According to the Zillow Home Value Index, Delaware’s housing market has seen dramatic changes over the past 15 years. When you look at the data for the First State’s most affordable communities, you’ll notice striking patterns of growth that tell a compelling story about real estate trends in this small but diverse state.
What stands out immediately is how every single town in our analysis has experienced substantial value increases since 2010, with some communities seeing their home values more than double in just 15 years. Even more striking is that the most affordable communities in 2025 have shown some of the strongest percentage growth, suggesting an evening out of housing values across the state compared to previous decades.
You might be surprised to discover that Delaware’s least expensive towns aren’t necessarily concentrated in one region – they span from the northern industrial areas near Wilmington to central agricultural communities and southern coastal regions. This geographic diversity provides you with affordable options whether you prefer proximity to Philadelphia, beaches along the Atlantic, or the quieter charm of the state’s rural areas.
25. Odessa
- 2025 Home Value: $366,224
- 2020 Home Value: $258,892
- 2015 Home Value: $228,363
- 2010 Home Value: $220,905
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 41.46%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 60.37%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 65.78%
Located along the scenic Appoquinimink River in New Castle County, Odessa has transformed from a sleepy historic town into one of Delaware’s more desirable communities. Your investment in an Odessa home would have yielded impressive returns, with values climbing from $220,905 in 2010 to $366,224 in 2025 – a remarkable 65.78% increase. The growth accelerated particularly after 2020, when values jumped 41.46% in just five years, significantly outpacing the previous decade’s growth rate.
24. Arden
- 2025 Home Value: $365,840
- 2020 Home Value: $275,008
- 2015 Home Value: $270,698
- 2010 Home Value: $287,176
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 33.03%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 35.15%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 27.39%
Nestled in northern Delaware just minutes from the Pennsylvania border, Arden presents a unique case in our analysis. Your attention might be drawn to the fact that Arden is the only town on our list where 2010 values ($287,176) were actually higher than 2015 values ($270,698), indicating it experienced a prolonged recovery period after the housing crisis. The market turned decisively upward after 2015, with growth accelerating to reach $365,840 by 2025. The 15-year growth rate of 27.39% is the lowest on our list, but the community’s distinctive arts-focused culture and land trust model makes it an outlier in Delaware’s real estate landscape.
23. Frederica
- 2025 Home Value: $363,361
- 2020 Home Value: $225,997
- 2015 Home Value: $179,508
- 2010 Home Value: $178,129
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 60.78%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 102.42%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 103.99%
Centered in Kent County along the Murderkill River, Frederica showcases one of the most impressive growth stories in Delaware real estate. Your dollars would have gone twice as far had you purchased in 2010, as home values have more than doubled from $178,129 to $363,361 by 2025—an extraordinary 103.99% increase. The town remained relatively affordable through 2015, with minimal growth during the post-recession recovery, but then experienced explosive appreciation with values climbing over 60% just in the 2020-2025 period.
22. Georgetown
- 2025 Home Value: $353,005
- 2020 Home Value: $252,828
- 2015 Home Value: $195,200
- 2010 Home Value: $188,233
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 39.62%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 80.84%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 87.54%
Situated in the heart of Sussex County as its county seat, Georgetown offers you a strategic location with relatively affordable housing compared to Delaware’s coastal communities. The town’s home values have shown consistent growth, nearly doubling from $188,233 in 2010 to $353,005 in 2025—an 87.54% increase that accelerated particularly after 2015. Your investment would have seen especially strong returns between 2015-2025, with an 80.84% increase during this decade.
21. Newark
- 2025 Home Value: $351,417
- 2020 Home Value: $250,794
- 2015 Home Value: $210,962
- 2010 Home Value: $233,117
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 40.12%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 66.58%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 50.75%
Home to the University of Delaware in the northwest corner of the state, Newark presents an interesting trajectory in housing values. You can observe that Newark experienced a significant post-recession dip, with 2015 values ($210,962) still below 2010 levels ($233,117). However, the market rebounded dramatically after 2015, climbing to $351,417 by 2025—a 66.58% increase in just that decade. The college town atmosphere and proximity to both Philadelphia and Baltimore have driven consistent demand, resulting in an overall 50.75% growth since 2010.
20. Hartly
- 2025 Home Value: $348,285
- 2020 Home Value: $226,662
- 2015 Home Value: $172,620
- 2010 Home Value: $163,306
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 53.66%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 101.76%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 113.27%
Tucked away in Kent County west of Dover, Hartly has experienced one of the most dramatic value increases on our list. Your dollar would have gone more than twice as far in 2010, as home values have soared from $163,306 to $348,285 by 2025—an astonishing 113.27% increase. The tiny town showed steady growth through 2015, but then accelerated rapidly with values more than doubling in the decade since. The 53.66% growth just in the 2020-2025 period demonstrates how even rural Delaware communities have seen substantial appreciation.
19. Bridgeville
- 2025 Home Value: $347,919
- 2020 Home Value: $251,123
- 2015 Home Value: $209,632
- 2010 Home Value: $204,555
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 38.55%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 65.97%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 70.09%
Famous for its annual Apple Scrapple Festival in western Sussex County, Bridgeville shows a pattern of growth that accelerated significantly after 2015. Your investment would have appreciated 70.09% over the full 15-year period, rising from $204,555 in 2010 to $347,919 in 2025. What’s noteworthy is how the town experienced relatively modest growth in the immediate post-recession years, with values increasing just 2.5% between 2010-2015, before accelerating dramatically in subsequent periods. The 38.55% surge between 2020-2025 demonstrates how even agricultural communities have benefited from Delaware’s broader housing boom.
18. Lincoln
- 2025 Home Value: $347,790
- 2020 Home Value: $221,743
- 2015 Home Value: $174,043
- 2010 Home Value: $165,709
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 56.84%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 99.83%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 109.88%
Situated in the eastern part of Sussex County, Lincoln has experienced remarkable growth in home values, more than doubling from $165,709 in 2010 to $347,790 in 2025—a stellar 109.88% increase. Your attention might be drawn to how values nearly stagnated during 2010-2015, growing just 5%, before accelerating dramatically with a nearly 100% increase in the decade since 2015. The 56.84% surge just in the 2020-2025 period is among the highest five-year growth rates in our analysis.
17. Milford
- 2025 Home Value: $338,319
- 2020 Home Value: $231,273
- 2015 Home Value: $190,550
- 2010 Home Value: $197,412
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 46.29%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 77.55%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 71.38%
Straddling the Kent and Sussex County line along the Mispillion River, Milford presents an interesting case study in Delaware’s housing market. You’ll notice that home values actually decreased from $197,412 in 2010 to $190,550 in 2015, showing a delayed recovery from the housing crisis. However, the market rebounded dramatically afterward, surging to $338,319 by 2025 for an overall 71.38% gain over the 15-year period. The 46.29% growth just in the 2020-2025 timeframe demonstrates Milford’s emerging popularity.
16. Dover
- 2025 Home Value: $327,935
- 2020 Home Value: $216,551
- 2015 Home Value: $170,383
- 2010 Home Value: $182,820
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 51.44%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 92.47%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 79.38%
As Delaware’s capital city in the heart of Kent County, Dover displays a pattern common to several communities on our list. Your observation may be drawn to how values actually declined from $182,820 in 2010 to $170,383 in 2015, showing a prolonged housing crisis recovery. However, the subsequent decade saw explosive growth, with values nearly doubling to $327,935 by 2025. The 51.44% growth just in the 2020-2025 period highlights Dover’s accelerating momentum.
15. Delmar
- 2025 Home Value: $321,606
- 2020 Home Value: $232,946
- 2015 Home Value: $180,109
- 2010 Home Value: $191,871
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 38.06%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 78.56%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 67.62%
Uniquely straddling the Delaware-Maryland border in southwestern Sussex County, Delmar offers you a distinctive “bi-state” living experience. The town’s home values followed a pattern seen in several Delaware communities, declining from $191,871 in 2010 to $180,109 in 2015 before rebounding strongly to reach $321,606 by 2025—a 67.62% increase over the 15-year period. The 78.56% growth since 2015 demonstrates how dramatically the market recovered after its slow post-recession start. Delmar’s position along Route 13 and proximity to Salisbury, Maryland, makes it strategically located while maintaining lower housing costs than many coastal communities.
14. Wilmington
- 2025 Home Value: $312,440
- 2020 Home Value: $224,303
- 2015 Home Value: $198,082
- 2010 Home Value: $226,171
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 39.29%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 57.73%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 38.14%
As Delaware’s largest city located in the northernmost part of the state, Wilmington presents one of the most interesting trajectories in our analysis. You might be surprised to discover Wilmington is the only major city on our list where 2015 values ($198,082) were significantly lower than 2010 values ($226,171), indicating a particularly challenging post-recession recovery. However, the market has rebounded impressively since then, reaching $312,440 by 2025 for an overall 38.14% gain over the 15-year period—the second-lowest growth rate on our list. The 39.29% increase from 2020-2025 shows accelerating momentum.
13. Claymont
- 2025 Home Value: $305,370
- 2020 Home Value: $213,701
- 2015 Home Value: $166,374
- 2010 Home Value: $193,410
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 42.90%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 83.54%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 57.89%
Positioned at Delaware’s northernmost edge just south of the Pennsylvania border, Claymont showcases the recovery pattern seen in several New Castle County communities. You’ll notice home values actually declined significantly from $193,410 in 2010 to $166,374 in 2015, representing a slower post-recession recovery than many areas. However, the market rebounded dramatically afterward, climbing to $305,370 by 2025—a 57.89% increase over the 15-year period. The 83.54% growth since the 2015 low point demonstrates exceptional recovery momentum.
12. Seaford
- 2025 Home Value: $303,366
- 2020 Home Value: $216,971
- 2015 Home Value: $171,984
- 2010 Home Value: $167,053
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 39.82%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 76.39%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 81.60%
Located along the Nanticoke River in western Sussex County, Seaford has transformed from its industrial past as the “Nylon Capital of the World” into a community with steadily appreciating home values. Your investment would have grown substantially from $167,053 in 2010 to $303,366 by 2025—an impressive 81.60% increase. Unlike many northern Delaware communities, Seaford showed slight growth during the 2010-2015 period, but then accelerated dramatically with a 76.39% increase since 2015.
11. Bowers
- 2025 Home Value: $303,042
- 2020 Home Value: $195,623
- 2015 Home Value: $148,459
- 2010 Home Value: $143,084
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 54.91%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 104.13%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 111.79%
Nestled at the point where the St. Jones River meets the Delaware Bay, Bowers offers a coastal living experience at a fraction of the cost of Delaware’s Atlantic beaches. Your attention might be drawn to the remarkable growth trajectory, with home values more than doubling from $143,084 in 2010 to $303,042 in 2025—a substantial 111.79% increase. The town experienced modest growth in the first half of the decade but then saw accelerating appreciation with values doubling just since 2015. The 54.91% growth just in the 2020-2025 period demonstrates the increasing recognition of this hidden gem.
10. Laurel
- 2025 Home Value: $298,448
- 2020 Home Value: $214,128
- 2015 Home Value: $167,939
- 2010 Home Value: $168,301
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 39.38%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 77.71%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 77.33%
Located along Broad Creek in southwestern Sussex County, Laurel presents an interesting pattern in its housing market evolution. Your analysis would show that values actually declined slightly from $168,301 in 2010 to $167,939 in 2015, demonstrating a delayed recovery from the housing crisis. However, the market strengthened significantly afterward, climbing to $298,448 by 2025—a 77.33% increase over the 15-year period. The 39.38% growth during just the 2020-2025 timeframe reflects accelerating momentum.
9. Ellendale
- 2025 Home Value: $297,940
- 2020 Home Value: $200,680
- 2015 Home Value: $152,402
- 2010 Home Value: $155,594
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 48.47%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 95.50%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 91.49%
Strategically positioned at the junction of Routes 16 and 113 in northern Sussex County, Ellendale shows the recovery pattern common to many Delaware communities. You’ll notice home values actually declined slightly from $155,594 in 2010 to $152,402 in 2015, before surging to $297,940 by 2025—an impressive 91.49% overall increase. The near-doubling of values since 2015 (95.50%) demonstrates the dramatic market acceleration in the last decade. The 48.47% growth just since 2020 highlights Ellendale’s emerging appeal.
8. Wyoming
- 2025 Home Value: $295,989
- 2020 Home Value: $188,298
- 2015 Home Value: $147,455
- 2010 Home Value: $155,555
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 57.19%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 100.73%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 90.28%
Located just south of Dover in central Kent County, Wyoming exhibits a classic recovery-and-surge pattern in its housing market. Your research would reveal that values actually declined from $155,555 in 2010 to $147,455 in 2015, before exploding upward to $295,989 by 2025—a substantial 90.28% increase over the 15-year period. Most remarkably, values doubled just in the decade from 2015-2025, with a 57.19% increase occurring in the last five years alone.
7. Bellefonte
- 2025 Home Value: $295,210
- 2020 Home Value: $219,047
- 2015 Home Value: $174,784
- 2010 Home Value: $165,112
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 34.77%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 68.90%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 78.79%
Tucked between Wilmington and the Pennsylvania border in northern New Castle County, Bellefonte offers you a charming small-town alternative to more urban environments. The town’s home values have shown steady growth from $165,112 in 2010 to $295,210 in 2025—a solid 78.79% increase. Unlike many communities that saw values decline after 2010, Bellefonte experienced consistent appreciation, with particularly strong growth of 68.90% since 2015.
6. Delaware City
- 2025 Home Value: $287,560
- 2020 Home Value: $201,438
- 2015 Home Value: $165,512
- 2010 Home Value: $163,944
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 42.75%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 73.74%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 75.40%
Situated where the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal meets the Delaware River, Delaware City combines waterfront living with historic charm. Your investment here would have grown substantially, with home values rising from $163,944 in 2010 to $287,560 by 2025—a healthy 75.40% increase. The town experienced minimal growth during the 2010-2015 recovery period but then accelerated significantly with a 73.74% increase since 2015. The 42.75% growth just in the 2020-2025 timeframe reflects Delaware City’s emerging popularity.
5. New Castle
- 2025 Home Value: $272,607
- 2020 Home Value: $194,035
- 2015 Home Value: $145,695
- 2010 Home Value: $165,150
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 40.49%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 87.11%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 65.07%
Located along the Delaware River in northern New Castle County, the historic city of New Castle presents an interesting market trajectory. You might notice home values actually declined significantly from $165,150 in 2010 to $145,695 in 2015, before rebounding dramatically to reach $272,607 by 2025—a 65.07% increase over the full 15-year period. The remarkable 87.11% growth since 2015 reflects the city’s renaissance. New Castle’s cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and status as Delaware’s colonial capital provide unmatched historical character.
4. Greenwood
- 2025 Home Value: $265,243
- 2020 Home Value: $212,786
- 2015 Home Value: $158,758
- 2010 Home Value: $161,953
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 24.65%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 67.07%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 63.78%
Nestled in western Sussex County at the headwaters of the Nanticoke River, Greenwood illustrates the typical pattern seen in many of Delaware’s smaller communities. Your analysis would show home values slightly declined from $161,953 in 2010 to $158,758 in 2015, before climbing significantly to $265,243 by 2025—a solid 63.78% increase over the 15-year period. Interestingly, Greenwood’s 24.65% growth from 2020-2025 is the lowest five-year growth rate on our list, suggesting a more moderate recent appreciation compared to other Delaware towns.
3. Harrington
- 2025 Home Value: $261,693
- 2020 Home Value: $170,870
- 2015 Home Value: $117,778
- 2010 Home Value: $134,726
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 53.15%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 122.19%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 94.24%
Known as the “Hub of Delaware” in central Kent County, Harrington shows one of the most dramatic recovery and growth stories in our analysis. Your attention might be drawn to how values initially declined from $134,726 in 2010 to $117,778 in 2015, before exploding upward by an astonishing 122.19% to reach $261,693 by 2025. This represents the highest percentage growth from 2015-2025 of any town on our list. The 53.15% increase just in the last five years demonstrates continued strong momentum.
2. Newport
- 2025 Home Value: $255,377
- 2020 Home Value: $173,066
- 2015 Home Value: $141,490
- 2010 Home Value: $154,768
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 47.56%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 80.49%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 65.01%
Situated along the Christina River in northern New Castle County, Newport exemplifies the recovery pattern seen in many communities near Wilmington. You’ll observe that home values initially declined from $154,768 in 2010 to $141,490 in 2015, before surging to $255,377 by 2025—a 65.01% increase over the full period. The 80.49% growth since 2015 reflects Newport’s strong recovery and emerging appeal.
1. Elsmere
- 2025 Home Value: $229,926
- 2020 Home Value: $152,089
- 2015 Home Value: $121,692
- 2010 Home Value: $142,328
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 51.18%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 88.94%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 61.55%
Located just west of Wilmington in northern New Castle County, Elsmere earns the distinction of being the most affordable town in our analysis of Delaware communities. Your observation might note that home values initially declined significantly from $142,328 in 2010 to $121,692 in 2015, reflecting the delayed housing recovery in northern Delaware, before climbing dramatically to $229,926 by 2025—a 61.55% increase over the 15-year period. The impressive 88.94% growth since 2015 demonstrates Elsmere’s strong recovery momentum. The 51.18% increase in just the 2020-2025 period shows continuing strong appreciation.
