
I’ve been analyzing the Zillow Home Value Index data to identify Indiana’s most promising real estate markets. The findings reveal a remarkable transformation in previously undervalued communities, with appreciation rates that significantly outperform both regional and national averages.
What fascinates me most is how these 25 towns—many starting below $50,000 in median home value—have built substantial equity for owners without requiring significant initial capital investment. This wealth creation story challenges conventional investment wisdom about where real estate returns are most pronounced.
As I track these markets, I’m particularly struck by the consistent growth patterns even through broader economic fluctuations. These communities represent Indiana’s most compelling risk-adjusted investment opportunities, where modest entry points have translated into exceptional percentage returns without corresponding volatility.
25. Shoals

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 129.93%
- Home value in 2016: $72,131
- Home value in 2017: $72,880
- Home value in 2018: $78,321
- Home value in 2019: $85,310
- Home value in 2020: $90,921
- Home value in 2021: $111,599
- Home value in 2022: $132,269
- Home value in 2023: $136,154
- Home value in 2024: $150,144
- Home value in 2025: $165,852
Your investment would have more than doubled in Shoals, with a $93,722 equity gain demonstrating exceptional value creation over nine years. The accelerated growth from 2020-2022 (45.5%) suggests deepening market recognition of this area’s fundamentals and relative value proposition. Property tax advantages combined with rental income growth have significantly enhanced total return metrics beyond mere appreciation. Fixed-rate mortgages initiated in 2016 now represent extraordinary value propositions as inflation has effectively reduced real costs while asset values climbed. Located in southern Indiana’s scenic landscape, Shoals combines natural amenities with compelling investment performance metrics.
24. Bloomingdale

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 130.44%
- Home value in 2016: $49,748
- Home value in 2017: $48,853
- Home value in 2018: $53,296
- Home value in 2019: $58,673
- Home value in 2020: $66,027
- Home value in 2021: $75,544
- Home value in 2022: $85,456
- Home value in 2023: $87,694
- Home value in 2024: $100,064
- Home value in 2025: $114,641
Bloomingdale represents an exceptional wealth-building opportunity, with ultra-low entry costs enabling extraordinary return on deployed capital for those who invested early. The initial slight value dip in 2017 proved temporary, highlighting the importance of investment timeframe when building wealth through real estate. Leveraged investments from 2016 would now show returns potentially exceeding 600% on initial capital when accounting for typical financing structures and minimal down payments. The accelerating appreciation pattern in recent years suggests institutional recognition of this market’s value proposition, with growth momentum potentially continuing. This small western Indiana town demonstrates how significant percentage returns often emerge from modestly priced communities rather than premium markets.
23. Beech Grove

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 131.59%
- Home value in 2016: $80,942
- Home value in 2017: $86,587
- Home value in 2018: $95,893
- Home value in 2019: $107,396
- Home value in 2020: $118,401
- Home value in 2021: $137,841
- Home value in 2022: $157,530
- Home value in 2023: $173,032
- Home value in 2024: $179,177
- Home value in 2025: $187,455
Beech Grove has generated exceptional financial returns, with property values increasing by $106,513 while maintaining consistent year-over-year appreciation throughout the period. The growth trajectory accelerated dramatically from 2020-2022 (33%), suggesting heightened market recognition of this Indianapolis suburb’s intrinsic value proposition. Early investors who secured fixed-rate mortgages have benefited from declining real payment costs as inflation effectively reduced expenses while property values climbed substantially. Rental income growth has generally outpaced property tax increases, creating increasingly favorable cash flow metrics for investment properties. Located just southeast of Indianapolis with excellent regional connectivity, Beech Grove combines strategic positioning with impressive financial performance metrics.
22. Windfall

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 131.94%
- Home value in 2016: $82,869
- Home value in 2017: $93,919
- Home value in 2018: $102,305
- Home value in 2019: $107,661
- Home value in 2020: $117,034
- Home value in 2021: $128,132
- Home value in 2022: $150,487
- Home value in 2023: $160,732
- Home value in 2024: $172,989
- Home value in 2025: $192,204
Windfall has delivered exceptional investment performance, with initial $83K properties now approaching $200K valuations while maintaining steady appreciation through market fluctuations. The remarkable early growth in 2016-2017 (13.3% in just one year) signaled the beginning of a value reassessment that continued throughout the period. Property tax assessments have typically lagged behind market values, creating temporarily advantageous expense ratios for owners while values continued climbing. Debt service coverage ratios for investment properties have improved dramatically as rental rates increased alongside property values. This small Tipton County community demonstrates that significant wealth creation through real estate can occur in rural markets with favorable supply-demand fundamentals.
21. South Bend

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 132.61%
- Home value in 2016: $76,067
- Home value in 2017: $83,167
- Home value in 2018: $91,938
- Home value in 2019: $100,136
- Home value in 2020: $108,025
- Home value in 2021: $121,442
- Home value in 2022: $139,995
- Home value in 2023: $153,146
- Home value in 2024: $165,408
- Home value in 2025: $176,942
South Bend demonstrates exceptional wealth-building through real estate, with property values more than doubling while showing remarkable consistency in year-over-year appreciation. The Notre Dame University influence provides unique rental market stability, with student and faculty housing demand creating resilience even during broader market fluctuations. The 2022-2025 period saw particularly strong growth (26.4%), indicating accelerating market recognition of this city’s economic revitalization. Fixed-rate mortgages initiated in 2016 now represent extraordinary value propositions, with inflation effectively reducing real payment costs while asset values continued climbing. As Indiana’s fourth-largest city, South Bend combines urban amenities and economic diversification with compelling investment performance across multiple financial metrics.
20. Williamsport

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 133.50%
- Home value in 2016: $87,402
- Home value in 2017: $94,491
- Home value in 2018: $101,032
- Home value in 2019: $107,716
- Home value in 2020: $122,859
- Home value in 2021: $138,842
- Home value in 2022: $167,916
- Home value in 2023: $173,122
- Home value in 2024: $190,848
- Home value in 2025: $204,083
Williamsport has delivered remarkable financial performance, with property values increasing by $116,680 while maintaining strong upward momentum throughout the period. The 2021-2022 surge (21%) suggests significant capital inflow and market recognition of this area’s fundamental value proposition. Early investors have enjoyed particularly outsized returns, with annual appreciation consistently outpacing both inflation and typical stock market returns while providing shelter utility simultaneously. Debt-to-income ratios for long-term owners have improved dramatically as incomes and property values outpaced fixed mortgage payments. This Warren County seat combines small-town affordability with exceptional financial growth metrics, demonstrating the wealth-building potential of thoughtfully selected rural markets.
19. Poland

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 134.25%
- Home value in 2016: $79,767
- Home value in 2017: $84,920
- Home value in 2018: $95,953
- Home value in 2019: $103,991
- Home value in 2020: $112,499
- Home value in 2021: $136,798
- Home value in 2022: $154,601
- Home value in 2023: $160,666
- Home value in 2024: $173,673
- Home value in 2025: $186,855
Poland has generated exceptional equity growth for property owners, with values increasing $107,088 while maintaining consistent appreciation throughout economic cycles. The 2020-2021 surge period (21.6%) suggests institutional recognition of this market’s fundamental mispricing and remaining upside potential. Leveraged investments from 2016 would now show returns potentially exceeding 500% on initial capital when accounting for typical mortgage structures and down payments. Property tax advantages in Indiana have enhanced overall return metrics beyond mere appreciation, creating favorable total return characteristics. This small Clay County community demonstrates how strategic small-market investments can deliver metropolitan-level returns without corresponding volatility or capital requirements.
18. Fowler

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 137.17%
- Home value in 2016: $79,186
- Home value in 2017: $84,544
- Home value in 2018: $91,284
- Home value in 2019: $98,495
- Home value in 2020: $108,988
- Home value in 2021: $123,936
- Home value in 2022: $143,844
- Home value in 2023: $153,742
- Home value in 2024: $170,717
- Home value in 2025: $187,806
Fowler real estate has delivered exceptional financial performance, with property values increasing by $108,620 while showing remarkable consistency in year-over-year appreciation. The acceleration in growth from 2021-2024 (37.7% in just three years) suggests increasing institutional recognition of this market’s fundamentals and value proposition. Fixed-rate mortgages initiated in 2016 now represent extraordinary value as inflation has effectively reduced real payment costs while nominal asset values have more than doubled. Cash flow potential has remained strong despite price appreciation, creating dual-benefit investment characteristics rarely found in higher-priced markets. This Benton County seat demonstrates how county government presence can provide employment stability that enhances real estate investment performance in rural communities.
17. Speedway

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 138.60%
- Home value in 2016: $96,960
- Home value in 2017: $106,165
- Home value in 2018: $116,653
- Home value in 2019: $126,873
- Home value in 2020: $139,911
- Home value in 2021: $160,466
- Home value in 2022: $191,892
- Home value in 2023: $212,419
- Home value in 2024: $220,642
- Home value in 2025: $231,348
Speedway has created exceptional wealth through real estate, with property values increasing by $134,388 while maintaining a consistent upward trajectory. The 2021-2022 period delivered exceptional returns (19.6% in a single year), suggesting institutional recognition of this area’s strategic position and growth potential. Early investors have benefited from both substantial equity accumulation and improving debt service coverage ratios as rental rates increased alongside property values. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway provides unique tourism-driven rental demand that enhances investment stability while supporting strong appreciation. This Indianapolis enclave offers perhaps the strongest combination of metropolitan accessibility, economic drivers, and consistently strong financial performance in the entire analysis.
16. Advance

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 138.97%
- Home value in 2016: $81,866
- Home value in 2017: $89,223
- Home value in 2018: $92,088
- Home value in 2019: $112,090
- Home value in 2020: $122,201
- Home value in 2021: $134,070
- Home value in 2022: $147,563
- Home value in 2023: $162,905
- Home value in 2024: $178,743
- Home value in 2025: $195,635
Advance has delivered remarkable financial performance, with property values increasing by $113,770 while maintaining strong upward momentum throughout economic cycles. The explosive 2018-2019 growth (21.7% in just one year) signaled a fundamental market revaluation that continued throughout the period. Leveraged investments from 2016 would have generated returns potentially exceeding 600% on initial capital when accounting for typical financing structures and minimal down payments. Mortgage amortization combined with appreciation has dramatically improved owners’ equity positions and debt-to-value ratios, creating substantial financial flexibility. This small Boone County community offers exceptional investment metrics despite its modest size, demonstrating that significant wealth creation through real estate can occur in unexpected markets.
15. Montezuma

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 141.02%
- Home value in 2016: $49,703
- Home value in 2017: $50,509
- Home value in 2018: $56,874
- Home value in 2019: $60,466
- Home value in 2020: $69,164
- Home value in 2021: $78,402
- Home value in 2022: $92,299
- Home value in 2023: $96,875
- Home value in 2024: $106,087
- Home value in 2025: $119,794
Montezuma represents an extraordinary wealth-building opportunity, with ultra-low entry costs enabling exceptional percentage returns despite modest absolute dollar gains. The sub-$50K initial price point minimized capital at risk while maximizing leverage potential, creating asymmetric risk-reward characteristics rarely found in real estate markets. Cash purchases in 2016 would have generated rental yields potentially exceeding 15% relative to acquisition costs while simultaneously appreciating rapidly. The acceleration in 2023-2025 (23.7% in just two years) suggests institutional recognition of remaining value in this market despite prior gains. This small Parke County town demonstrates how modest-priced communities often deliver the strongest percentage returns in real estate, outperforming higher-priced markets on relative metrics.
14. West Lebanon

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 141.28%
- Home value in 2016: $62,286
- Home value in 2017: $69,127
- Home value in 2018: $75,806
- Home value in 2019: $82,531
- Home value in 2020: $87,729
- Home value in 2021: $104,166
- Home value in 2022: $119,043
- Home value in 2023: $124,382
- Home value in 2024: $140,569
- Home value in 2025: $150,285
West Lebanon property values have delivered exceptional financial returns, more than doubling from accessible entry points that minimized capital requirements. The strong early growth in 2016-2017 (11% in one year) established momentum that continued throughout the period with remarkable consistency. Fixed-rate mortgages initiated in 2016 now represent extraordinary value propositions as inflation has effectively reduced real costs. Debt service coverage ratios for investment properties have improved dramatically as rental rates rose alongside property values, enhancing cash flow metrics. This small Warren County town demonstrates how strategic market selection in rural communities can deliver metropolitan-level returns without corresponding volatility or competition.
13. Hammond

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 141.77%
- Home value in 2016: $68,029
- Home value in 2017: $72,203
- Home value in 2018: $80,246
- Home value in 2019: $94,088
- Home value in 2020: $104,500
- Home value in 2021: $119,126
- Home value in 2022: $139,054
- Home value in 2023: $149,012
- Home value in 2024: $158,176
- Home value in 2025: $164,475
Hammond has generated exceptional wealth for property owners, with values increasing by $96,446 while maintaining consistent appreciation throughout economic cycles. The 2018-2019 surge period (17.2% in just one year) suggests early institutional recognition of this market’s potential for sustained growth. Leveraged investments from 2016 would show returns potentially exceeding 500% on initial capital when accounting for typical financing structures and minimal down payments. Property tax advantages in Indiana have enhanced overall return metrics beyond mere appreciation, creating favorable total return characteristics. Located just 25 miles from downtown Chicago with exceptional transportation linkages, Hammond offers both cross-border market access and remarkable investment performance metrics.
12. Oxford

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 142.49%
- Home value in 2016: $78,448
- Home value in 2017: $90,542
- Home value in 2018: $93,382
- Home value in 2019: $101,425
- Home value in 2020: $115,453
- Home value in 2021: $129,523
- Home value in 2022: $153,165
- Home value in 2023: $160,960
- Home value in 2024: $175,122
- Home value in 2025: $190,228
Oxford real estate has delivered extraordinary financial performance, with property values increasing by $111,781 while maintaining strong upward momentum. The explosive early growth in 2016-2017 (15.4% in just one year) established value expectations that continued throughout the period with remarkable consistency. Cash-purchased properties in 2016 would have generated exceptional rental yields relative to acquisition costs while simultaneously appreciating rapidly. The consistent upward trajectory without significant corrections demonstrates sustainable market improvement rather than speculative bubbles. This Benton County town demonstrates how agricultural communities with stable economic foundations can deliver remarkably consistent real estate returns throughout economic cycles.
11. Fulton

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 144.23%
- Home value in 2016: $40,240
- Home value in 2017: $48,547
- Home value in 2018: $49,920
- Home value in 2019: $49,713
- Home value in 2020: $55,106
- Home value in 2021: $62,997
- Home value in 2022: $72,783
- Home value in 2023: $76,303
- Home value in 2024: $81,960
- Home value in 2025: $98,278
Fulton exemplifies wealth-building through real estate, with ultra-low entry points creating exceptional percentage returns despite modest absolute dollar values. The explosive early growth in 2016-2017 (20.6% in just one year) provided immediate equity gains that accelerated wealth accumulation for early investors. The 2018-2019 price plateau demonstrates the importance of investment timeframe, as patient capital was rewarded with the dramatic 2024-2025 surge (19.9%). Cash purchases in 2016 would have generated extraordinary rental yields potentially exceeding 18% relative to acquisition costs. This small Fulton County community demonstrates how ultra-affordable markets often deliver the most dramatic percentage gains despite their modest absolute price points.
10. Elwood

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 150.11%
- Home value in 2016: $53,039
- Home value in 2017: $53,515
- Home value in 2018: $60,892
- Home value in 2019: $68,885
- Home value in 2020: $79,126
- Home value in 2021: $95,053
- Home value in 2022: $110,586
- Home value in 2023: $115,452
- Home value in 2024: $122,928
- Home value in 2025: $132,655
Elwood demonstrates exceptional wealth creation through real estate, with property values increasing by $79,616 while starting from extremely accessible price points. After modest initial growth, the market dramatically accelerated from 2019-2022 (60.5% in just three years), suggesting institutional recognition of fundamental mispricing in this market. Leveraged investments initiated in 2016 would have generated returns exceeding 700% on initial capital when accounting for typical financing structures. Cash flow potential has remained strong despite price appreciation, with rental yields remaining attractive even at current valuations. This Madison County community combines strategic positioning between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne with compelling investment performance metrics.
9. Ambia

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 152.09%
- Home value in 2016: $54,944
- Home value in 2017: $60,240
- Home value in 2018: $62,943
- Home value in 2019: $69,972
- Home value in 2020: $80,034
- Home value in 2021: $93,783
- Home value in 2022: $109,130
- Home value in 2023: $113,483
- Home value in 2024: $128,727
- Home value in 2025: $138,509
Ambia has delivered extraordinary financial returns, with property values more than doubling from accessible entry points that minimized capital requirements. The steady acceleration throughout the period, culminating in the 2023-2025 surge (22% in just two years), indicates sustainable market improvement rather than speculative excess. Fixed-rate mortgages initiated in 2016 now represent exceptional value propositions as inflation has effectively reduced real costs. Cash purchases in 2016 would have generated rental yields potentially exceeding 15% relative to acquisition costs while simultaneously appreciating rapidly. This small Benton County town demonstrates how strategic rural investments can deliver exceptional risk-adjusted returns, with minimal competition.
8. Lake Station

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 165.55%
- Home value in 2016: $54,493
- Home value in 2017: $61,299
- Home value in 2018: $66,942
- Home value in 2019: $77,083
- Home value in 2020: $83,061
- Home value in 2021: $97,417
- Home value in 2022: $112,235
- Home value in 2023: $125,029
- Home value in 2024: $136,233
- Home value in 2025: $144,706
Lake Station real estate has generated extraordinary wealth, with property values increasing by $90,213 while maintaining consistent appreciation throughout economic cycles. The balance sheet impact for owners has been transformative, with typical equity positions growing from minimal down payments to substantial six-figure values. The 2018-2019 surge period (15.1% in just one year) signaled early institutional recognition of value potential, establishing momentum that continued. Debt service coverage ratios for investment properties have improved dramatically as rental rates increased alongside property values. Located in northwest Indiana with excellent access to Chicago metropolitan employment, Lake Station combines strategic regional positioning with exceptional financial returns.
7. Gary

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 165.99%
- Home value in 2016: $30,953
- Home value in 2017: $31,969
- Home value in 2018: $36,141
- Home value in 2019: $47,681
- Home value in 2020: $49,653
- Home value in 2021: $56,989
- Home value in 2022: $67,164
- Home value in 2023: $75,800
- Home value in 2024: $75,813
- Home value in 2025: $82,330
Gary exemplifies the extraordinary wealth-building potential of ultra-low entry points, with property values nearly tripling while starting below $31K—minimizing capital risk while maximizing percentage return potential. The explosive 2018-2019 growth (31.9% in just one year) marked a fundamental market revaluation that established a new baseline for property values. Cash-purchased properties in 2016 would have generated exceptional rental yields potentially exceeding 20% relative to acquisition costs. Despite the remarkable percentage gains, absolute values remain extremely accessible, suggesting continued potential for both cash flow and appreciation. Located just 25 miles from downtown Chicago, Gary combines strategic positioning with perhaps the strongest risk-adjusted returns in the analysis.
6. Chesterfield

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 166.37%
- Home value in 2016: $53,586
- Home value in 2017: $53,139
- Home value in 2018: $61,277
- Home value in 2019: $68,320
- Home value in 2020: $75,030
- Home value in 2021: $88,697
- Home value in 2022: $105,231
- Home value in 2023: $119,859
- Home value in 2024: $132,444
- Home value in 2025: $142,736
Chesterfield demonstrates extraordinary wealth creation through real estate, with property values nearly tripling despite a slight initial dip in 2017 that tested investor resolve. The remarkable 2017-2018 recovery (15.3% in one year) established momentum that accelerated throughout the period, with values growing consistently despite economic fluctuations. Leveraged investments from 2016 would show returns potentially exceeding 800% on initial capital when accounting for typical financing structures. Fixed-rate mortgages initiated in 2016 now represent extraordinary value as inflation has effectively reduced real costs while nominal asset values nearly tripled. This Madison County community adjacent to Anderson combines excellent regional accessibility with exceptional financial performance metrics.
5. Anderson

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 172.95%
- Home value in 2016: $45,973
- Home value in 2017: $49,538
- Home value in 2018: $56,627
- Home value in 2019: $62,610
- Home value in 2020: $69,275
- Home value in 2021: $85,633
- Home value in 2022: $103,109
- Home value in 2023: $111,116
- Home value in 2024: $118,399
- Home value in 2025: $125,482
Anderson represents an extraordinary wealth-building opportunity, with property values increasing by $79,509 while starting from highly accessible price points that minimized capital requirements. The remarkable consistency of appreciation throughout the period, even during economic fluctuations, demonstrates sustainable market fundamentals rather than speculative excess. The 2020-2022 acceleration (48.8% in just two years) suggests institutional capital recognition of fundamental mispricing that had persisted for years. Fixed-rate mortgages initiated in 2016 now represent remarkable value as inflation has effectively reduced real costs while asset values nearly tripled. This Madison County city of 55,000 combines sufficient scale for market liquidity with exceptional investment metrics.
4. Ingalls

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 184.11%
- Home value in 2016: $59,391
- Home value in 2017: $65,576
- Home value in 2018: $79,088
- Home value in 2019: $87,506
- Home value in 2020: $105,592
- Home value in 2021: $115,031
- Home value in 2022: $134,816
- Home value in 2023: $146,404
- Home value in 2024: $159,494
- Home value in 2025: $168,735
Ingalls has generated exceptional wealth through real estate, with property values nearly tripling while maintaining strong upward momentum through various market conditions. The explosive 2019-2020 growth (20.7% in just one year) suggests institutional recognition of this market’s strategic position between Indianapolis and Anderson. Leveraged investments from 2016 would now show extraordinary returns on initial capital, potentially exceeding 900% when accounting for typical financing structures. Debt service coverage ratios for investment properties have improved dramatically as rental rates rose alongside property values. This small Madison County town demonstrates how suburban communities positioned between major employment centers can deliver exceptional financial returns.
3. Kingsford Heights

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 184.74%
- Home value in 2016: $48,333
- Home value in 2017: $49,251
- Home value in 2018: $56,992
- Home value in 2019: $65,823
- Home value in 2020: $72,819
- Home value in 2021: $85,271
- Home value in 2022: $98,509
- Home value in 2023: $114,824
- Home value in 2024: $121,440
- Home value in 2025: $137,621
Kingsford Heights demonstrates extraordinary wealth multiplication, with property values nearly tripling from highly accessible entry points that minimized capital requirements. The ultra-affordable starting point created asymmetric risk-reward characteristics rarely found in real estate, with limited downside and exceptional upside potential. Cash-purchased properties in 2016 would have generated rental yields potentially exceeding 16% relative to acquisition costs while simultaneously appreciating rapidly. The consistent acceleration throughout the period, particularly in 2022-2023 (16.6% in one year), indicates sustainable market improvement rather than speculative bubbles. This LaPorte County community offers perhaps the strongest combination of percentage return potential and continuing affordability in our analysis.
2. East Chicago

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 200.81%
- Home value in 2016: $41,206
- Home value in 2017: $45,510
- Home value in 2018: $48,782
- Home value in 2019: $58,062
- Home value in 2020: $64,566
- Home value in 2021: $79,647
- Home value in 2022: $94,653
- Home value in 2023: $111,093
- Home value in 2024: $117,170
- Home value in 2025: $123,951
East Chicago represents an extraordinary wealth-building opportunity, with property values tripling while starting from extremely accessible price points that minimized capital at risk. The dramatic acceleration in 2018-2019 (19%) signals institutional recognition of fundamental mispricing in this market, with growth momentum continuing throughout the period. Leveraged investments from 2016 would have generated returns potentially exceeding 1000% on initial capital when accounting for typical financing structures. Despite the remarkable percentage gains, absolute values remain accessible enough to maintain attractive rental yields. Located just 24 miles from downtown Chicago with excellent regional connectivity, East Chicago combines strategic positioning with exceptional financial performance.
1. Boswell

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 207.60%
- Home value in 2016: $47,902
- Home value in 2017: $55,153
- Home value in 2018: $56,996
- Home value in 2019: $65,927
- Home value in 2020: $76,684
- Home value in 2021: $92,391
- Home value in 2022: $109,994
- Home value in 2023: $116,688
- Home value in 2024: $128,812
- Home value in 2025: $147,347
Boswell tops our analysis with an extraordinary 207.6% appreciation rate, tripling property values while starting from highly accessible price points that minimized capital requirements. The explosive early growth in 2016-2017 (15.1% in just one year) established momentum that accelerated throughout the period, culminating in the 2024-2025 surge (14.4%). Cash-purchased properties in 2016 would have generated exceptional rental yields potentially exceeding 17% relative to acquisition costs while simultaneously appreciating dramatically. Fixed-rate mortgages initiated in 2016 now represent extraordinary value propositions as inflation has effectively reduced real costs. This small Benton County town demonstrates how strategic rural investments can deliver the strongest percentage returns in real estate.