Looking for affordable housing options in Iowa? According to the Zillow Home Value Index, many small towns across the state offer remarkable value compared to larger cities. You’ll find that some of these hidden gems have seen substantial growth over the past 15 years, while others remain relatively unchanged, providing stable investment opportunities.
You might be surprised to discover that Appanoose County hosts three of the most affordable towns in Iowa, making it a hotspot for budget-conscious homebuyers. When comparing the data, you’ll notice that towns with values below $90,000 have experienced an average growth of over 73% since 2010, demonstrating that even these affordable locations have appreciated significantly.
Your dollar stretches furthest in Gilmore City, where the typical home value is just over $51,000 in 2025. If you’re considering a home purchase in Iowa, these 25 towns represent the best value propositions across the state, with many showing promising growth trajectories that could make them smart investments for your future.
1. Swea City
- Home Value (2025): $91,449.49
- Home Value (2020): No data available
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): No data available
Found in Kossuth County, Swea City rounds out our list with home values averaging $91,449.49 in 2025. While historical data isn’t available to track growth patterns, you’ll discover this northern Iowa community located near the Minnesota border offers significantly more affordable housing than most markets in either state. Your home-buying dollars stretch remarkably far in Swea City, allowing you to potentially own a property outright for less than a modest down payment would cost in many metropolitan markets across the country.
2. Crystal Lake
- Home Value (2025): $90,729.38
- Home Value (2020): $56,500.44
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): 60.58%
Situated in Hancock County, Crystal Lake demonstrates remarkable growth with home values reaching $90,729.38 in 2025, up an impressive 60.58% from $56,500.44 in 2020. Your investment here would have seen one of the highest appreciation rates on our list over just five years. You’ll find it particularly interesting that Crystal Lake is the second Hancock County town to make the list, with dramatically different growth patterns than neighboring Meservey, suggesting highly localized market conditions even within the same county.
3. Meservey
- Home Value (2025): $90,310.04
- Home Value (2020): $84,320.21
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): 7.10%
Located in Hancock County within the Mason City metro area, Meservey presents you with homes averaging $90,310.04 in 2025, showing modest 7.10% growth from $84,320.21 in 2020.
4. Thompson
- Home Value (2025): $90,269.77
- Home Value (2020): No data available
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): No data available
Established in Winnebago County, Thompson offers you affordable housing with average values just crossing the $90,000 mark at $90,269.77 in 2025. While historical data isn’t available to track growth trends, you’ll find this northern Iowa community provides significantly more value than state and regional averages. Your housing budget goes considerably further in Thompson, allowing you to secure more home for your money compared to most other areas in Iowa and across the Midwest.
5. What Cheer
- Home Value (2025): $89,949.43
- Home Value (2020): No data available
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): No data available
Located in Keokuk County within the Oskaloosa metro area, What Cheer boasts perhaps the most intriguing town name in Iowa along with affordable home values averaging $89,949.43 in 2025. Your property here would cost just under the $90,000 threshold while providing access to the amenities of the Oskaloosa metro area. You’ll find this quirky town name comes with serious value, representing the second Keokuk County community on the list and highlighting the area’s overall affordability.
6. Bayard
- Home Value (2025): $89,918.96
- Home Value (2020): No data available
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): No data available
Positioned in Guthrie County within the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area, Bayard offers you remarkable value with homes averaging $89,918.96 in 2025. Your location within Iowa’s largest metropolitan area provides exceptional access to urban amenities and employment opportunities while maintaining housing costs at less than $90,000.
7. Dow City
- Home Value (2025): $89,596.96
- Home Value (2020): $57,688.14
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): 55.31%
Located in Crawford County, Dow City shows you remarkable recent growth with home values reaching $89,596.96 in 2025, representing a 55.31% increase from $57,688.14 in 2020. Your investment here would have appreciated significantly in just five years while remaining under $90,000. You’ll find this powerful combination of strong growth and continued affordability particularly compelling, suggesting a market that’s rapidly gaining recognition while still offering exceptional value.
8. Cincinnati
- Home Value (2025): $89,051.75
- Home Value (2020): No data available
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): No data available
Situated in Appanoose County, Cincinnati (not to be confused with its Ohio namesake) is the third town from this county to make our list, highlighting the area’s exceptional affordability. Your home here would average $89,051.75 in 2025, though historical data isn’t available to track growth patterns. You’ll find this concentration of affordable towns in Appanoose County particularly interesting, suggesting regional economic factors that have kept housing prices remarkably low compared to state and national averages.
9. Frederika
- Home Value (2025): $88,911.99
- Home Value (2020): $82,218.35
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): 8.14%
Positioned in Bremer County within the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro area, Frederika offers you home values averaging $88,911.99 in 2025, showing modest 8.14% growth from $82,218.35 in 2020. Your location within a larger metropolitan area provides amenities and employment opportunities while maintaining housing costs well below typical metro prices. You’ll appreciate this balanced approach of metropolitan access with small-town affordability, creating a value proposition that’s increasingly rare in today’s housing market.
10. Hedrick
- Home Value (2025): $88,898.97
- Home Value (2020): $60,998.64
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): 45.74%
Located in Keokuk County, Hedrick demonstrates strong recent appreciation with home values reaching $88,898.97 in 2025, up an impressive 45.74% from $60,998.64 in 2020. Your property investment here would have grown substantially in just five years while remaining under $90,000, an increasingly rare price point. You’ll find this significant growth rate particularly noteworthy as one of the highest five-year appreciation percentages on our list, suggesting a market that’s gaining considerable momentum.
11. Waucoma
- Home Value (2025): $85,998.04
- Home Value (2020): $83,215.50
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): 3.34%
Nestled in Fayette County, Waucoma shows you the most stable pricing on our list, with home values averaging $85,998.04 in 2025, representing just a 3.34% increase from $83,215.50 in 2020. Your investment here would provide predictability rather than explosive growth, which might appeal to those seeking housing security without significant market fluctuations. You’ll find this price stability unusual compared to other towns on our list, potentially indicating a mature market that’s found its equilibrium.
12. Marathon
- Home Value (2025): $84,618.83
- Home Value (2020): $64,981.87
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): 30.22%
Situated in Buena Vista County within the Storm Lake metro area, Marathon provides you with homes averaging $84,618.83 in 2025, up 30.22% from $64,981.87 in 2020. Your proximity to Storm Lake gives you access to additional amenities while maintaining housing costs significantly below state averages. You’ll find this combination of strong recent appreciation and continued affordability makes Marathon an attractive option for those seeking value with growth potential.
13. Pomeroy
- Home Value (2025): $84,572.48
- Home Value (2020): $62,206.17
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): 35.96%
Located in Pocahontas County, Pomeroy is the second town from this county to make our list, offering you homes averaging $84,572.48 in 2025. Your property here would have appreciated a healthy 35.96% since 2020, when values averaged $62,206.17, indicating strong recent growth. You’ll find this consistent appreciation particularly encouraging when combined with the town’s continued affordability, suggesting a market that’s gaining recognition while remaining accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
14. Villisca
- Home Value (2025): $82,081.13
- Home Value (2020): $58,735.89
- Home Value (2015): $45,963.86
- Home Value (2010): $40,526.75
- % Change (2010-2025): 102.54%
- % Change (2015-2025): 78.58%
- % Change (2020-2025): 39.75%
Found in Montgomery County, Villisca demonstrates the most impressive growth story on our list, with your potential home averaging $82,081.13 in 2025 – representing a remarkable 102.54% increase since 2010 when values averaged just $40,526.75. You’ll benefit from consistent appreciation across all periods, including a strong 39.75% growth since 2020, suggesting this market continues to gain momentum while remaining highly affordable. Your investment here would have doubled in 15 years while starting from an exceptionally low base price.
15. Ringsted
- Home Value (2025): $81,374.81
- Home Value (2020): No data available
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): No data available
Situated in Emmet County near the Minnesota border, Ringsted provides you with affordable housing at an average of $81,374.81 in 2025. Without historical data available, it’s challenging to assess growth trends, but you’ll find this northern Iowa community offers exceptional value compared to state and regional averages. Your housing dollar stretches significantly further here, allowing you to potentially own a home outright for less than a 20% down payment would cost in many metropolitan areas.
16. Keokuk
- Home Value (2025): $81,308.34
- Home Value (2020): $65,070.65
- Home Value (2015): $66,115.17
- Home Value (2010): $59,256.80
- % Change (2010-2025): 37.21%
- % Change (2015-2025): 22.98%
- % Change (2020-2025): 24.95%
Positioned at the southeastern tip of Iowa in Lee County, Keokuk sits at the confluence of the Mississippi and Des Moines rivers, offering you waterfront living at surprisingly affordable prices. Your home here would average $81,308.34 in 2025, up 37.21% from $59,256.80 in 2010. You’ll notice an interesting pattern where values actually decreased slightly between 2010-2015 before resuming growth, with a healthy 24.95% appreciation since 2020, suggesting a market that’s gained momentum in recent years.
17. Centerville
- Home Value (2025): $81,206.24
- Home Value (2020): $75,895.00
- Home Value (2015): $46,267.62
- Home Value (2010): $44,793.65
- % Change (2010-2025): 81.29%
- % Change (2015-2025): 75.51%
- % Change (2020-2025): 7.00%
Anchoring Appanoose County, Centerville offers you one of the most complete data pictures with tracking available across all time periods. Your home here would average $81,206.24 in 2025, reflecting remarkable long-term growth of 81.29% since 2010 when values averaged just $44,793.65. You’ll notice most of the appreciation occurred between 2015-2020, with more modest 7% growth in the last five years, suggesting a market that experienced a significant boom followed by normalization.
18. Humeston
- Home Value (2025): $79,555.84
- Home Value (2020): $51,383.69
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): 54.83%
Located in Wayne County, Humeston shows you impressive growth potential with home values averaging $79,555.84 in 2025, up a remarkable 54.83% from $51,383.69 in 2020. Your investment here would have yielded substantial returns over just five years, suggesting a market that’s gaining attention while remaining highly affordable. You’ll find this strong appreciation rate particularly compelling when combined with entry prices that remain well below $80,000.
19. Rolfe
- Home Value (2025): $75,338.01
- Home Value (2020): No data available
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): No data available
Tucked away in Pocahontas County, Rolfe offers you homes averaging $75,338.01 in 2025. While historical comparison data isn’t available, you’ll discover this is one of two Pocahontas County towns on our list, highlighting the area’s overall affordability. Your housing budget stretches exceptionally far in this small community, allowing you to potentially own a home outright for less than the down payment required in many metropolitan areas across the country.
20. Union
- Home Value (2025): $73,879.86
- Home Value (2020): No data available
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): No data available
Established in Hardin County, Union provides you with affordable housing options at an average of $73,879.86 in 2025. Without historical data available, it’s difficult to track value changes over time, but you’ll find this centrally located Iowa town offers significantly more affordable housing than state averages. Your homebuying power is amplified in Union, where you can secure property at price points that have become increasingly rare in today’s housing market.
21. Bussey
- Home Value (2025): $72,639.32
- Home Value (2020): $62,482.66
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): 16.26%
Positioned in Marion County near the Pella metro area, Bussey gives you affordable housing with average values of $72,639.32 in 2025. You’ll notice a moderate 16.26% growth since 2020, when homes averaged $62,482.66, suggesting a stable market with consistent appreciation. Your proximity to Pella provides you with access to more amenities than some other affordable towns while maintaining significantly lower housing costs than you’d find in larger communities.
22. Mystic
- Home Value (2025): $60,717.86
- Home Value (2020): No data available
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): No data available
Found in Appanoose County, Mystic lives up to its intriguing name by offering you mysteriously low home prices averaging just $60,717.86 in 2025. While historical data isn’t available to show growth trends, you’ll discover this is the first of three Appanoose County towns on our list, highlighting this area’s exceptional affordability. Your housing budget goes remarkably far in Mystic, allowing you to own property at a fraction of state and national averages.
23. Rowan
- Home Value (2025): $60,534.58
- Home Value (2020): No data available
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): No data available
Located in Wright County, Rowan offers you exceptional value with home prices averaging just $60,534.58 in 2025. Unfortunately, historical data isn’t available to track how values have changed over time, but you’ll find this small community provides an affordable entry point into the housing market. Your homebuying dollars stretch remarkably far in this quiet Iowa town, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability in the current market.
24. Lohrville
- Home Value (2025): $57,781.74
- Home Value (2020): $40,127.28
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): 44.00%
Situated in Calhoun County, Lohrville presents you with remarkable affordability at just $57,781.74 for the average home in 2025. You’ll appreciate the strong growth trajectory, with values increasing 44% since 2020 when homes averaged $40,127.28. This impressive five-year appreciation indicates you could be looking at a promising investment opportunity despite the low entry price, giving you both affordability today and potential equity growth for tomorrow.
25. Gilmore City
- Home Value (2025): $51,244.99
- Home Value (2020): No data available
- Home Value (2015): No data available
- Home Value (2010): No data available
- % Change (2010-2025): No data available
- % Change (2015-2025): No data available
- % Change (2020-2025): No data available
Nestled in Humboldt County, Gilmore City offers you the most affordable housing in all of Iowa with an average home value of just $51,244.99 in 2025. While historical data isn’t available to track growth patterns, you’ll find this small town represents an exceptional value proposition compared to state averages. Your money goes significantly further here, allowing you to own property at a fraction of what you’d pay in most other locations throughout the state.
