The three largest of those industries in Delaware are landscaping and tree services (428 establishments), IT services and computer systems design (383), and accounting, tax prep and bookkeeping firms (374). WETYR buys qualifying Delaware businesses directly and confidentially, and, with an owner's OK, introduces Delaware owners to registry buyers whose buy box fits. Owners and buyers then deal directly with their own advisors.
The largest owner-operated industries in Delaware
Delaware ranks 43rd in the country for landscaping and tree services, with 428 establishments, or 0.4% of the U.S. total, against 0.3% of the U.S. population. The fifteen largest Delaware categories follow.
| Industry | Establishments | Per 100k residents | Index vs U.S. | U.S. rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Landscaping and tree services | 428 | 43.1 | 1.22 | 43rd |
| IT services and computer systems design | 383 | 38.5 | 2.29 | 29th |
| Accounting, tax prep and bookkeeping firms | 374 | 37.6 | 0.92 | 45th |
| Childcare centers | 352 | 35.4 | 1.49 | 43rd |
| Plumbing and HVAC contractors | 335 | 33.7 | 1.02 | 46th |
| Insurance agencies and brokerages | 307 | 30.9 | 0.76 | 48th |
| Dental practices | 286 | 28.8 | 0.71 | 47th |
| Electrical contractors | 281 | 28.3 | 1.15 | 48th |
| Commercial cleaning and janitorial services | 278 | 28.0 | 1.40 | 44th |
| General auto repair shops | 234 | 23.5 | 0.93 | 47th |
| Gas stations with convenience stores | 216 | 21.7 | 0.75 | 49th |
| Physical therapy clinics | 213 | 21.4 | 1.43 | 42nd |
| Pharmacies and drug stores | 164 | 16.5 | 1.32 | 41st |
| Fitness centers and gyms | 162 | 16.3 | 1.37 | 43rd |
| Staffing agencies | 120 | 12.1 | 1.19 | 40th |
Where Delaware is over and under the national average
Per resident, Delaware runs heaviest in IT services and computer systems design (383 establishments, index 2.29, 29th nationally by count); durable goods wholesalers and distributors (42 establishments, index 1.61, 31st nationally by count); advertising and marketing agencies (65 establishments, index 1.53, 37th nationally by count). That top index of 2.29 means 129% more IT services and computer systems design per Delaware resident than the U.S. average. A buyer pricing a Delaware deal in that category has real comparables to work from.
At the other end, Delaware is thinnest in machine shops (index 0.51) and security guard and patrol companies (index 0.65). For an acquirer, an underweight category is worth a second look: scarcity can support pricing, but it also narrows the local buyer pool at exit.
Delaware counties with the most owner-operated businesses
| County or area | Establishments | Median household income | Median home value |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Castle County | 3,197 | $85,309 | $312,000 |
| Sussex County | 1,242 | $75,406 | $324,400 |
| Kent County | 896 | $69,278 | $272,300 |
Delaware's establishments are concentrated in New Castle County, Sussex County, Kent County. Median household income runs from $69,278 in Kent County to $85,309 in New Castle County (1.2x), which changes what a buyer underwrites.
Delaware metro markets
Delaware has no metro large enough for a dedicated WETYR city page, so this page and the statewide industry pages below cover the whole state, from the largest towns to rural operators.
Working with WETYR in Delaware
WETYR buys Delaware businesses directly, with no listing and no broker commission, and, with your OK, introduces Delaware owners to registry buyers who fit.
Get a confidential valuation
Tell us a little about your business in Delaware. We reply with an indicative value range and whether we are a direct fit, within one business day. No obligation, no listing, nothing public.
Delaware business sale FAQ
How many small businesses are in the industries WETYR buys in Delaware?
U.S. Census County Business Patterns counts about 5,335 establishments in Delaware across the 36 owner-operated industries WETYR tracks, 45th among the 50 states. With roughly 993,635 residents, that works out to 53.7 establishments per 10,000 people versus 50.1 nationally. Delaware holds 0.32% of the U.S. total in these industries and 0.30% of the population.
Which industries are most common in Delaware?
By establishment count the largest are landscaping and tree services (428), IT services and computer systems design (383), and accounting, tax prep and bookkeeping firms (374). Landscaping and tree services alone makes up 8.0% of the state's tracked total. Relative to population, Delaware is most concentrated in IT services and computer systems design, durable goods wholesalers and distributors and advertising and marketing agencies.
Does Delaware tax the gain when I sell my business?
Yes. Delaware taxes personal income, so the gain on a sale is generally subject to state tax in addition to federal tax. How much depends on structure: asset versus stock sale, how the purchase price is allocated, and whether part is paid over time. Model the after-tax number with a Delaware CPA before you accept a headline price.
Where in Delaware are most of these businesses located?
New Castle County leads with about 3,197 tracked establishments, followed by Sussex County (1,242) and Kent County (896). Those three are all of Delaware's counties. Median household income in New Castle County is $85,309 and the median home value is $312,000.
Sell by industry in Delaware
Other Mid-Atlantic states
Sources
Census County Business Patterns (employer establishments, NAICS 2017); American Community Survey 5-year. Ranks and indexes: WETYR calculations, 50 states.