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2026 Update: The 10 Least Favorable Job Markets in Delaware
At Zippia, we are dedicated to exploring job opportunities across the country, identifying both the best and worst locations for employment.
This article highlights the least favorable cities for job seekers in Delaware, following a recent analysis of the state’s more promising job markets.
These cities currently face challenges that hinder their ability to attract and retain job seekers, making them less appealing for employment opportunities.
After analyzing data from the 76 most populated cities in Delaware, we identified the ten least favorable cities for job seekers:
- Harrington
- Dover
- Woodside East
- Smyrna
- Dover Base Housing
- Rising Sun-Lebanon
- Cheswold
- Camden
- Rodney Village
- Felton
Continue reading to understand our methodology.
For more insights about Delaware, explore:
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Delaware
- The 100 Largest Companies in Delaware
How We Identified the Least Favorable Job Markets in Delaware
Our analysis began with data collection from all populated areas in Delaware, focusing on cities with a population exceeding 5,000 residents.
This left us with a total of 76 cities to evaluate.
Each city was ranked based on various criteria, with rankings from 1 to 76, where 1 indicates the most unfavorable position in each category.
We then calculated the average ranking across all criteria, with the city holding the lowest overall score earning the title of “Least Favorable City in Delaware for Job Seekers.”
The criteria considered included:
1. Harrington
Population: 3,582 Recent Job Growth: -0.51%
Future Job Growth: 32.90%
2. Dover
Population: 36,259 Recent Job Growth: -0.51%
Future Job Growth: 31.60%
3. Woodside East
Population: 2,091 Recent Job Growth: -0.51%
Future Job Growth: 32.90%
4. Smyrna
Population: 10,065 Recent Job Growth: -0.51%
Future Job Growth: 32.90%
5. Dover Base Housing
Population: 3,164 Recent Job Growth: -0.51%
Future Job Growth: 32.90%
6. Rising Sun-Lebanon
Population: 3,145 Recent Job Growth: -0.51%
Future Job Growth: 32.90%
7. Cheswold
Population: 1,480 Recent Job Growth: -0.51%
Future Job Growth: 32.90%
8. Camden
Population: 3,418 Recent Job Growth: -0.51%
Future Job Growth: 32.90%
9. Rodney Village
Population: 1,309 Recent Job Growth: -0.51%
Future Job Growth: 32.90%
10. Felton
Population: 1,420 Recent Job Growth: -0.51%
Future Job Growth: 32.90%
Conclusion
After a thorough examination of the employment landscape, Harrington emerged as the least favorable city for job seekers in Delaware.
While the state’s economy continues to evolve and job opportunities become more accessible, these cities currently struggle to keep pace.
We hope these areas can improve their job markets and provide better opportunities for their residents soon.
Detailed List of Least Favorable Job Markets in Delaware
| City | Rank |
|---|---|
| harrington | 1 |
| dover | 2 |
| woodside east | 3 |
| smyrna | 4 |
| dover base housing | 5 |
| rising sun-lebanon | 6 |
| cheswold | 7 |
| camden | 8 |
| rodney village | 9 |
| felton | 10 |

