Real Estate Investing in Wilmington, Delaware (19805)
Should you buy in 19805 (Wilmington, DE)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- Elevated vacancy: 8.9% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Wilmington, DE (19805)?
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Market Analysis: 19805 Wilmington
This part of New Castle County is not an easy win. The 19805 ZIP sits at softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
Distressed does not mean uninvestable. It means the margin for error is thinner. ZIP 19805 rewards the prepared, punishes the overconfident, and leaves the math unchanged either way.
The gap between 19805 and stronger Wilmington ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
Demographically, 19805 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
Strategy in 19805 is an operator game, not a passive one. Stepping back, entry prices of $222K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Wilmington:
Property Strategy for 19805
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $177,342 | $1,550 | 6.3% | +10.4% | $88,671 |
| 3BR | $220,040 | $1,860 | 6.1% | +8.5% | $73,347 |
| 4BR | $252,074 | $2,070 | 5.9% | +8.2% | $63,018 |
| 5BR | $283,138 | — | — | +8.2% | $56,628 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 19805 Compare?
| Metric | 19805 | Wilmington | Delaware |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $221,719 | $405,393 | $397,840 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.5% | 6.2% | 6.7% |
| Avg Rent | $1,573 | $1,881 | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.5% | 4.5% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 19805 (Wilmington, DE). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $221,719 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,573 |
| Price-to-Rent | 11.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 8.5% |
| Cap Rate | 5.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 12.0% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.5% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +2.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.5%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (5.5%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 19805
Population: 40,315
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 19805
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Lewis (William C.) Dual Language Elementary School
Richardson Park Elementary School
Johnson (Joseph E. Jr) Elementary School
Richey Elementary School
The Bancroft School
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average home sale price in Wilmington, DE?
In Wilmington, DE the median home value sits at $222K. Against the broader DE market, that reads as reasonable for most investors.
Is rental property easy to operate in Wilmington, DE?
Wilmington, DE operates under DE law, which is balanced overall for landlords. Expect stable treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
Is real estate in Wilmington, DE a good investment right now?
With a 3.0/5 investability score, Wilmington, DE ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $222K and rents of $1,573/mo drive the underlying numbers.
Can I house hack in Wilmington, DE?
House hacking in Wilmington, DE is reasonable to execute. Prices around $222K and rents of $1,573/mo solid owner-occupant economics.
What is the tenant pool like in Wilmington, DE?
Tenant demand in Wilmington, DE is solid. The local workforce $1,573/mo rents across most rental classes.
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