Delaware County
PA · Pop. 576,195 · Urban County
Delaware County, Pennsylvania covers 184 square miles with a population of 576,195 and a density of 3131.5 people per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hemp, beets, potatoes. A median home price of $302,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.98% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 231-day growing season, average summer highs of 85°F and average winter lows of 29.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 39.3 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Riddle Memorial Hospital is 1.7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 99.9% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 231-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- Broadband reaches 99.9% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Riddle Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 1.7 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low poverty rate of 10.2% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.98% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
- At 3131.5 people per square mile, this is a developed area where finding truly rural acreage is harder and pricier.
At a glance
Delaware County, PA is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 37/100
- Median home price
- $302k
- Property tax
- 1.98%
- Growing season
- 231 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 39.3"
- Broadband
- 99.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Riddle Memorial Hospital, 1.7 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Delaware County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Delaware County?
- Delaware County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 231-day growing season, average summer highs of 85°F, and average winter lows of 29.1°F. The established crops are hemp, beets, potatoes.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $302,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.98%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 99.9% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Riddle Memorial Hospital is 1.7 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 7 hospitals in the county.
Explore Pennsylvania Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
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More counties in Pennsylvania
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The closest counties to Delaware County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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