Middletown, Delaware
Middletown | |
|---|---|
 Four corners at the main intersection of Middletown | |
 Flag  Seal | |
| Nickname: Diamond Town of the Diamond State | |
 Location of Middletown in New Castle County, Delaware. | |
  Middletown Location within the state of Delaware  Middletown Middletown (the United States) | |
| Coordinates:39°26′58″N75°42′59″W/ 39.44944°N 75.71639°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Delaware |
| County | New Castle |
| Incorporated | 1861 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Ken Branner |
| • Vice Mayor | Jim Reynolds |
| Area | |
| • Total | 12.65 sq mi (32.75 km2) |
| • Land | 12.51 sq mi (32.41 km2) |
| • Water | 0.13 sq mi (0.34 km2) |
| Elevation | 66 ft (20 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 23,192 |
| • Density | 1,853.28/sq mi (715.56/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5(Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4(EDT) |
| ZIP code | 19709 |
| Area code | 302 |
| FIPS code | 10-47030 |
| GNISfeature ID | 214304[2] |
| Website | www |
Middletownis a town inNew Castle County, Delaware,United States. According to the 2021 Census, the population of the town is 24,164.[3]
Geography and climate[edit]
Middletown is located at39°26′58″N75°42′59″W/ 39.44944°N 75.71639°W(39.4495560, –75.7163207)[4]with an elevation of 66 feet (20.1 m).[5]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau,the town has a total area of 11.61 square miles (30.1 km2), of which 11.61 square miles (30.1 km2) is land and 0.16% is water.
| Climate data for Middletown, Delaware | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 71 (22) |
75 (24) |
81 (27) |
93 (34) |
93 (34) |
104 (40) |
104 (40) |
100 (38) |
100 (38) |
91 (33) |
82 (28) |
73 (23) |
104 (40) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 41 (5) |
45 (7) |
55 (13) |
65 (18) |
75 (24) |
83 (28) |
87 (31) |
86 (30) |
80 (27) |
68 (20) |
57 (14) |
46 (8) |
66 (19) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 24 (−4) |
26 (−3) |
33 (1) |
42 (6) |
52 (11) |
61 (16) |
65 (18) |
64 (18) |
57 (14) |
45 (7) |
37 (3) |
29 (−2) |
45 (7) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −15 (−26) |
−15 (−26) |
1 (−17) |
8 (−13) |
31 (−1) |
39 (4) |
46 (8) |
43 (6) |
34 (1) |
21 (−6) |
15 (−9) |
−6 (−21) |
−15 (−26) |
| Averageprecipitationinches (mm) | 3.17 (81) |
2.60 (66) |
3.71 (94) |
3.48 (88) |
4.04 (103) |
3.59 (91) |
3.96 (101) |
3.21 (82) |
3.50 (89) |
3.80 (97) |
3.31 (84) |
3.31 (84) |
41.68 (1,060) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 4.8 (12) |
5.8 (15) |
1.2 (3.0) |
0.1 (0.25) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0.2 (0.51) |
2.4 (6.1) |
14.5 (36.86) |
| Source:[6] | |||||||||||||
Infrastructure[edit]
Transportation[edit]
TheDelaware Route 1toll road passes along the east edge of Middletown, and the town has a signed exit atOdessaforDelaware Route 299.TheU.S. Route 301toll road is just west and north of Middletown, serving theChesapeake Bay Bridgeto the southwest. US 301 has exits for Middletown at DE 299 west of town andDelaware Route 71north of town. DE 71 passes north–south through Middletown on Broad Street and heads north to theSummit Bridgeand south toTownsendandU.S. Route 13.DE 299 passes east–west through Middletown on Main Street.Delaware Route 15,a rural road, is concurrent with DE 299 at Middletown, allowing access toDoverandSmyrna.
DART First Stateserves Middletown along the Route 46 bus, which runs between apark and ridein Odessa and theNewark Transit HubinNewark,passing through Middletown and serving the Amazon fulfillment center. From the park and ride lot in Odessa, riders have access to the Route 301 bus toWilmingtonandDoverand the seasonal Route 305 "Beach Connection" bus toLewes.The Route 37 bus provides rush hour weekday and Saturday service between the Amazon fulfillment center in Middletown and Wilmington via theChristiana Mall.The Route 302 bus provides intercounty service between a park and ride lot in North Middletown and Dover via Middletown, serving the Amazon fulfillment center.[7]Cecil Transitoperates a Demand Response route twice a month betweenCecilton, Marylandand Middletown, providing residents of southernCecil Countyaccess to shopping and healthcare in Middletown.[8]
TheDelmarva Central Railroad's Delmarva Subdivision line runs through the center of Middletown.[9]
Summit Airportis just to the north of the town. The largerWilmington Airportis inNew Castle,with very limited commercial air service. The nearest airport with extensive commercial air service is thePhiladelphia International AirportinPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania.
Utilities[edit]
The Town of Middletown Electric Department provides electricity to the town.[10]The electric department is a member of theDelaware Municipal Electric Corporation.[11]The town maintains an electric substation, with electricity supplied to the substation by a 138,000 kV line fromDelmarva Power's Mt. Pleasant Substation. A second 138,000 kV line to the town's substation is being constructed from Delmarva Power's Townsend Substation to increase the reliability of electricity in Middletown.[12]The Water/Wasterwater Department provides water and sewer service to Middletown.[10]Trash Tech provides trash collection and recycling to Middletown.[13]Natural gas service in Middletown is provided byChesapeake Utilities.[14]
Health care[edit]
Christiana Care Health Systemoperates theMiddletown Free-standing Emergency Departmentin Middletown, offering 24-hour emergency care with 18 treatment rooms.[15]It opened in April 2013 at a cost of $34 million.[16]
Education[edit]
Public education in Middletown is provided by theAppoquinimink School District,[17]which has recently[when?]built a new elementary school, Old State Elementary, to accommodate the population growth of the area and overcrowding at the other elementary schools. Even more recently, a new middle school, Cantwells Bridge, and a new high school,Odessa High Schoolwere built. Overcrowding atMiddletown High School,which was over-capacity by 400 students during the 2005–2006 school year, resulted in the construction of a second high school,Appoquinimink High School,which opened in Fall 2008,[18]as well as a third high school, Odessa High School, which opened in 2020.
TheSt. Georges Technical High Schoolis located to the northeast of the town.MOT Charter Schoolhas two buildings, a high school to the northeast, and a K–8 building in the southwest.
Two private schools are located on the side of the town:St. Anne's Episcopal School,which offers grades K-8, andSt. Andrew's School,a coedboarding schoolaffiliated with theEpiscopal Diocese of Delaware.
Wilmington Universityhad a location in town.
Demographics[edit]
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1850 | 368 | — | |
| 1860 | 523 | 42.1% | |
| 1870 | 915 | 75.0% | |
| 1880 | 1,280 | 39.9% | |
| 1890 | 1,454 | 13.6% | |
| 1900 | 1,567 | 7.8% | |
| 1910 | 1,399 | −10.7% | |
| 1920 | 1,260 | −9.9% | |
| 1930 | 1,247 | −1.0% | |
| 1940 | 1,529 | 22.6% | |
| 1950 | 1,755 | 14.8% | |
| 1960 | 2,191 | 24.8% | |
| 1970 | 2,644 | 20.7% | |
| 1980 | 2,946 | 11.4% | |
| 1990 | 3,834 | 30.1% | |
| 2000 | 6,161 | 60.7% | |
| 2010 | 18,871 | 206.3% | |
| 2020 | 23,192 | 22.9% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[19] | |||
As of thecensus[20]of 2000, there were 6,161 people, 2,298 households, and 1,631 families residing in the town. The population density was 962.4 inhabitants per square mile (371.6/km2). There were 2,514 housing units at an average density of 392.7 per square mile (151.6/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 94.42%White,1.30%African American,0.11%Native American,0.78%Asian,0.02%Pacific Islander,1.93% fromother races,and 1.44% from two or more races.HispanicorLatinoof any race were 5.29% of the population.
Population in 2012: 19,483 White alone - 10,804 (58.4%) Black alone - 4,863 (26.3%) Hispanic - 1,319 (7.1%) Asian alone - 940 (5.1%) Two or more races - 491 (2.7%) American Indian alone - 29 (0.2%) Other race alone - 31 (0.2%) •Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone - 18 (0.10%)[21]
There were 2,298 households, out of which 41.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.5% weremarried couplesliving together, 18.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 22.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.14.
In the town, the population was spread out, with 30.9% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 33.5% from 25 to 44, 18.3% from 45 to 64, and 7.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.7 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $41,663, and the median income for a family was $47,270. Males had a median income of $35,688 versus $30,044 for females. Theper capita incomefor the town was $18,517. About 8.8% of families and 10.9% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 12.7% of those under age 18 and 13.6% of those age 65 or over.
Growth[edit]
Recent annexations of land have stimulated Middletown's growth; it is known as the fastest growing area in Delaware. Between 2000 and 2010, the population of the town grew 206.3%.[5]Many affluent housing developments surround the town's center, especially to its north, attracting, among others, commuters fromWilmington,and evenPhiladelphia.
Middletown's commerce has grown accordingly. National retail and foodchain storeshave opened locations in the area, with significant growth along theU.S. 301corridor. AnAmazonfulfillment center is located in Middletown. This growth is more characteristic of suburban sprawl, a stark difference from Middletown's historic growth patterns.
As a result of the rapid growth of the area, Middletown established its own police force, The Middletown Police Department, on July 2, 2007. The Police Department officially began on October 3, 2007, with a foundation of 20 officers from surrounding Delaware police departments.
Events[edit]
Middletown is home to the Olde Tyme Peach Festival, an annual tradition that attracts tens of thousands of visitors each August. Main Street in the center of town is closed to traffic and activities begin with a parade down the street. Other entertainment includes local art and historical exhibits, live music, crafts, games, and a variety of food including limited time peach flavored treats. There is also a 5k run/walk on the same day of the festival, where all proceeds are donated to benefit the local sports boosters.
Middletown hosts the M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon, an annual Labor Day event that benefits local charities. The marathon runs 24 hours straight where people of all ages come out to play baseball on previously registered teams with an oversized softball, giving it the name "Big Ball". In 2013 the marathon had its most successful year, raising a record $65,000 in funds over the 24 hours.
Middletown also hosts an annual Hummers parade. The parade's name is a spoof of the nearby PhiladelphiaMummers parade.As opposed to the Mummers, which is judged seriously, the Hummers dress up and make fun of all the popular news headlines, political, celebrity, and local happenings of the year.
Media[edit]
The Middletown Transcriptis the main publication for the Middletown, Odessa and Townsend area. The first edition was printed on January 4, 1868. This community newspaper is published every Thursday.
Film appearances[edit]
The 1989coming-of-agedramafilmDead Poets Societydirected byPeter Weirand starringRobin WilliamsandEthan Hawkewas filmed almost entirely on the school grounds atSt. Andrew’s School.The theatre scene was filmed at The Everett Theatre on Main Street.
The episode ofThe West Wingentitled "Two Cathedrals"(#44) was partly filmed at St. Andrew's School.
Notable people[edit]
- Dennis C. Blair(born 1947), former Director of National Intelligence and retired United States Navy Admiral, attended St. Andrew's School
- John H. Brown Jr.(1891–1963), decorated Vice admiral in the U.S. Navy
- Erin Burnett(born 1976), journalist, attended St. Andrew's School
- Chris Godwin(born 1996), wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League
- Stephanie Hansen(born 1961), Delaware state senator
- Dwayne Henry(born 1962), formerMajor League Baseballpitcher
- Chad Kuhl(born 1992),Major League BaseballpitcherPittsburgh Pirates
- Morgan Hurd(born 2001), artistic gymnast and2017 World all-aroundchampion
- Reggie Leach(born 1950), formerPhiladelphia Flyersforward
- Shane O'Neill(born 1972), winner of thefirst season of Ink Master
- Maggie Rogers(born 1994), singer, attended St. Andrew's School
- Silas Simmons(1895–2006), longest-lived professional baseball player in history
- Loudon Wainwright III(born 1946), folk singer
References[edit]
- ^"2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedOctober 31,2021.
- ^"Middletown".Geographic Names Information System.United States Geological Survey,United States Department of the Interior.
- ^"Population and Housing Unit Estimates".The United States Census Bureau.RetrievedJanuary 8,2020.
- ^"U.S. Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990".United States Census Bureau.February 12, 2011.RetrievedApril 23,2011.
- ^ab"Middletown, Delaware".Geographic Names Information System.United States Geological Survey.RetrievedAugust 2,2007.
- ^"Middletown, DE Monthly Weather Averages".RetrievedAugust 18,2020.
- ^"Routes and Schedules".DART First State.RetrievedAugust 16,2013.
- ^Kinnaly, Kevin (November 16, 2017)."Cecil Transit Adds New" Demand Response "Route".Maryland Association of Counties.RetrievedJune 18,2019.
- ^"Delmarva Central Railroad".Carload Express. November 8, 2016.RetrievedMarch 27,2017.
- ^ab"Public Works".Town of Middletown Delaware.RetrievedAugust 13,2017.
- ^"Members".Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation.RetrievedAugust 14,2017.
- ^Smith, Jerry (December 18, 2017)."Backup electrical transmission line signs Middletown is still growing".The News Journal.Wilmington, DE.RetrievedMarch 15,2018.
- ^"Info Page for Middletown, DE".Trash Tech.RetrievedAugust 13,2017.
- ^"Delmarva Service Territory".Chesapeake Utilities. Archived fromthe originalon August 15, 2017.RetrievedAugust 14,2017.
- ^"Middletown Free-standing Emergency Department".Christiana Care Health System.RetrievedJune 21,2014.
- ^Goss, Scott (April 10, 2013)."Christiana Care's Middletown Emergency Department to open next week".Middletown Transcript.RetrievedJune 21,2014.
- ^"2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: New Castle County, DE"(PDF).U.S. Census Bureau.RetrievedJune 18,2021.
- ^"Our Schools: Appoquinimink High".Appoquinimink School District.Archived fromthe originalon October 1, 2008.RetrievedMarch 30,2011.
- ^"Census of Population and Housing".Census.gov.RetrievedJune 4,2015.
- ^"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedJanuary 31,2008.
- ^"Middletown, Delaware (DE 19709, 19734) profile: population, maps, real estate, averages, homes, statistics, relocation, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, moving, houses, news, sex offenders".RetrievedDecember 21,2016.
External links[edit]
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| National | |
| Geographic | |
