I’ve analyzed the Zillow Home Value Index data to identify Iowa’s housing market champions over the past decade. This exclusive look at the state’s fastest-appreciating towns reveals where savvy investors have been building serious equity since 2016.
What makes these markets special? It’s a perfect storm of affordability, improving infrastructure, and strategic locations near employment centers. While major metros get headlines, these small-to-midsize communities have quietly delivered remarkable returns for homeowners.
The numbers don’t lie – these 25 towns represent exceptional investment opportunities with many doubling in value over nine years. Whether you’re a first-time buyer looking for growth potential or a seasoned investor seeking undervalued markets, these communities deserve your attention.
25. Pleasantville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 95.77%
- Home value in 2016: $128,433
- Home value in 2017: $138,394
- Home value in 2018: $145,495
- Home value in 2019: $161,280
- Home value in 2020: $176,705
- Home value in 2021: $196,664
- Home value in 2022: $216,015
- Home value in 2023: $228,724
- Home value in 2024: $233,737
- Home value in 2025: $251,432
Your investment in Pleasantville would have nearly doubled over this nine-year period, representing an exceptional 10.6% average annual appreciation. The consistent year-over-year growth pattern shows remarkable stability compared to volatile urban markets. For sellers, this trajectory suggests optimal timing for liquidating assets, while buyers should view current prices as still having headroom. Situated in Marion County with easy access to Des Moines, Pleasantville combines rural charm with practical commutability.
24. Kellogg
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 95.83%
- Home value in 2016: $101,481
- Home value in 2017: $110,855
- Home value in 2018: $119,845
- Home value in 2019: $133,173
- Home value in 2020: $139,306
- Home value in 2021: $151,009
- Home value in 2022: $168,579
- Home value in 2023: $181,916
- Home value in 2024: $184,830
- Home value in 2025: $198,728
With an impressive $97,247 gain in property values, Kellogg represents a prime example of midwest wealth building through real estate. The town’s appreciation rate outperforms many traditional investment vehicles by a significant margin. Cash flow potential looks promising as rental demand increases alongside property values. Located in Jasper County near Interstate 80, Kellogg offers exceptional value with lower property taxes than comparable markets and strong connections to regional employment centers.
23. Keosauqua
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 95.92%
- Home value in 2016: $86,532
- Home value in 2017: $94,157
- Home value in 2018: $99,188
- Home value in 2019: $102,333
- Home value in 2020: $109,698
- Home value in 2021: $125,666
- Home value in 2022: $140,107
- Home value in 2023: $151,676
- Home value in 2024: $157,374
- Home value in 2025: $169,537
Keosauqua’s financial performance showcases how low entry points can yield outstanding ROI percentages – nearly doubling initial capital investment. The accelerated growth post-2020 indicates strengthening market dynamics and increasing buyer competition. The affordability-to-appreciation ratio makes this an ideal market for first-time investors looking to build equity quickly. Nestled along the Des Moines River in Van Buren County, Keosauqua’s historic charm and recreational amenities continue driving demand from both primary homebuyers and vacation property seekers.
22. Lake View
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 96.70%
- Home value in 2016: $114,001
- Home value in 2017: $116,034
- Home value in 2018: $122,229
- Home value in 2019: $129,645
- Home value in 2020: $136,790
- Home value in 2021: $164,377
- Home value in 2022: $179,415
- Home value in 2023: $196,011
- Home value in 2024: $208,453
- Home value in 2025: $224,242
Lake View’s property values reveal an exponential growth curve that accelerated significantly post-2020, outpacing inflation by 5-6x. The rapid appreciation suggests strong fundamentals driving demand rather than speculative market forces. Investment metrics indicate excellent debt-to-equity optimization potential for leveraged purchases. This lakeside community in Sac County centers around Black Hawk Lake, making it a recreational destination with year-round appeal and limited housing inventory that continues to push values upward through supply constraints.
21. Newton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 97.01%
- Home value in 2016: $91,900
- Home value in 2017: $95,439
- Home value in 2018: $105,143
- Home value in 2019: $115,526
- Home value in 2020: $124,943
- Home value in 2021: $136,525
- Home value in 2022: $154,973
- Home value in 2023: $164,934
- Home value in 2024: $171,121
- Home value in 2025: $181,052
Newton demonstrates exceptional investment metrics with a 97% value increase translating to significant wealth creation potential through property acquisition. The steadily increasing appreciation rate suggests strengthening economic fundamentals rather than market fluctuations. For long-term investors, Newton’s price-to-income ratio remains favorable despite rising values. This former manufacturing hub in Jasper County has successfully diversified its economy through motorsports tourism and renewable energy sectors, creating sustainable growth drivers for continued property appreciation.
20. Crawfordsville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 97.08%
- Home value in 2016: $103,484
- Home value in 2017: $108,053
- Home value in 2018: $112,254
- Home value in 2019: $122,310
- Home value in 2020: $132,789
- Home value in 2021: $147,613
- Home value in 2022: $162,185
- Home value in 2023: $173,259
- Home value in 2024: $188,085
- Home value in 2025: $203,944
Crawfordsville’s market performance highlights how strategic property acquisition in emerging rural markets can outperform metropolitan investments. The compound annual growth rate exceeds 10%, creating substantial wealth-building opportunities through real estate leverage. Cap rates remain attractive despite rising values, indicating strong rental potential relative to purchase prices. Located in Washington County with agricultural economic stability, Crawfordsville benefits from regional economic diversity while maintaining the affordability that continues attracting value-conscious buyers.
19. Chariton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 97.89%
- Home value in 2016: $72,994
- Home value in 2017: $78,390
- Home value in 2018: $77,154
- Home value in 2019: $88,770
- Home value in 2020: $97,137
- Home value in 2021: $110,660
- Home value in 2022: $124,843
- Home value in 2023: $136,983
- Home value in 2024: $137,517
- Home value in 2025: $144,445
Chariton’s financial trajectory represents an exceptional wealth-creation vehicle for investors who recognized its potential early. The low entry price point combined with 97.9% appreciation created a rare opportunity for extraordinary percentage returns on minimal capital investment. The market demonstrates resilience through economic cycles, maintaining upward momentum even during broader market fluctuations. This Lucas County seat offers strategic advantages through lower carrying costs relative to appreciation rates, with housing costs still well below construction replacement values.
18. Winterset
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 98.62%
- Home value in 2016: $140,031
- Home value in 2017: $161,544
- Home value in 2018: $171,012
- Home value in 2019: $185,729
- Home value in 2020: $198,536
- Home value in 2021: $213,394
- Home value in 2022: $234,671
- Home value in 2023: $249,839
- Home value in 2024: $261,494
- Home value in 2025: $278,135
Winterset’s market dynamics reveal how cultural tourism can drive extraordinary real estate appreciation, with property values doubling since 2016. The appreciation curve demonstrates accelerating returns, suggesting growing market momentum rather than a plateau. Investment metrics show exceptional equity growth potential with relatively modest capital requirements compared to nearby Des Moines. Famous for its covered bridges and John Wayne’s birthplace, this Madison County seat combines tourism-driven economic vitality with proximity to metropolitan job centers – a combination that continues fueling property value increases.
17. Melrose
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 98.98%
- Home value in 2016: $91,590
- Home value in 2017: $90,753
- Home value in 2018: $93,993
- Home value in 2019: $104,162
- Home value in 2020: $109,769
- Home value in 2021: $126,374
- Home value in 2022: $145,160
- Home value in 2023: $161,226
- Home value in 2024: $165,301
- Home value in 2025: $182,248
Melrose exemplifies optimal financial leverage potential, with modest initial investment requirements yielding exceptional equity accumulation. The acceleration in appreciation post-2019 suggests strengthening market fundamentals driving sustainable value growth. For investors, the price-to-rent ratios remain favorable despite nearly doubling in value over nine years. This Monroe County community benefits from agricultural economic stability while maintaining housing costs significantly below regional averages, creating continued upside potential even after substantial appreciation.
16. Melbourne
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 100.63%
- Home value in 2016: $97,520
- Home value in 2017: $100,558
- Home value in 2018: $99,119
- Home value in 2019: $112,499
- Home value in 2020: $122,283
- Home value in 2021: $133,880
- Home value in 2022: $149,746
- Home value in 2023: $160,349
- Home value in 2024: $177,100
- Home value in 2025: $195,653
Melbourne’s market performance has created exceptional wealth-building opportunities, doubling property values in nine years – a financial achievement few asset classes can match. The steady appreciation rate of 11.2% annually outperforms most traditional investment vehicles while offering superior leverage potential. Price points remain accessible despite substantial gains, indicating continued upside before reaching affordability constraints. Located in Marshall County with strategic positioning between Marshalltown and Des Moines, Melbourne offers commuting access to multiple job markets while maintaining the lower property tax rates typical of smaller municipalities.
15. Hawarden
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 101.89%
- Home value in 2016: $83,998
- Home value in 2017: $88,972
- Home value in 2018: $98,450
- Home value in 2019: $104,023
- Home value in 2020: $113,879
- Home value in 2021: $124,238
- Home value in 2022: $139,048
- Home value in 2023: $146,376
- Home value in 2024: $153,523
- Home value in 2025: $169,580
Hawarden’s real estate market has generated exceptional returns, with property values more than doubling while maintaining affordability relative to income metrics. Investment analysis reveals superior cash-on-cash returns compared to comparable markets with similar risk profiles. The steady appreciation pattern suggests fundamental economic drivers rather than speculative market forces. This Sioux County community along the Big Sioux River benefits from proximity to Sioux Falls’ robust economy while maintaining significantly lower housing costs, creating a value proposition that continues attracting both homebuyers and investors.
14. Saint Charles
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 102.14%
- Home value in 2016: $184,897
- Home value in 2017: $193,083
- Home value in 2018: $209,419
- Home value in 2019: $233,538
- Home value in 2020: $253,066
- Home value in 2021: $278,782
- Home value in 2022: $308,922
- Home value in 2023: $333,964
- Home value in 2024: $346,527
- Home value in 2025: $373,758
Saint Charles demonstrates how strategic location can drive exceptional financial returns, with property values doubling in nine years despite starting from a higher baseline. The appreciation curve shows accelerating gains, suggesting strengthening market momentum rather than approaching saturation. Investment metrics reveal excellent principal protection with substantial upside potential for continued equity growth. Located in Madison County with proximity to Des Moines while offering rural lifestyle benefits, Saint Charles exemplifies the “best of both worlds” proposition that commands premium pricing in today’s market.
13. Honey Creek
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 102.15%
- Home value in 2016: $213,966
- Home value in 2017: $215,493
- Home value in 2018: $227,113
- Home value in 2019: $240,710
- Home value in 2020: $261,774
- Home value in 2021: $293,561
- Home value in 2022: $336,404
- Home value in 2023: $372,551
- Home value in 2024: $398,089
- Home value in 2025: $432,525
Honey Creek’s market trajectory reveals exceptional wealth-building potential, with over $218,000 in equity creation – among the highest absolute dollar gains in Iowa. The accelerating appreciation rate suggests strengthening fundamentals driving sustainable value increases rather than speculation. For investors, the price-to-income ratios remain favorable despite substantial appreciation, indicating continued upside potential. Located in Pottawattamie County with proximity to Omaha/Council Bluffs, Honey Creek offers exceptional recreational amenities while maintaining significantly lower property tax rates than nearby Nebraska.
12. New Virginia
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 102.41%
- Home value in 2016: $167,932
- Home value in 2017: $171,256
- Home value in 2018: $179,935
- Home value in 2019: $202,036
- Home value in 2020: $217,452
- Home value in 2021: $250,494
- Home value in 2022: $275,628
- Home value in 2023: $309,961
- Home value in 2024: $324,492
- Home value in 2025: $339,918
New Virginia’s remarkable financial performance demonstrates investment-grade returns, with property values more than doubling while generating over $170,000 in equity. The accelerating appreciation curve indicates strengthening market momentum rather than approaching a plateau. ROI analysis shows exceptional performance metrics compared to alternative investment vehicles with similar risk profiles. This Warren County community offers strategic proximity to Des Moines’ job market while maintaining rural character, creating the lifestyle/commutability balance that commands premium valuations in today’s shifting market preferences.
11. Oakland
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 102.99%
- Home value in 2016: $100,066
- Home value in 2017: $107,145
- Home value in 2018: $117,665
- Home value in 2019: $123,858
- Home value in 2020: $138,467
- Home value in 2021: $149,117
- Home value in 2022: $163,509
- Home value in 2023: $177,612
- Home value in 2024: $189,214
- Home value in 2025: $203,125
Oakland exemplifies optimal wealth creation through real estate, with property values more than doubling while requiring relatively modest initial capital investment. The consistent year-over-year appreciation pattern demonstrates strong resilience through varied economic conditions and interest rate environments. Investment metrics reveal favorable cash flow potential relative to appreciation, creating opportunities for both equity growth and passive income. Located in Pottawattamie County along I-80, Oakland offers strategic positioning between Des Moines and Omaha with significantly lower carrying costs than either metropolitan area.
10. Colfax
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 103.54%
- Home value in 2016: $84,726
- Home value in 2017: $88,321
- Home value in 2018: $101,605
- Home value in 2019: $118,067
- Home value in 2020: $127,116
- Home value in 2021: $134,793
- Home value in 2022: $149,078
- Home value in 2023: $157,240
- Home value in 2024: $162,822
- Home value in 2025: $172,453
Colfax’s financial performance demonstrates exceptional ROI potential with minimal capital requirements, more than doubling in value over nine years despite a low entry point. The substantial percentage gain creates wealth-building opportunities that outperform most alternative investment vehicles on a risk-adjusted basis. Current valuations remain well below replacement costs, suggesting continued upside potential before reaching construction parity. This Jasper County community with mineral spring heritage offers strategic positioning just 25 miles east of Des Moines, creating value through accessibility while maintaining significantly lower price points.
9. Lacona
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 103.90%
- Home value in 2016: $140,506
- Home value in 2017: $151,371
- Home value in 2018: $153,577
- Home value in 2019: $168,592
- Home value in 2020: $175,965
- Home value in 2021: $204,956
- Home value in 2022: $228,135
- Home value in 2023: $246,156
- Home value in 2024: $264,280
- Home value in 2025: $286,490
Lacona’s real estate market delivers investment-grade returns, with property values more than doubling and creating substantial equity accumulation of nearly $146,000. The appreciation curve accelerated significantly post-2020, suggesting strengthening market dynamics rather than a temporary surge. The price-to-rent ratios remain attractive despite substantial gains, indicating continued opportunities for cash flow investors. Located in Warren County with strategic positioning relative to Des Moines, Lacona benefits from agricultural economic stability while offering housing costs significantly below metropolitan alternatives.
8. Truro
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 104.67%
- Home value in 2016: $136,199
- Home value in 2017: $143,080
- Home value in 2018: $155,753
- Home value in 2019: $174,182
- Home value in 2020: $188,863
- Home value in 2021: $211,078
- Home value in 2022: $230,261
- Home value in 2023: $246,024
- Home value in 2024: $259,389
- Home value in 2025: $278,755
Truro’s market performance demonstrates exceptional wealth creation, with property values more than doubling while generating over $142,000 in equity – substantially outperforming traditional investment vehicles. The steady appreciation trajectory indicates resilient market fundamentals rather than speculative dynamics. Investment analysis shows favorable debt service coverage ratios despite rising valuations, creating opportunities for leveraged returns. This Madison County community benefits from its strategic location along I-35, offering easy access to Des Moines while maintaining the lower cost structure and quality of life advantages that continue driving demand.
7. Perry
-
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 106.92%
- Home value in 2016: $69,482
- Home value in 2017: $74,135
- Home value in 2018: $78,755
- Home value in 2019: $89,273
- Home value in 2020: $95,276
- Home value in 2021: $107,833
- Home value in 2022: $121,324
- Home value in 2023: $135,194
- Home value in 2024: $139,953
- Home value in 2025: $143,774
Perry’s remarkable market performance demonstrates exceptional investment returns with minimal capital requirements, achieving 107% appreciation from a low entry point. The consistent upward trajectory reveals resilient fundamentals driving sustainable growth rather than market volatility. Current valuations remain well below replacement costs, suggesting continued upside potential before reaching construction parity. Located in Dallas County, Perry combines small-town affordability with strategic proximity to both Des Moines and Ames job markets, creating value through accessibility while maintaining significantly lower property taxes and living costs.
6. Marathon
-
-
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 109.52%
- Home value in 2016: $39,187
- Home value in 2017: $43,140
- Home value in 2018: $44,530
- Home value in 2019: $60,795
- Home value in 2020: $62,301
- Home value in 2021: $69,416
- Home value in 2022: $71,820
- Home value in 2023: $76,222
- Home value in 2024: $86,915
- Home value in 2025: $82,104
-
Marathon offers unparalleled percentage return potential with minimal capital requirements, delivering 109% appreciation despite the lowest entry price in Iowa’s top 25. The substantial ROI demonstrates how affordable markets can generate exceptional percentage returns for astute investors. Even with dramatic appreciation, current valuations remain extraordinarily accessible, with prices still below construction replacement costs. This Buena Vista County community exemplifies the wealth-building potential in rural markets, where modest absolute dollar investments can yield substantial percentage returns through strategic acquisition timing.
5. Redfield
-
-
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 111.28%
- Home value in 2016: $99,534
- Home value in 2017: $116,352
- Home value in 2018: $126,742
- Home value in 2019: $146,146
- Home value in 2020: $156,844
- Home value in 2021: $170,588
- Home value in 2022: $179,542
- Home value in 2023: $193,642
- Home value in 2024: $201,523
- Home value in 2025: $210,294
-
Redfield’s market performance illustrates exceptional wealth building through real estate, with property values more than doubling while generating over $110,000 in equity accumulation. The appreciation curve shows accelerating gains between 2016-2019, indicating strengthening market fundamentals during that period. Investment metrics reveal favorable cash-on-cash returns compared to similar markets, with cap rates remaining attractive despite substantial appreciation. Located in Dallas County with easy access to Des Moines via Highway 6, Redfield combines commutability with small-town affordability – a combination that continues driving demand.
4. Dallas
-
-
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 113.49%
- Home value in 2016: $68,187
- Home value in 2017: $73,602
- Home value in 2018: $84,067
- Home value in 2019: $90,947
- Home value in 2020: $98,482
- Home value in 2021: $116,469
- Home value in 2022: $122,370
- Home value in 2023: $132,391
- Home value in 2024: $132,998
- Home value in 2025: $145,571
-
Dallas demonstrates exceptional investment performance with 113.5% appreciation from a modest entry point, creating substantial wealth-building opportunities through real estate leverage. The most dramatic growth occurred during 2020-2021, suggesting pandemic-related migration patterns boosted market dynamics. Current valuations remain below replacement costs, indicating continued upside potential before reaching construction parity. This Marion County community offers strategic positioning relative to multiple employment centers while maintaining significantly lower property taxes and purchase prices than nearby metropolitan alternatives.
3. Albia
-
-
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 116.57%
- Home value in 2016: $74,863
- Home value in 2017: $87,021
- Home value in 2018: $96,668
- Home value in 2019: $100,985
- Home value in 2020: $104,509
- Home value in 2021: $118,095
- Home value in 2022: $137,686
- Home value in 2023: $150,895
- Home value in 2024: $151,237
- Home value in 2025: $162,132
-
Albia’s market performance showcases remarkable wealth creation through real estate, with 116.6% appreciation generating substantial equity growth from a modest initial investment. The acceleration in appreciation post-2020 indicates strengthening market fundamentals driving sustainable growth. Investment analysis reveals exceptional cash flow potential relative to acquisition costs, with favorable debt service coverage ratios. This Monroe County seat combines historic architectural character with economic diversity, creating resilient property values while maintaining housing costs significantly below state averages – a combination that continues attracting both homebuyers and investors.
2. Correctionville
-
-
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 117.87%
- Home value in 2016: $74,784
- Home value in 2017: $79,331
- Home value in 2018: $83,616
- Home value in 2019: $93,549
- Home value in 2020: $108,663
- Home value in 2021: $125,308
- Home value in 2022: $130,774
- Home value in 2023: $138,008
- Home value in 2024: $146,994
- Home value in 2025: $162,933
-
Correctionville demonstrates extraordinary investment performance with property values more than doubling from an accessible entry point, creating significant wealth-building potential through real estate leverage. The dramatic acceleration in appreciation during 2019-2021 suggests fundamental market shifts driving sustainable value increases. Current price points remain well below replacement costs, indicating continued upside potential before reaching construction parity. This Woodbury County community benefits from strategic positioning near Sioux City’s job market while maintaining the affordability advantage that continues attracting value-conscious buyers seeking both primary residences and investment properties.
1. Woodburn
-
-
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 124.22%
- Home value in 2016: $114,293
- Home value in 2017: $119,948
- Home value in 2018: $117,968
- Home value in 2019: $131,077
- Home value in 2020: $142,589
- Home value in 2021: $173,220
- Home value in 2022: $190,643
- Home value in 2023: $210,112
- Home value in 2024: $231,826
- Home value in 2025: $256,271
-
Woodburn stands as Iowa’s top-performing real estate market, with extraordinary 124.2% appreciation creating nearly $142,000 in equity from a relatively modest initial investment. The dramatic acceleration post-2020 indicates substantial market momentum that continues driving values upward. Investment metrics reveal exceptional returns relative to carrying costs, with favorable debt-to-income ratios despite rising valuations. Located in Clarke County along Highway 69, Woodburn offers strategic positioning between Des Moines and the Missouri border while maintaining the affordability and quality of life advantages that have made it Iowa’s premier growth market.
