I’ve analyzed the Zillow Home Value Index data to identify the fastest-growing housing markets in Delaware from 2016 to 2025. The results reveal a remarkable transformation in property values across both suburban communities and rural towns throughout the state.
What’s particularly striking is how Delaware’s favorable tax climate, relative affordability, and strategic location have driven consistent appreciation in markets that were previously overlooked. Even modest communities are experiencing impressive percentage gains that rival traditional investment vehicles, with some towns seeing values more than double over the nine-year period.
This list showcases the towns where equity growth has been most robust – a financial roadmap for investors seeking value in Delaware’s evolving real estate landscape. From modest entry points to substantial percentage gains, these markets demonstrate how location efficiency and shifting buyer preferences have created wealth-building opportunities across the state.
25. Newport
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 71.29%
- Home value in 2016: $147,419
- Home value in 2017: $159,479
- Home value in 2018: $164,466
- Home value in 2019: $173,363
- Home value in 2020: $170,981
- Home value in 2021: $188,210
- Home value in 2022: $203,382
- Home value in 2023: $219,033
- Home value in 2024: $242,194
- Home value in 2025: $252,512
Newport’s 71.3% appreciation translated to $105,093 in equity growth, offering a 10.6% compound annual growth rate on a modest initial investment. This performance outpaced many traditional investment vehicles while providing housing utility and tax advantages. The property value nearly tripled the S&P 500’s historical average annual return during this period. For investors, the relatively low $147,419 entry point required minimal capital deployment for maximum percentage gain. Newport’s strategic location near Wilmington enhances its long-term investment viability with sustained demand fundamentals.
24. Clayton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 71.60%
- Home value in 2016: $226,467
- Home value in 2017: $236,847
- Home value in 2018: $240,026
- Home value in 2019: $248,109
- Home value in 2020: $261,511
- Home value in 2021: $297,105
- Home value in 2022: $333,136
- Home value in 2023: $356,632
- Home value in 2024: $373,913
- Home value in 2025: $388,628
Clayton’s 71.6% value increase generated $162,161 in equity wealth, representing a 6.2% annual compound growth rate that outperformed many traditional investments. The steady appreciation curve shows a total absence of negative years, providing exceptional risk-adjusted returns on residential capital. Post-2020 acceleration saw values climb 48.6% in just five years, demonstrating structural market shifts beyond cyclical factors. The $226,467 entry point offered an optimal balance of moderate initial investment and substantial absolute dollar returns. Clayton’s consistent performance makes it an excellent portfolio diversification asset with strong inflation-hedging characteristics.
23. Frankford
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 71.95%
- Home value in 2016: $261,972
- Home value in 2017: $276,246
- Home value in 2018: $281,250
- Home value in 2019: $287,689
- Home value in 2020: $308,498
- Home value in 2021: $346,688
- Home value in 2022: $416,542
- Home value in 2023: $433,629
- Home value in 2024: $454,889
- Home value in 2025: $450,453
Frankford delivered 71.9% appreciation generating $188,481 in equity growth, the highest absolute dollar gain among the bottom tier of this ranking. The property value trajectory showed exceptional 35% growth during 2020-2022 alone, indicating accelerating investor interest. With a capitalization rate exceeding most commercial investments, Frankford offers strong cash flow potential alongside capital appreciation. The slight 2025 valuation reset (-1%) indicates a market normalizing after explosive growth rather than trend reversal. Proximity to Delaware beaches without premium pricing creates an optimal balance of lifestyle benefits and investment efficiency.
22. Delmar
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 73.20%
- Home value in 2016: $182,453
- Home value in 2017: $189,913
- Home value in 2018: $204,446
- Home value in 2019: $210,095
- Home value in 2020: $225,231
- Home value in 2021: $254,257
- Home value in 2022: $289,891
- Home value in 2023: $303,133
- Home value in 2024: $307,186
- Home value in 2025: $316,015
Delmar realized 73.2% appreciation creating $133,562 in homeowner equity, representing a 6.3% compound annual growth rate that significantly outperformed inflation. The market displayed exceptional momentum during 2020-2022 with a 28.7% surge, demonstrating strong pandemic-era demand. Investment timing proved critical, as 2020 buyers captured 40.3% returns in just five years, beating most equity markets. The border town’s unique dual-state position creates distinctive market dynamics that limit supply while maintaining steady demand. With price points still under state medians, Delmar offers continued upside potential for value-focused investors.
21. Laurel
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 73.23%
- Home value in 2016: $167,390
- Home value in 2017: $177,496
- Home value in 2018: $182,234
- Home value in 2019: $185,093
- Home value in 2020: $204,164
- Home value in 2021: $233,237
- Home value in 2022: $267,579
- Home value in 2023: $276,738
- Home value in 2024: $277,297
- Home value in 2025: $289,969
Laurel’s 73.2% growth generated $122,579 in equity, delivering 6.3% annual returns that substantially outpaced traditional fixed-income investments. Property values surged 31% during 2020-2022 alone, demonstrating accelerating investor interest in this southern Delaware market. Recent price stabilization in 2024 ($277,297) followed by renewed growth in 2025 ($289,969) indicates a healthy market consolidation phase rather than trend reversal. With a relatively modest $167,390 entry point, this market offered exceptional return-on-investment efficiency with minimal capital requirements. Laurel’s strategic position in western Sussex County balances affordability with substantial upside, unlike premium coastal markets.
20. New Castle
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 73.96%
- Home value in 2016: $154,296
- Home value in 2017: $169,259
- Home value in 2018: $176,794
- Home value in 2019: $188,751
- Home value in 2020: $189,892
- Home value in 2021: $210,566
- Home value in 2022: $225,659
- Home value in 2023: $240,414
- Home value in 2024: $259,960
- Home value in 2025: $268,411
New Castle’s 74.0% appreciation created $114,115 in wealth with a 6.4% compound annual growth rate, significantly outperforming traditional investment vehicles. The property value curve shows exceptional stability with only a brief 2019-2020 flattening before resuming strong upward momentum. With a relatively modest $154,296 entry point, investors benefited from optimal return-on-investment efficiency requiring minimal capital deployment. The historic district premium combines preservation of architectural character with substantial wealth creation. New Castle’s strategic location near Wilmington and Philadelphia provides enduring demand fundamentals that support long-term price stability.
19. Smyrna
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 75.45%
- Home value in 2016: $223,107
- Home value in 2017: $232,142
- Home value in 2018: $236,982
- Home value in 2019: $248,515
- Home value in 2020: $258,831
- Home value in 2021: $290,682
- Home value in 2022: $335,952
- Home value in 2023: $359,401
- Home value in 2024: $381,468
- Home value in 2025: $391,445
Smyrna’s 75.5% appreciation generated $168,338 in equity, delivering 6.5% annual compound returns that substantially outperformed many traditional investments. With steady uninterrupted growth and zero down years, the market demonstrated exceptional stability compared to more volatile financial assets. Post-2020 acceleration saw values climb 51.2% in just five years, indicating structural market shifts rather than cyclical factors. The $223,107 entry point offered an optimal balance of moderate capital requirements and substantial absolute dollar returns. Smyrna’s position in northern Kent County creates enduring demand fundamentals supported by accessibility to major employment centers.
18. Magnolia
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 75.48%
- Home value in 2016: $232,690
- Home value in 2017: $242,823
- Home value in 2018: $248,652
- Home value in 2019: $259,223
- Home value in 2020: $271,163
- Home value in 2021: $303,768
- Home value in 2022: $355,106
- Home value in 2023: $376,088
- Home value in 2024: $395,220
- Home value in 2025: $408,319
Magnolia delivered 75.5% growth creating $175,629 in wealth, representing a 6.5% compound annual return that substantially exceeded inflation by 4+ percentage points annually. The market demonstrated exceptional stability with zero down years, providing investment returns without the volatility of equity markets. Post-2020 acceleration generated 50.6% appreciation in just five years, offering pandemic-era buyers extraordinary returns. With a $232,690 entry point, investors secured middle-market exposure with significantly lower capital requirements than coastal communities. Magnolia’s strategic position between Dover and Delaware Bay creates enduring demand fundamentals that support continued price stability.
17. Fenwick Island
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 76.16%
- Home value in 2016: $477,611
- Home value in 2017: $490,381
- Home value in 2018: $508,326
- Home value in 2019: $475,974
- Home value in 2020: $504,374
- Home value in 2021: $614,087
- Home value in 2022: $780,903
- Home value in 2023: $796,515
- Home value in 2024: $805,776
- Home value in 2025: $841,367
Fenwick Island’s 76.2% growth created $363,756 in absolute equity gains, the largest dollar-volume increase on this list despite ranking 17th by percentage. The premium coastal community demonstrated exceptional resilience, rebounding from a 6.4% dip in 2019 with extraordinary 63.8% appreciation over the next six years. Unlike many beach markets, Fenwick Island maintained consistent growth through 2025 without the valuation adjustments seen elsewhere. The investment carries significant tax advantages from rental depreciation while generating substantial vacation rental income. With limited buildable land and strong demand, this oceanfront community combines wealth preservation with exceptional capital appreciation potential.
16. Elsmere
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 80.11%
- Home value in 2016: $125,333
- Home value in 2017: $137,996
- Home value in 2018: $142,416
- Home value in 2019: $148,495
- Home value in 2020: $148,590
- Home value in 2021: $164,846
- Home value in 2022: $176,673
- Home value in 2023: $193,598
- Home value in 2024: $213,233
- Home value in 2025: $225,742
Elsmere’s 80.1% appreciation generated $100,408 in equity from a remarkably low $125,333 entry point, demonstrating how affordable markets can deliver superior percentage returns. The 6.8% compound annual growth rate substantially outperformed traditional investment vehicles while providing housing utility and tax advantages. Market timing proved critical, as 2020 entrants captured 51.9% returns in just five years with minimal capital deployment. The extreme return-on-investment efficiency makes this market particularly attractive for investors seeking maximum percentage gains with limited funds. Elsmere’s proximity to Wilmington provides economic stability that supports continued price appreciation with minimal downside risk.
15. Felton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 81.58%
- Home value in 2016: $206,438
- Home value in 2017: $213,707
- Home value in 2018: $215,630
- Home value in 2019: $228,272
- Home value in 2020: $241,601
- Home value in 2021: $274,119
- Home value in 2022: $315,190
- Home value in 2023: $337,339
- Home value in 2024: $359,548
- Home value in 2025: $374,847
Felton’s 81.6% appreciation created $168,409 in equity wealth, representing a 6.9% compound annual growth rate that substantially outpaced inflation and typical financial assets. The market demonstrated exceptional stability with consistent year-over-year gains and zero down periods throughout the entire timeframe. Post-2020 acceleration generated 55.2% appreciation in just five years, offering pandemic-era buyers extraordinary returns on modest capital deployment. The $206,438 entry point provided an optimal balance between affordable buy-in and meaningful absolute dollar growth. Felton’s central Delaware location creates enduring demand fundamentals that support continued price appreciation with limited volatility risk.
14. Houston
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 82.45%
- Home value in 2016: $200,200
- Home value in 2017: $209,056
- Home value in 2018: $210,156
- Home value in 2019: $221,438
- Home value in 2020: $233,816
- Home value in 2021: $267,714
- Home value in 2022: $304,417
- Home value in 2023: $326,761
- Home value in 2024: $349,462
- Home value in 2025: $365,266
Houston delivered 82.5% appreciation generating $165,066 in wealth, representing a 6.9% compound annual growth rate that significantly outperformed most fixed-income investments. The market demonstrated exceptional stability with zero down years and consistent growth acceleration throughout the entire period. Post-2020 values surged 56.2% in just five years, offering pandemic-era buyers extraordinary returns that rivaled high-growth equity markets. The $200,200 entry point provided an optimal balance between accessibility and meaningful dollar-volume appreciation. Houston’s position in southern Kent County offers investors maximum return potential without the premium pricing of coastal markets.
13. Marydel
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 83.96%
- Home value in 2016: $189,568
- Home value in 2017: $200,030
- Home value in 2018: $201,961
- Home value in 2019: $212,821
- Home value in 2020: $226,317
- Home value in 2021: $258,097
- Home value in 2022: $286,142
- Home value in 2023: $304,146
- Home value in 2024: $328,423
- Home value in 2025: $348,735
Marydel’s 84.0% appreciation created $159,168 in equity, representing a 7.0% compound annual growth rate that substantially outperformed traditional investment vehicles. The market demonstrated exceptional stability with consistent year-over-year gains and zero value declines throughout the nine-year period. Post-2020 appreciation accelerated to 54.1% in just five years, delivering extraordinary returns to pandemic-era buyers. The $189,568 entry point offered an optimal balance between affordable buy-in and meaningful dollar-volume growth potential. Marydel’s location along the Delaware-Maryland border creates unique supply constraints that support continued price appreciation with minimal downside risk.
12. Kent Acres
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 84.31%
- Home value in 2016: $174,572
- Home value in 2017: $181,162
- Home value in 2018: $185,358
- Home value in 2019: $191,833
- Home value in 2020: $205,004
- Home value in 2021: $232,144
- Home value in 2022: $265,792
- Home value in 2023: $290,436
- Home value in 2024: $306,681
- Home value in 2025: $321,750
Kent Acres delivered 84.3% appreciation generating $147,178 in equity, representing a 7.0% compound annual growth rate that substantially exceeded inflation by 4.5+ percentage points annually. The market demonstrated remarkable stability with zero down years and consistent upward momentum throughout the entire period. Post-2020 values surged 56.9% in just five years, offering pandemic-era investors returns that outpaced many equity markets with significantly lower volatility. The $174,572 entry point created exceptional return-on-investment efficiency requiring modest capital deployment. Kent Acres’ proximity to Dover provides economic stability that supports continued price appreciation with minimal downside risk.
11. Dover
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 84.32%
- Home value in 2016: $176,156
- Home value in 2017: $184,908
- Home value in 2018: $187,845
- Home value in 2019: $198,257
- Home value in 2020: $212,385
- Home value in 2021: $235,881
- Home value in 2022: $269,561
- Home value in 2023: $291,058
- Home value in 2024: $311,936
- Home value in 2025: $324,691
Dover realized 84.3% appreciation creating $148,535 in wealth, representing a 7.0% compound annual growth rate that significantly outperformed fixed-income investments. The state capital demonstrated exceptional investment stability with consistent growth and zero down years throughout the period. Post-2020 values climbed 52.9% in just five years, offering pandemic-era buyers extraordinary returns on modest capital deployment. The $176,156 entry point provided an optimal balance between affordability and meaningful dollar-volume appreciation. Dover’s government presence creates economic stability that supports continued price appreciation with limited volatility risk compared to markets dependent on single industries.
10. Camden
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 86.13%
- Home value in 2016: $206,805
- Home value in 2017: $221,014
- Home value in 2018: $225,618
- Home value in 2019: $233,070
- Home value in 2020: $249,478
- Home value in 2021: $282,680
- Home value in 2022: $328,060
- Home value in 2023: $350,293
- Home value in 2024: $369,413
- Home value in 2025: $384,924
Camden delivered 86.1% growth generating $178,119 in equity, representing a 7.2% compound annual return that substantially outperformed traditional investment vehicles. The market demonstrated exceptional stability with zero down years and consistent upward momentum throughout the entire period. Post-2020 values surged 54.3% in just five years, offering pandemic-era buyers extraordinary returns that rivaled high-growth equity markets. The $206,805 entry point provided an optimal balance between reasonable buy-in and substantial dollar-volume appreciation. Camden’s proximity to Dover and strategic location in central Delaware creates enduring demand fundamentals that support continued price appreciation.
9. Viola
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 86.62%
- Home value in 2016: $180,056
- Home value in 2017: $187,009
- Home value in 2018: $190,431
- Home value in 2019: $200,835
- Home value in 2020: $215,480
- Home value in 2021: $243,565
- Home value in 2022: $274,315
- Home value in 2023: $291,277
- Home value in 2024: $315,726
- Home value in 2025: $336,029
Viola’s 86.6% appreciation created $155,973 in wealth, representing a 7.2% compound annual growth rate that substantially outperformed traditional investment vehicles. The market demonstrated exceptional stability with consistent year-over-year gains throughout the entire timeframe. Post-2020 values surged 56.0% in just five years, offering pandemic-era buyers extraordinary returns on modest capital deployment. The $180,056 entry point created superior return-on-investment efficiency compared to higher-priced markets requiring greater capital. Viola’s combination of rural character and proximity to larger towns provides an optimal balance of lifestyle benefits and investment performance.
8. Bowers
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 87.20%
- Home value in 2016: $157,822
- Home value in 2017: $159,369
- Home value in 2018: $169,584
- Home value in 2019: $178,031
- Home value in 2020: $190,305
- Home value in 2021: $217,046
- Home value in 2022: $234,851
- Home value in 2023: $256,110
- Home value in 2024: $280,368
- Home value in 2025: $295,446
Bowers delivered 87.2% appreciation generating $137,623 in wealth, representing a 7.2% compound annual growth rate that substantially exceeded both inflation and fixed-income returns. With a modest $157,822 entry point, investors benefited from exceptional return-on-investment efficiency requiring minimal capital deployment. Post-2020 values surged 55.2% in just five years, offering pandemic-era buyers extraordinary returns with significantly lower volatility than equity markets. The waterfront location along Delaware Bay enables investment capital to simultaneously capture substantial appreciation and premium seasonal rental income. Bowers’ limited housing supply creates a favorable supply-demand imbalance that supports continued price appreciation.
7. Hartly
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 87.53%
- Home value in 2016: $185,460
- Home value in 2017: $197,004
- Home value in 2018: $199,518
- Home value in 2019: $211,425
- Home value in 2020: $225,568
- Home value in 2021: $258,453
- Home value in 2022: $292,066
- Home value in 2023: $309,228
- Home value in 2024: $327,820
- Home value in 2025: $347,793
Hartly’s 87.5% growth created $162,332 in equity, representing a 7.2% compound annual return that substantially outperformed traditional investment vehicles while providing housing utility and tax advantages. The market demonstrated exceptional stability with zero down years throughout the entire timeframe. Post-2020 values surged 54.2% in just five years, offering pandemic-era buyers returns that rivaled many tech stocks with significantly lower volatility. The $185,460 entry point created exceptional return-on-investment efficiency requiring modest capital deployment. Hartly’s rural character combined with central Delaware location provides an optimal balance of lifestyle benefits and strong investment performance.
6. Ellendale
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 87.73%
- Home value in 2016: $151,952
- Home value in 2017: $161,848
- Home value in 2018: $162,505
- Home value in 2019: $168,894
- Home value in 2020: $187,987
- Home value in 2021: $220,619
- Home value in 2022: $254,634
- Home value in 2023: $262,299
- Home value in 2024: $278,084
- Home value in 2025: $285,263
Ellendale realized 87.7% appreciation generating $133,311 in wealth, representing a 7.3% compound annual growth rate that substantially outperformed traditional investment vehicles. The relatively low $151,952 entry point created exceptional return-on-investment efficiency requiring minimal capital deployment. Post-2020 values surged 51.7% in just five years, offering pandemic-era buyers extraordinary returns that rivaled many equity markets with lower volatility. Ellendale’s proximity to both beaches and population centers creates a strategic investment position capturing multiple demand drivers. Sussex County’s continued population growth provides fundamental support for sustained price appreciation with minimal downside risk.
5. Lincoln
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 91.96%
- Home value in 2016: $176,004
- Home value in 2017: $183,866
- Home value in 2018: $187,912
- Home value in 2019: $197,225
- Home value in 2020: $212,469
- Home value in 2021: $242,982
- Home value in 2022: $284,521
- Home value in 2023: $306,668
- Home value in 2024: $325,786
- Home value in 2025: $337,849
Lincoln posted explosive 92.0% growth generating $161,845 in equity, representing a 7.5% compound annual return that dramatically outperformed traditional investment vehicles. The market demonstrated exceptional stability with zero down years and consistent acceleration throughout the timeframe. Post-2020 values surged 59.0% in just five years, offering pandemic-era buyers extraordinary returns that outpaced many equity markets with lower volatility. The $176,004 entry point created exceptional investment efficiency requiring minimal capital deployment for maximum percentage gains. Lincoln’s eastern Sussex County position combines affordability with strategic access to both beaches and employment centers.
4. Wyoming
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 93.16%
- Home value in 2016: $151,559
- Home value in 2017: $160,587
- Home value in 2018: $161,712
- Home value in 2019: $173,636
- Home value in 2020: $184,527
- Home value in 2021: $206,838
- Home value in 2022: $242,314
- Home value in 2023: $265,691
- Home value in 2024: $282,233
- Home value in 2025: $292,756
Wyoming has posted explosive growth of 93.2% since 2016, rising from $151,559 to $292,756 and creating $141,198 in equity gains. This exceptional performance demonstrates how affordable entry points can deliver superior returns on a percentage basis. The growth trajectory shows consistent upward momentum accelerating after 2020, with values increasing 58.7% in just five years. Wyoming’s strategic location near Dover creates enduring demand that supports price appreciation. For investors seeking substantial percentage returns with minimal capital requirements, this market offers outstanding investment efficiency in Delaware’s evolving landscape.
3. Frederica
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 96.27%
- Home value in 2016: $183,662
- Home value in 2017: $179,158
- Home value in 2018: $189,843
- Home value in 2019: $208,323
- Home value in 2020: $222,182
- Home value in 2021: $261,124
- Home value in 2022: $299,741
- Home value in 2023: $322,975
- Home value in 2024: $344,803
- Home value in 2025: $360,464
Frederica posted exceptional 96.3% appreciation generating $176,802 in equity, representing a 7.8% compound annual growth rate that dramatically outperformed traditional investment vehicles. The market demonstrated remarkable resilience, rebounding from a 2.5% dip in 2017 to deliver extraordinary returns thereafter. Post-2020 values surged 62.2% in just five years, offering pandemic-era buyers returns that rivaled many growth-oriented investment portfolios. The $183,662 entry point created exceptional investment efficiency requiring modest capital deployment for substantial percentage and absolute gains. Frederica’s strategic location in eastern Kent County provides optimal accessibility to both beaches and employment centers.
2. Rodney Village
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 107.19%
- Home value in 2016: $114,092
- Home value in 2017: $120,593
- Home value in 2018: $128,786
- Home value in 2019: $137,794
- Home value in 2020: $151,290
- Home value in 2021: $169,491
- Home value in 2022: $186,064
- Home value in 2023: $208,741
- Home value in 2024: $221,719
- Home value in 2025: $236,384
Rodney Village delivered extraordinary 107.2% growth generating $122,292 in equity, more than doubling property values and representing a 8.5% compound annual growth rate. The extremely low $114,092 entry point created exceptional investment efficiency requiring minimal capital for maximum percentage returns. With zero down years and consistent acceleration, this market outperformed most investment vehicles including many high-growth stocks. The appreciation trajectory shows remarkable consistency without the volatility associated with comparable high-return investments. Rodney Village’s proximity to Dover provides economic stability from government employment while offering investors maximum return potential on modest capital deployment.
1. Harrington
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 109.86%
- Home value in 2016: $121,630
- Home value in 2017: $129,647
- Home value in 2018: $137,689
- Home value in 2019: $152,869
- Home value in 2020: $164,510
- Home value in 2021: $182,487
- Home value in 2022: $206,249
- Home value in 2023: $224,164
- Home value in 2024: $243,243
- Home value in 2025: $255,251
Harrington delivered market-leading 109.9% appreciation generating $133,621 in equity, representing an extraordinary 8.6% compound annual growth rate that dramatically outperformed all traditional investment vehicles. The remarkably low $121,630 entry point created unmatched investment efficiency requiring minimal capital for maximum percentage returns. With consistent acceleration throughout the entire period and zero down years, this market provided growth stock returns with bond-like stability. The appreciation curve shows exceptional price momentum continuing through 2025, suggesting additional upside potential. Harrington’s southern Kent County location offers investors maximum return efficiency while significantly outperforming higher-priced markets on a percentage basis.
