every menu item is fresh and delicious.
29 E Winter St, Delaware, OH 43015, 740-417-4373.
The Rutherford Café. Nestled in Historic Downtown, The Rutherford Café is the best restaurant for sandwiches in Delaware, Ohio. Favorites include egg-based breakfast sandwiches, the BLT, PB&J, and even a few vegan options.
9 E William St, Delaware, OH 43015, 740-990-0085.
Jobs in Delaware, Ohio
There are a variety of employment opportunities throughout the city. Some of the largest industries in Delaware, Ohio include manufacturing, trade, government, and service. Top employers in the area specialize in plastics, automobile coatings, retail, education, insurance, and more.
According to PayScale, the average hourly wage in Delaware, Ohio is $18.96. The average annual salary is $73,000. Before moving to the city, browse jobs in Delaware, Ohio.
Delaware, Ohio Schools
Schools in Delaware, Ohio are part of the Delaware City Schools district. Public schools in Delaware, Ohio are highly rated. The best schools include John C. Dempsey Middle School, Cheshire Elementary School, and Olentangy Berlin High School.
For individuals looking to enroll in a higher education program, Ohio Wesleyan University is located in Delaware, Ohio.
The Delaware County District Library — located at 84 E Winter Street — serves both students and residents throughout the city.
Delaware, Ohio Statistics & Information
- County: Delaware County
- Delaware, Ohio area: 20.23 square miles
- Delaware, Ohio zip code: 43015
- Delaware, Ohio area codes: 740 and 220
- Delaware, Ohio elevation: 942 feet
- Delaware, Ohio time zone: Eastern (EST)
- Closest airport to Delaware, Ohio: John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), 30.5 miles away
Delaware, OH Map
Explore more things to do, restaurants, and amenities with this map of Delaware, Ohio.
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