I’ve been analyzing the Zillow Home Value Index data to uncover Idaho’s most explosive real estate markets over the past decade. My findings reveal 25 towns that have experienced extraordinary growth, with appreciation rates ranging from 165% to an astonishing 222% between 2016 and 2025.
What makes Idaho’s housing story particularly compelling is the widespread nature of this growth. Unlike other booming states where appreciation concentrates in major metros, Idaho’s strongest performers span from rural communities to emerging suburbs. The data suggests this growth was fueled by an influx of remote workers, retirees, and investors seeking both affordability and quality of life.
I was particularly struck by the pattern of value acceleration during 2020-2022, when many of these towns saw 30-40% annual growth before moderating in 2023-2025. For investors who got in early, this created extraordinary wealth-building opportunities rarely seen in American real estate markets.
25. Lewisville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 165.48%
- Home value in 2016: $139,937
- Home value in 2017: $154,075
- Home value in 2018: $168,360
- Home value in 2019: $190,072
- Home value in 2020: $211,975
- Home value in 2021: $264,793
- Home value in 2022: $341,251
- Home value in 2023: $344,956
- Home value in 2024: $347,896
- Home value in 2025: $371,512
Lewisville’s 165.5% value surge has generated $231,575 in equity for homeowners since 2016, transforming a modest investment into substantial wealth. The market experienced explosive 25% annual growth during 2020-2022, the pandemic-driven boom period that reshaped Idaho real estate. Located in Jefferson County near Idaho Falls, this small agricultural community offers affordable entry points with strong appreciation potential. The sustained upward trajectory through 2025 suggests continuing demand fundamentals rather than speculative growth, making this market attractive for long-term investment.
24. Caldwell
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 166.31%
- Home value in 2016: $144,911
- Home value in 2017: $163,347
- Home value in 2018: $183,461
- Home value in 2019: $216,893
- Home value in 2020: $246,104
- Home value in 2021: $313,489
- Home value in 2022: $407,866
- Home value in 2023: $377,553
- Home value in 2024: $378,436
- Home value in 2025: $385,906
Caldwell’s remarkable 166.3% appreciation has transformed a $144,911 investment into $385,906, creating $240,995 in household wealth over nine years. The market showed extraordinary momentum during 2020-2022, with values surging 65.7% in just two years before a 7.4% correction in 2023. Located in Canyon County near Boise, Caldwell offers more affordable housing options than its larger neighbor while benefiting from the region’s economic growth. The recovery and continued appreciation through 2024-2025 signals resilient demand despite the brief correction, suggesting strong underlying fundamentals for investors.
23. Spirit Lake
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 166.73%
- Home value in 2016: $209,076
- Home value in 2017: $229,500
- Home value in 2018: $252,406
- Home value in 2019: $284,995
- Home value in 2020: $327,635
- Home value in 2021: $418,396
- Home value in 2022: $531,562
- Home value in 2023: $540,590
- Home value in 2024: $540,435
- Home value in 2025: $557,662
Spirit Lake’s impressive 166.7% appreciation has generated $348,586 in wealth for property owners since 2016, with particularly strong performance during 2020-2022 when values surged 62.2%. This scenic lakeside community in northern Idaho appeals to buyers seeking recreational opportunities, natural beauty, and proximity to Coeur d’Alene without premium pricing. The brief plateau in 2023-2024 followed by renewed growth in 2025 suggests this market remains fundamentally sound despite rapid price increases. For investors and homeowners, the substantial equity gains combined with continued upward momentum make this area a compelling long-term real estate play.
22. Hammett
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 167.19%
- Home value in 2016: $162,942
- Home value in 2017: $180,288
- Home value in 2018: $190,483
- Home value in 2019: $220,408
- Home value in 2020: $249,262
- Home value in 2021: $322,708
- Home value in 2022: $407,916
- Home value in 2023: $395,863
- Home value in 2024: $410,974
- Home value in 2025: $435,358
Hammett’s 167.2% value surge has generated $272,415 in equity for homeowners since 2016, with extraordinary 63.6% growth during the peak 2020-2022 period. The market experienced a brief 3.0% correction in 2022-2023 before resuming its upward trajectory, demonstrating resilience after the pandemic buying frenzy. This small community along I-84 between Boise and Twin Falls offers affordability combined with strong appreciation potential due to its strategic location. The renewed 10.0% growth from 2023 to 2025 suggests continuing market strength, making this an attractive option for investors seeking both strong returns and manageable entry points.
21. Malad City
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 169.17%
- Home value in 2016: $118,163
- Home value in 2017: $126,148
- Home value in 2018: $137,065
- Home value in 2019: $150,025
- Home value in 2020: $171,443
- Home value in 2021: $210,680
- Home value in 2022: $291,324
- Home value in 2023: $297,722
- Home value in 2024: $304,875
- Home value in 2025: $318,057
Malad City’s remarkable 169.2% appreciation has transformed a modest $118,163 investment into $318,057, generating $199,895 in wealth since 2016. The market showed exceptional acceleration during 2020-2022, with values surging 70.0% in just two years as pandemic-era buyers sought affordable Idaho alternatives. Located in southeastern Idaho near the Utah border, this community offers one of the lowest entry points on our list with strong percentage returns. The steady continued growth through 2023-2025 without significant corrections suggests sustainable demand fundamentals rather than speculative activity, making this potentially one of the safer long-term investments in Idaho’s rural market.
20. Carmen
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 170.05%
- Home value in 2016: $224,345
- Home value in 2017: $240,062
- Home value in 2018: $254,931
- Home value in 2019: $278,729
- Home value in 2020: $300,545
- Home value in 2021: $374,174
- Home value in 2022: $479,407
- Home value in 2023: $538,666
- Home value in 2024: $571,748
- Home value in 2025: $605,836
Carmen’s impressive 170.1% appreciation has generated $381,490 in household wealth since 2016, with no down years and consistent growth through economic cycles. The market significantly accelerated from 2020 onward, with values more than doubling from $300,545 to $605,836 in just five years. Located in Lemhi County near Salmon, this scenic mountain community appeals to buyers seeking outdoor recreation and natural beauty in central Idaho. The continued strong growth through 2025 without corrections suggests sustainable demand fundamentals, making this potentially one of the safer long-term investment options for those seeking both lifestyle benefits and financial returns.
19. Mountain Home
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 170.35%
- Home value in 2016: $127,552
- Home value in 2017: $136,296
- Home value in 2018: $150,756
- Home value in 2019: $172,522
- Home value in 2020: $201,582
- Home value in 2021: $254,815
- Home value in 2022: $325,893
- Home value in 2023: $319,899
- Home value in 2024: $330,506
- Home value in 2025: $344,832
Mountain Home’s 170.3% appreciation has transformed a $127,552 investment into $344,832, creating $217,280 in equity despite a brief 1.8% correction in 2022-2023. The market experienced exceptional 61.7% growth during 2020-2022 as pandemic-era buyers sought affordable alternatives within commuting distance of Boise. This community benefits from its proximity to Mountain Home Air Force Base, providing stable housing demand and rental opportunities for investors. The recovery and continued 7.8% growth from 2023 to 2025 signals resilient market fundamentals, suggesting this remains an attractive option for investors seeking both strong returns and military-supported stability.
18. Cascade
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 170.76%
- Home value in 2016: $162,842
- Home value in 2017: $171,017
- Home value in 2018: $190,067
- Home value in 2019: $210,934
- Home value in 2020: $233,997
- Home value in 2021: $305,708
- Home value in 2022: $412,068
- Home value in 2023: $425,249
- Home value in 2024: $426,882
- Home value in 2025: $440,911
Cascade’s remarkable 170.8% appreciation has generated $278,069 in wealth for property owners since 2016, with particularly explosive 76.1% growth during 2020-2022. The financial implications for early investors are substantial—a $162,842 purchase in 2016 would now be worth $440,911, representing approximately $31,000 annually in equity gains. This scenic mountain community near Lake Cascade and Tamarack Resort benefits from both vacation home demand and outdoor recreation appeal. The continued steady growth through 2025 despite already significant appreciation suggests this market maintains strong fundamentals, likely driven by limited supply in this desirable recreation destination.
17. Grand View
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 172.19%
- Home value in 2016: $145,628
- Home value in 2017: $160,337
- Home value in 2018: $176,374
- Home value in 2019: $206,654
- Home value in 2020: $227,563
- Home value in 2021: $305,611
- Home value in 2022: $380,648
- Home value in 2023: $380,180
- Home value in 2024: $380,678
- Home value in 2025: $396,387
Grand View’s impressive 172.2% appreciation has created $250,759 in household wealth since 2016, with particularly strong 67.3% growth during 2020-2022 as remote work fueled rural market demand. The market experienced a period of stabilization in 2022-2024 before resuming growth with a 4.1% increase in 2024-2025. This small community in southwestern Idaho offers the appeal of rural living with lower entry points than many Boise-adjacent areas. The recent price acceleration after a plateau suggests renewed demand fundamentals, potentially making this an opportune time for investors to enter before the next growth cycle fully takes hold.
16. Kellogg
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 172.55%
- Home value in 2016: $98,079
- Home value in 2017: $100,806
- Home value in 2018: $106,485
- Home value in 2019: $124,392
- Home value in 2020: $150,323
- Home value in 2021: $184,340
- Home value in 2022: $242,850
- Home value in 2023: $241,071
- Home value in 2024: $239,635
- Home value in 2025: $246,131
Kellogg’s remarkable 172.6% growth has transformed a modest $98,079 investment into $246,131, generating $169,239 in equity despite a brief 3.5% correction in 2022-2023. The financial impact for early investors is substantial—an average annual return of approximately 19.2% over nine years, vastly outperforming traditional investment vehicles. This historic mining town in North Idaho’s Silver Valley has reinvented itself as an affordable ski destination near Silver Mountain Resort. The market recovery and continued growth through 2024-2025 signals resilient demand fundamentals, making this an appealing option for investors seeking both recreational property potential and strong appreciation.
15. King Hill
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 173.24%
- Home value in 2016: $126,471
- Home value in 2017: $144,513
- Home value in 2018: $154,436
- Home value in 2019: $177,227
- Home value in 2020: $205,721
- Home value in 2021: $266,448
- Home value in 2022: $337,337
- Home value in 2023: $327,759
- Home value in 2024: $326,926
- Home value in 2025: $345,564
King Hill’s 173.2% appreciation has generated $219,094 in wealth for property owners since 2016, though with a notable 3.1% correction from 2022 to 2024 following explosive early growth. The financial trajectory shows remarkable acceleration during 2019-2022 when values surged 90.3% in just three years. This small community along the Snake River in Elmore County offers affordability and rural appeal with strategic location along I-84. The recent 5.7% growth in 2024-2025 following the correction suggests market stabilization and renewed upward momentum, potentially creating an attractive entry point for investors before the next major growth cycle.
14. Wallace
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 175.08%
- Home value in 2016: $89,478
- Home value in 2017: $96,703
- Home value in 2018: $100,524
- Home value in 2019: $113,423
- Home value in 2020: $142,099
- Home value in 2021: $173,204
- Home value in 2022: $242,850
- Home value in 2023: $241,071
- Home value in 2024: $239,635
- Home value in 2025: $246,131
Wallace’s exceptional 175.1% appreciation has transformed a mere $89,478 investment into $246,131, creating $156,654 in equity despite modest recent corrections. The market’s financial story features spectacular 71.0% growth during 2020-2022, followed by a slight 1.3% pullback through 2024 before resuming upward momentum. This historic mining town in Idaho’s Silver Valley offers the lowest entry point on our list, making it accessible to investors seeking maximum percentage returns with minimal capital. The renewed growth in 2024-2025 suggests the market remains fundamentally sound despite already significant appreciation, potentially offering further upside for patient investors.
13. Payette
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 176.05%
- Home value in 2016: $160,910
- Home value in 2017: $174,306
- Home value in 2018: $188,639
- Home value in 2019: $217,418
- Home value in 2020: $249,610
- Home value in 2021: $327,385
- Home value in 2022: $432,001
- Home value in 2023: $430,596
- Home value in 2024: $428,891
- Home value in 2025: $444,193
Payette’s remarkable 176.1% appreciation has generated $283,284 in household wealth since 2016, with particularly explosive 73.1% growth during 2020-2022 before a brief period of stabilization. The financial implications for early investors are significant—an average annual return of approximately 19.6% over nine years, far outperforming traditional investment vehicles. Located near the Oregon border in southwestern Idaho, this community offers affordability with strategic access to both states’ markets. The recent 3.6% growth in 2024-2025 following a minor correction suggests renewed market momentum, potentially creating an attractive entry point for investors looking to capitalize on the next appreciation cycle.
12. Horseshoe Bend
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 176.31%
- Home value in 2016: $167,531
- Home value in 2017: $183,892
- Home value in 2018: $202,915
- Home value in 2019: $235,520
- Home value in 2020: $269,517
- Home value in 2021: $339,680
- Home value in 2022: $455,799
- Home value in 2023: $432,506
- Home value in 2024: $452,080
- Home value in 2025: $462,902
Horseshoe Bend’s impressive 176.3% growth has transformed a $167,531 investment into $462,902, generating $295,371 in equity despite a notable 5.1% correction in 2022-2023. The financial trajectory shows remarkable acceleration during 2019-2022, with values surging 93.5% in just three years as pandemic-era buyers sought scenic rural communities within commuting distance of Boise. Located along the Payette River north of Boise, this area combines natural beauty with accessibility to urban amenities. The recovery and continued 7.0% growth from 2023 to 2025 signals resilient market fundamentals, suggesting this remains an attractive option for investors seeking both lifestyle benefits and strong financial returns.
11. Emmett
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 179.22%
- Home value in 2016: $156,244
- Home value in 2017: $170,339
- Home value in 2018: $192,716
- Home value in 2019: $226,490
- Home value in 2020: $261,980
- Home value in 2021: $336,968
- Home value in 2022: $428,061
- Home value in 2023: $412,587
- Home value in 2024: $422,772
- Home value in 2025: $436,264
Emmett’s substantial 179.2% appreciation has generated $280,020 in wealth for property owners since 2016, though with a notable 3.6% correction in 2022-2023 following explosive early growth. The financial story features extraordinary 63.4% growth during 2020-2022 as pandemic-era buyers sought affordable alternatives within commuting distance of Boise. This agricultural community in the Treasure Valley offers small-town charm combined with proximity to larger employment centers. The recovery and continued 5.7% growth from 2023 to 2025 signals resilient market fundamentals, suggesting this remains an attractive option for investors seeking both strong returns and relative stability in Idaho’s dynamic real estate landscape.
10. Athol
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 179.66%
- Home value in 2016: $266,888
- Home value in 2017: $289,417
- Home value in 2018: $319,894
- Home value in 2019: $363,039
- Home value in 2020: $408,766
- Home value in 2021: $523,080
- Home value in 2022: $687,796
- Home value in 2023: $724,058
- Home value in 2024: $726,155
- Home value in 2025: $746,377
Athol’s remarkable 179.7% appreciation has transformed a $266,888 investment into $746,377, generating $479,489 in household wealth since 2016. The market experienced explosive 68.3% growth during 2020-2022 as pandemic-era buyers sought scenic northern Idaho locations with greater affordability than Coeur d’Alene. Located near Farragut State Park and Lake Pend Oreille, this community offers recreational opportunities with strategic access to larger employment centers. The continued steady growth through 2025 without significant corrections suggests sustainable demand fundamentals, making this potentially one of the safer long-term investments for those seeking both lifestyle benefits and strong financial returns in northern Idaho.
9. Marsing
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 180.06%
- Home value in 2016: $132,830
- Home value in 2017: $149,956
- Home value in 2018: $173,787
- Home value in 2019: $201,392
- Home value in 2020: $226,037
- Home value in 2021: $294,230
- Home value in 2022: $376,516
- Home value in 2023: $363,993
- Home value in 2024: $361,244
- Home value in 2025: $372,004
Marsing’s impressive 180.1% appreciation has turned a modest $132,830 investment into $372,004, generating $239,174 in equity despite recent market moderation. The financial trajectory shows exceptional 66.6% growth during 2020-2022, followed by a 4.1% correction through 2024 before resuming upward momentum. This small agricultural community along the Snake River offers affordability with strategic proximity to both Boise and the Sunnyslope Wine Region. The recent 3.0% growth in 2024-2025 following the correction suggests market stabilization and renewed demand, potentially creating an attractive entry point for investors seeking value before the next major growth cycle takes hold.
8. Melba
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 185.90%
- Home value in 2016: $210,730
- Home value in 2017: $228,486
- Home value in 2018: $254,812
- Home value in 2019: $301,788
- Home value in 2020: $338,924
- Home value in 2021: $452,248
- Home value in 2022: $591,822
- Home value in 2023: $587,169
- Home value in 2024: $575,702
- Home value in 2025: $602,487
Melba’s extraordinary 185.9% appreciation has created $391,757 in wealth for property owners since 2016, despite a 2.7% correction from 2022 to 2024 following explosive early growth. The financial story features remarkable 74.6% growth during 2020-2022 as pandemic-era buyers sought rural communities within commuting distance of Boise. Located in southwestern Idaho’s Owyhee Mountains foothills, this agricultural community combines rural charm with strategic proximity to larger employment centers. The recent 4.7% growth in 2024-2025 following the correction signals market recovery and renewed upward momentum, suggesting this could be an opportune entry point for investors before the next major growth cycle fully takes hold.
7. Greenleaf
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 185.92%
- Home value in 2016: $137,760
- Home value in 2017: $157,027
- Home value in 2018: $178,224
- Home value in 2019: $210,269
- Home value in 2020: $238,935
- Home value in 2021: $311,321
- Home value in 2022: $396,732
- Home value in 2023: $376,590
- Home value in 2024: $380,939
- Home value in 2025: $393,887
Greenleaf’s remarkable 185.9% appreciation has transformed a $137,760 investment into $393,887, generating $256,127 in household wealth despite a 5.1% correction in 2022-2023 following explosive growth. The financial story features extraordinary 66.0% growth during 2020-2022 as rural communities near Boise saw unprecedented demand. This small agricultural town in Canyon County offers affordability and rural charm within commuting distance of larger employment centers. The recovery and continued 4.6% growth from 2023 to 2025 signals resilient market fundamentals after the correction, suggesting this remains an attractive option for investors seeking value in Idaho’s dynamic real estate landscape.
6. Roberts
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 189.94%
- Home value in 2016: $135,130
- Home value in 2017: $149,223
- Home value in 2018: $164,131
- Home value in 2019: $190,352
- Home value in 2020: $206,617
- Home value in 2021: $258,493
- Home value in 2022: $337,605
- Home value in 2023: $349,322
- Home value in 2024: $361,259
- Home value in 2025: $391,790
Roberts’ exceptional 189.9% appreciation has generated $256,660 in wealth for property owners since 2016, with no significant corrections despite explosive growth rates. The financial trajectory shows remarkable 63.4% growth during 2020-2022 as pandemic-era buyers sought affordable Idaho alternatives. Located in Jefferson County near Idaho Falls, this small community offers one of the better combinations of low entry points and strong, sustained appreciation on our list. The continued strong growth through 2023-2025 (16.0% in just two years) suggests this market maintains robust fundamentals even after the pandemic boom, potentially making this one of the safer long-term investments for those seeking maximized returns with relatively modest capital requirements.
5. Wilder
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 191.97%
- Home value in 2016: $170,219
- Home value in 2017: $187,864
- Home value in 2018: $212,144
- Home value in 2019: $248,995
- Home value in 2020: $283,942
- Home value in 2021: $379,893
- Home value in 2022: $488,517
- Home value in 2023: $465,647
- Home value in 2024: $472,456
- Home value in 2025: $496,984
Wilder’s remarkable 192.0% appreciation has generated $326,765 in household wealth since 2016, though with a notable 4.7% correction in 2022-2023 following explosive growth. The financial trajectory shows extraordinary 72.1% growth during 2020-2022 as pandemic-era buyers sought rural communities with affordability near Boise. This small agricultural town in Canyon County offers strong investment returns with entry points significantly below nearby Boise suburbs. The recovery and continued 5.2% growth from 2023 to 2025 signals resilient market fundamentals after the correction, suggesting this remains an attractive option for investors seeking both strong returns and relative value in Idaho’s dynamic real estate landscape.
4. New Plymouth
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 193.03%
- Home value in 2016: $179,360
- Home value in 2017: $201,177
- Home value in 2018: $221,328
- Home value in 2019: $253,019
- Home value in 2020: $294,515
- Home value in 2021: $393,098
- Home value in 2022: $514,144
- Home value in 2023: $508,635
- Home value in 2024: $495,191
- Home value in 2025: $525,569
New Plymouth’s extraordinary 193.0% appreciation has transformed a $179,360 investment into $525,569, creating $346,210 in equity despite a 3.7% correction from 2022 to 2024. The market experienced explosive 74.6% growth during 2020-2022 before beginning to normalize, reflecting the pattern seen across many Idaho boom towns. Located in Payette County near the Oregon border, this agricultural community offers small-town charm with strategic access to both states’ markets. The recent 6.1% recovery in 2024-2025 suggests renewed market momentum, potentially creating an attractive entry point for investors looking to capitalize on the next wave of appreciation in Idaho’s continuing growth story.
3. Homedale
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 193.99%
- Home value in 2016: $114,072
- Home value in 2017: $128,200
- Home value in 2018: $146,919
- Home value in 2019: $171,966
- Home value in 2020: $196,088
- Home value in 2021: $256,205
- Home value in 2022: $332,115
- Home value in 2023: $318,592
- Home value in 2024: $324,198
- Home value in 2025: $335,359
Homedale’s impressive 194.0% appreciation has generated $221,287 in wealth for property owners since 2016, despite a 4.1% correction in 2022-2023 following explosive early growth. The financial impact for early investors is substantial—an average annual return of approximately 21.6% over nine years, vastly outperforming traditional investment vehicles. Located in Owyhee County near the Oregon border, this agricultural community offers affordability with growing investment appeal. The recovery and continued 5.3% growth from 2023 to 2025 signals resilient market fundamentals, suggesting this remains an attractive option for investors seeking strong percentage returns with relatively modest capital requirements in Idaho’s continuing boom market.
2. Parma
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 197.33%
- Home value in 2016: $159,253
- Home value in 2017: $174,756
- Home value in 2018: $202,285
- Home value in 2019: $232,899
- Home value in 2020: $265,932
- Home value in 2021: $361,551
- Home value in 2022: $471,507
- Home value in 2023: $455,446
- Home value in 2024: $449,433
- Home value in 2025: $473,513
Parma’s exceptional 197.3% appreciation has transformed a $159,253 investment into $473,513, generating $314,260 in household wealth despite a 4.7% correction from 2022 to 2024. The financial story features remarkable 77.3% growth during 2020-2022 as pandemic-era buyers sought affordable communities within commuting distance of Boise. Located in Canyon County’s agricultural heartland, this community offers small-town appeal with strategic proximity to larger employment centers. The recent 5.4% recovery in 2024-2025 signals renewed market momentum after the correction, suggesting this could be an opportune entry point for investors before the next major growth cycle fully takes hold in Idaho’s dynamic real estate landscape.
1. Glenns Ferry
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 222.39%
- Home value in 2016: $79,403
- Home value in 2017: $85,166
- Home value in 2018: $96,696
- Home value in 2019: $118,509
- Home value in 2020: $141,984
- Home value in 2021: $180,049
- Home value in 2022: $230,160
- Home value in 2023: $231,092
- Home value in 2024: $237,103
- Home value in 2025: $255,984
Glenns Ferry’s extraordinary 222.4% appreciation tops our list, having transformed a mere $79,403 investment into $255,984 and generating $176,581 in wealth since 2016. The financial impact represents an average annual return of 24.7% over nine years—a staggering performance that would turn a modest $100,000 investment into $322,387. This small community along I-84 in Elmore County combines Idaho’s lowest entry point on our list with its highest percentage return. The continued strong growth through 2023-2025 (10.8% in just two years) suggests sustained momentum even after the pandemic boom, making this potentially one of the best opportunities for investors seeking maximum percentage returns with minimal capital requirements.
