Where is Delaware Located in the United States?

Delaware, the second smallest state in the United States, is located on the East Coast, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and several neighboring states. Known for its rich history, coastal charm, and small size, Delaware holds the title of “The First State” as it was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Delaware’s state facts include: state name: Delaware, postal abbreviation: DE, population: approximately 1 million (2024 estimate), area: 1,949 square miles, capital: Dover, largest city: Wilmington, year of statehood: 1787, time zones: Eastern Time Zone.

Bordering States

Pennsylvania

To the north, Delaware shares a border with Pennsylvania, marked by the famous Twelve-Mile Circle, an arc that defines the boundary between the two states. This circular boundary originates from colonial agreements and remains one of the few boundaries in the U.S. based on a geometric arc. The area where Delaware meets Pennsylvania is part of the Philadelphia metropolitan area, with Wilmington serving as a major urban center close to this border. The Delaware-Pennsylvania border is largely suburban and urban, with Philadelphia being a major economic and cultural hub for the entire region. The proximity of cities like Wilmington to Philadelphia creates significant economic and social ties between Delaware and Pennsylvania, particularly through shared industries such as banking, healthcare, and education.

Maryland

Delaware’s longest border is with Maryland, which stretches along the state’s western and southern edges. This boundary runs for approximately 80 miles, defining much of the rural and agricultural regions of Delaware’s western side. The Mason-Dixon Line separates Maryland from Delaware, a historic boundary that was originally surveyed to resolve colonial disputes and later became symbolic in the division between the Northern and Southern states. The two states share important waterways, such as the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, which influence Delaware’s economy and environment. Major towns near this border include Elkton, MD, and Newark, DE, both of which play roles in cross-border commuting and trade.

New Jersey

To the east, Delaware is separated from New Jersey by the Delaware River and the Delaware Bay, which form natural borders between the two states. The Delaware River serves as a critical waterway for commerce and transportation, connecting the Port of Wilmington with larger ports in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Delaware Memorial Bridge connects northern Delaware with southern New Jersey, facilitating significant transportation and trade between the two states. This connection is particularly important for industries like shipping, chemicals, and manufacturing. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry also links southern Delaware with Cape May, New Jersey, providing a scenic and vital transport route for residents and tourists traveling between the two states.

GPS Coordinates of Delaware

Delaware is geographically located between the latitudes of 38.4510° N and 39.8390° N and the longitudes of 75.0489° W and 75.7872° W, placing it along the eastern seaboard of the United States. The state is positioned within the Mid-Atlantic region, giving it access to key cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., all of which lie within a few hours’ drive.

The central coordinates of Delaware are close to 39.0° N, 75.5° W, which places the state within the Eastern Time Zone. Delaware’s location on the East Coast means it experiences a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers, particularly in the southern parts of the state near the coast.

Delaware’s positioning along the Atlantic Flyway, a major migratory route for birds, contributes to its rich biodiversity, especially in the wetland areas along the Delaware Bay. The proximity of Delaware to the ocean influences its weather, particularly in the coastal towns like Rehoboth Beach and Lewes, where the maritime climate moderates seasonal temperature changes.

The state’s relatively small geographic span makes travel within Delaware quick and accessible, with major highways like Interstate 95 running through northern Delaware, connecting it with neighboring states and major cities. Additionally, Delaware’s coastal location positions it as a key player in shipping and trade along the Atlantic Coast, with the Port of Wilmington being one of the busiest ports in the region.

Levels of Elevation in Delaware

Delaware’s topography is relatively flat compared to many other U.S. states, with its landscape consisting largely of coastal plains, wetlands, and rolling hills in the northern region. The highest point in Delaware is located near Ebright Azimuth, which rises to an elevation of 448 feet (137 meters) above sea level. This point is located in New Castle County, close to the Pennsylvania border, and while it is the highest elevation in Delaware, it is modest compared to the peaks in other states.

The Piedmont region in northern Delaware, where Ebright Azimuth is found, features gently rolling hills and a more rugged terrain than the rest of the state. This area is home to parks and natural areas that offer scenic views of Delaware’s elevated landscapes, such as Brandywine Creek State Park and White Clay Creek State Park.

In contrast, much of central and southern Delaware is part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, which has an average elevation of around 60 feet. This region is characterized by its flat, sandy terrain, making it ideal for agriculture, particularly the cultivation of crops like corn and soybeans. The flat terrain also makes Delaware highly susceptible to flooding, particularly in areas near the Delaware River and Bay, where storm surges and high tides can cause water levels to rise.

The lowest point in Delaware is at sea level along the state’s extensive coastline, particularly where the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet. This coastal area is known for its sandy beaches, barrier islands, and wetlands, which provide crucial habitats for wildlife and serve as important areas for tourism and recreation.

Most Extreme Points of Delaware

Delaware’s most extreme geographical points define the boundaries of this compact state and highlight its diversity of landscapes, from riverside cities to coastal beach towns.

• Easternmost point: The easternmost point of Delaware is located at Cape Henlopen, near the town of Lewes. This area is where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, and it is home to Cape Henlopen State Park, a popular destination for beachgoers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Cape Henlopen is also a historic site, featuring remnants of World War II-era military fortifications.
• Westernmost point: The westernmost point of Delaware lies near the town of Delmar, along the Maryland-Delaware border. This area is part of the Delmarva Peninsula, which is shared by Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. Delmar itself is known for its small-town charm, and it straddles the state line, with portions of the town existing in both Maryland and Delaware.
• Southernmost point: The southernmost point of Delaware is also located near the town of Delmar, in Sussex County. The border between Delaware and Maryland runs along the southern edge of Delaware, and this region is primarily rural, with agriculture being the dominant industry. The southern part of Sussex County is also close to Delaware’s beach resorts, including Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island, popular destinations for visitors.
• Northernmost point: The northernmost point in Delaware is found near the town of Claymont, in New Castle County, close to the Pennsylvania state line. This area is part of the Philadelphia metropolitan region, with Claymont serving as a suburban community. The northern edge of Delaware is characterized by rolling hills and proximity to the urban centers of Wilmington and Philadelphia.

Major Mountains in Delaware

Delaware is a relatively flat state, and it does not have any significant mountains or major peaks like those found in many other U.S. states. The state’s highest elevations are found in the northern Piedmont region, but even here, the “mountains” are more accurately described as rolling hills or ridges rather than towering peaks.

The Piedmont region, located in northern Delaware, near the Pennsylvania border, features some of the highest elevations in the state. While not mountainous, this area includes a series of gentle hills and ridges formed by ancient geological activity. Ebright Azimuth, the state’s highest point, rises to 448 feet (137 meters) and is located near the town of Concord. This area offers scenic views and is a popular spot for those interested in visiting Delaware’s highest geographical point.

Despite the absence of true mountains, Delaware’s northern Piedmont region is part of the larger Appalachian Piedmont, which extends from Alabama through the Mid-Atlantic states. The rolling hills and rocky terrain of northern Delaware are the remnants of ancient mountain ranges that have been worn down by millions of years of erosion. These geological features are most evident in state parks like Alapocas Run State Park and Brandywine Creek State Park, where rock outcrops and steep bluffs create picturesque landscapes.

In addition to the Piedmont region, Delaware’s coastal plains, particularly in the southern part of the state, are largely flat and lack any significant elevation changes. These plains are part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, which extends along much of the Eastern seaboard. While not mountainous, this region is essential for agriculture, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems.

Major Rivers and Lakes in Delaware

Delaware’s rivers and lakes play a crucial role in its environment, economy, and culture, providing water for agriculture, recreation, and transportation. The state’s waterways are essential for wildlife and serve as key economic hubs, particularly in terms of shipping and industry.

• The Delaware River: The most significant river in Delaware, the Delaware River forms the eastern border of the state, separating it from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The river flows for 330 miles from New York through Pennsylvania and New Jersey before emptying into the Delaware Bay. The river is a vital waterway for commerce, especially around the Port of Wilmington, one of the busiest ports on the East Coast. The Delaware River also provides drinking water to millions of people in the region and is a popular location for recreational activities such as fishing and boating.
• The Christina River: A tributary of the Delaware River, the Christina River runs through northern Delaware, including the city of Wilmington. It played a critical role in Delaware’s early industrial history and continues to serve as an important transportation and economic route. The Christina River waterfront in Wilmington has been revitalized and is now a popular destination for recreation, dining, and entertainment.
• The Nanticoke River: Flowing from southern Delaware into Maryland, the Nanticoke River is one of the state’s most important rivers for wildlife, particularly for migratory birds and fish. The river winds through the Delmarva Peninsula and supports a rich ecosystem of wetlands, forests, and agricultural land.
• Silver Lake: Located in Dover, Silver Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Delaware. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and picnicking, serving as a recreational hub for the state’s capital city.
• Lums Pond: The largest freshwater pond in Delaware, Lums Pond is located within Lums Pond State Park. It covers approximately 200 acres and is a popular site for fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The park surrounding the pond also offers camping, sports fields, and scenic trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.