Homesteading in Delaware
Explore 3 counties and state-level regulations for homesteaders in Delaware.
Delaware uses a Riparian water rights system , enforces statewide IRC building codes , and requires a carry permit. The effective property tax rate is 0.53%.
State Regulations
Water Rights
System: Riparian
Follows regulated riparian doctrine. Withdrawals exceeding 50,000 gallons per day require a permit from DNREC.
Statute: Del. Code Ann. tit. 7, § 6003
Building Codes
Statewide IRC: Yes (statewide)
Delaware State Housing Code and Building Code apply statewide; residential code based on IRC.
Statute: Del. Code Ann. tit. 16, § 7602
Gun Laws
Open Carry: Yes
Constitutional Carry: No
Concealed carry requires a license. Open carry legal without a permit. Background check required for all sales through licensed dealers.
Statute: Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 1441; Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 1448
Right to Farm
Protected: Yes
Protects agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits provided the operation was not a nuisance when it began and has been in operation for at least one year.
Statute: Del. Code Ann. tit. 3, § 1401 et seq.
Counties in Delaware
3 counties · Click column headers to sort
| County | Population | Median Home | Property Tax | Growing Days | Overall Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kent County | 182,400 | $272,300 | $1,291 | 92 | Relatively Moderate |
| New Castle County | 570,567 | $312,000 | $2,369 | 90 | Relatively High |
| Sussex County | 240,668 | $324,400 | $1,122 | 94 | Relatively Moderate |
Compare counties with your priorities
Use our interactive Location Finder to score and rank counties in Delaware based on what matters most to you.
Open Location Finder for Delaware