Delaware often gets overlooked as a result of our small size. It is the second smallest state in terms of overall land area and the seventh smallest in terms of population. To prove that being small isn’t all bad, we’ve compiled a list of some of the very smallest towns in Delaware. City-Data, our go-to source for census, income and residential data for places across the country, reports that there are approximately 18 towns that have fewer than 1,000 residents. Many are actually the most beautiful in the state.
Here are 11 of our favorite super tiny towns in Delaware, from largest to smallest. Take a look and think about passing through for a visit – just make sure to keep your eyes open or you may miss them.
- Frankford, Sussex County, Population 878
Mike Mahaffie / Flickr
Lee Cannon / Flickr Despite being one of the larger of the tiny towns on this list, Frankford certainly comes with a small-town feel. Spend time there this summer and enjoy movies under the stars at “Movies at the Park.” Click here to see this summer’s schedule.
- Dagsboro, Sussex County, Population 829
Lee Cannon / Flickr
Lee Cannon / Flickr Dagsboro is home to Prince George’s Chapel, one of the oldest churches in the United States.
- Frederica, Kent County, Population 799
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Mike Mahaffie / Flickr Frederica is not only beautiful, but also the home of the company that created the spacesuits for the Apollo and Skylab astronauts.
- Millville, Sussex County, Population 561
Lee Cannon / Flickr
Paul Luffel / Flickr Millville was incorporated in 1906, and grew very slowly for many years. However, in the last decade the population has grown more than 100%. So, if you want to enjoy the town with the “a beautiful way of life” motto before it explodes, you should head there now!
- Arden, New Castle County, Population 444
uofdlibrary / Flickr
Smallbones / WIkimedia Commons The quirky little town of Arden is noted on the National Register of Historic Places. It was founded in 1900 as a Utopian, Single-Tax Community. Half of the area is actually forest, which is not taxed at all. Make a visit if you love art, theater and culture - something for which the village is noted.
- Fenwick Island, Sussex County, Population 391
Lee Cannon / Flickr
Forsaken Fotos / Flickr We say skip Ocean City and head to Fenwick Island. Home to Fenwick Island State Park, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy here. If you want to feel the true size of this community, come during the winter. That’s when it truly earns its place on this list.
- Odessa, New Castle County, Population 373
Lee Cannon / Flickr
Mike Mahaffie / Flickr Odessa was once in important area along the Delaware River, acting as a busy grain shipping port. A visit to the town today is a history lover’s dream. Come and explore the network of 18th and 19th century homes.
- Bowers, Kent County, Population 346
Mike Mahaffie / Flickr
Mike Mahaffie / Flickr
Mike Mahaffie / Flickr It might not be obvious, but the town of Bowers is actually quite small when it comes to year-round population. It’s a lovely seaside community. Head there for the 4th Annual Buccaneer Bash on Memorial Day Weekend! Click here for more information.
- Magnolia, Kent County, Population 233
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Mike Mahaffie / Flickr The 126 acres that make up Magnolia are contained within a very unique boundary. The shape of the town is a complete circle!
- Little Creek, Kent County, Population 232
Jeffrey / Flickr
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr Little Creek was first settled in the early 1800s and was reportedly first inhabited by pirates! It is now a very small community with a long-standing fishing heritage.
- Slaughter Beach, Sussex County, Population 215
tjdatsrt / Flickr
tjdatsrt / Flickr Slaughter Beach is a lot more lovely than the name might imply. The town was founded in 1681 and its popularity has fluctuated. Perhaps the small year-round community has ensured that wildlife has flourished.
What are your favorite small towns in Delaware? Head over to our Facebook page and let us know!
Mike Mahaffie / Flickr
Lee Cannon / Flickr
Despite being one of the larger of the tiny towns on this list, Frankford certainly comes with a small-town feel. Spend time there this summer and enjoy movies under the stars at “Movies at the Park.” Click here to see this summer’s schedule.
Dagsboro is home to Prince George’s Chapel, one of the oldest churches in the United States.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Frederica is not only beautiful, but also the home of the company that created the spacesuits for the Apollo and Skylab astronauts.
Paul Luffel / Flickr
Millville was incorporated in 1906, and grew very slowly for many years. However, in the last decade the population has grown more than 100%. So, if you want to enjoy the town with the “a beautiful way of life” motto before it explodes, you should head there now!
uofdlibrary / Flickr
Smallbones / WIkimedia Commons
The quirky little town of Arden is noted on the National Register of Historic Places. It was founded in 1900 as a Utopian, Single-Tax Community. Half of the area is actually forest, which is not taxed at all. Make a visit if you love art, theater and culture - something for which the village is noted.
Forsaken Fotos / Flickr
We say skip Ocean City and head to Fenwick Island. Home to Fenwick Island State Park, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy here. If you want to feel the true size of this community, come during the winter. That’s when it truly earns its place on this list.
Odessa was once in important area along the Delaware River, acting as a busy grain shipping port. A visit to the town today is a history lover’s dream. Come and explore the network of 18th and 19th century homes.
It might not be obvious, but the town of Bowers is actually quite small when it comes to year-round population. It’s a lovely seaside community. Head there for the 4th Annual Buccaneer Bash on Memorial Day Weekend! Click here for more information.
The 126 acres that make up Magnolia are contained within a very unique boundary. The shape of the town is a complete circle!
Jeffrey / Flickr
Little Creek was first settled in the early 1800s and was reportedly first inhabited by pirates! It is now a very small community with a long-standing fishing heritage.
tjdatsrt / Flickr
Slaughter Beach is a lot more lovely than the name might imply. The town was founded in 1681 and its popularity has fluctuated. Perhaps the small year-round community has ensured that wildlife has flourished.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
