Mortgage payment estimates, closing cost breakdowns, and homebuying data for Elsmere, Delaware.
Median Home Price
$235K
Population
6K
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,080
Property Tax Rate
0.56% *
* Property tax shown is the Delaware state average effective rate. Actual rates vary by county, city, and school district — check with your local assessor for exact rates in Elsmere.
Elsmere vs Delaware Median
The median home price in Elsmere is $235,000, which is 34% below the Delaware state median of $355,000.
Mortgage Calculator — Elsmere, DE
Pre-filled with Elsmere median home price and Delaware tax/insurance rates. Adjust for your property.
Three down payment scenarios for a $235K home using Delaware's 0.56% tax rate and $1,300/yr insurance.
5% Down
$1,759/mo
Down: $11,750
Loan: $223K
P&I: $1,411
Tax: $110
Insurance: $108
PMI: $130
10% Down
$1,678/mo
Down: $23,500
Loan: $212K
P&I: $1,337
Tax: $110
Insurance: $108
PMI: $123
20% Down (No PMI)
$1,406/mo
Down: $47,000
Loan: $188K
P&I: $1,188
Tax: $110
Insurance: $108
Income needed (28% rule): $60K/year with 20% down, $72K/year with 10% down.
Rent vs Buy in Elsmere
Rent
$1,080/mo
vs
Buy (10% down)
$1,678/mo
Price-to-rent ratio: 18.1 — A ratio between 15-20 means the rent vs buy decision in Elsmere depends heavily on your timeline. If you plan to stay 5+ years, buying likely wins. For shorter stays, renting preserves flexibility.
The median home price in Elsmere is $235,000, 34% below the Delaware state median of $355,000. With a population of 6,074, Elsmere is a smaller market where home prices tend to be more accessible than in many parts of Delaware.
Property taxes in Delaware average 0.56% annually. This low property tax rate is a significant advantage for Elsmere buyers, keeping your monthly costs well below what you'd pay in higher-tax states. Homeowners insurance in Delaware runs approximately $1,300 per year. This is within the normal range nationally.
Average rent in Elsmere is $1,080/month. The price-to-rent ratio in Elsmere is moderate, meaning the buy-vs-rent decision depends heavily on how long you plan to stay.
Elsmere offers strong affordability. With median prices under $250K, first-time buyers have realistic paths to homeownership, especially combined with Delaware's DSHA Homeownership Loan program.
Run a Rent vs Buy analysis
Compare total costs of renting vs buying in Elsmere.