I’ve analyzed the Zillow Home Value Index data to highlight the fastest-growing housing markets in Kansas from 2016 to 2025. These 25 towns span rural communities and small cities that have shown remarkable appreciation in recent years.
Kansas real estate has quietly gained momentum, driven by affordability, migration trends, and renewed interest in lower-density living. These towns are now outperforming expectations with meaningful home value growth.
This report ranks the top towns for appreciation, showing where equity is rising fastest and where buyers and investors may want to focus next.
25. Tyro
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 131.86%
- Home value in 2016: $73,373
- Home value in 2017: $75,340
- Home value in 2018: $81,199
- Home value in 2019: $89,056
- Home value in 2020: $94,890
- Home value in 2021: $117,191
- Home value in 2022: $141,757
- Home value in 2023: $150,609
- Home value in 2024: $154,588
- Home value in 2025: $170,119
Tyro’s 131.9% property value surge represents extraordinary financial leverage, transforming modest investments into substantial equity positions since 2016. The acceleration beginning in 2020 signals fundamental market repositioning rather than speculative activity. Current price points remain significantly below replacement costs, suggesting continued appreciation runway before construction parity. Located in Montgomery County near the Oklahoma border, Tyro combines rural affordability with proximity to regional employment centers, creating a value proposition that continues attracting both homeowners and strategic investors.
24. Garnett
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 134.70%
- Home value in 2016: $55,430
- Home value in 2017: $58,278
- Home value in 2018: $59,724
- Home value in 2019: $63,197
- Home value in 2020: $68,046
- Home value in 2021: $82,575
- Home value in 2022: $103,572
- Home value in 2023: $113,872
- Home value in 2024: $120,836
- Home value in 2025: $130,094
Garnett demonstrates exceptional wealth-building potential with 134.7% appreciation from an extraordinarily low entry point, creating maximum percentage return opportunity with minimal capital requirements. The dramatic acceleration post-2020 indicates strengthening market fundamentals driving sustainable growth. Current valuations remain well below replacement costs, suggesting continued upside before reaching construction parity. This Anderson County seat offers strategic positioning between Kansas City and southeastern Kansas employment centers while maintaining some of the state’s most accessible price points – a combination that continues attracting value-conscious buyers seeking maximum ROI potential.
23. Harveyville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 134.73%
- Home value in 2016: $90,652
- Home value in 2017: $97,018
- Home value in 2018: $97,875
- Home value in 2019: $106,704
- Home value in 2020: $113,882
- Home value in 2021: $130,874
- Home value in 2022: $156,329
- Home value in 2023: $171,836
- Home value in 2024: $188,041
- Home value in 2025: $212,790
Harveyville’s market performance showcases exceptional wealth accumulation, with property values increasing 134.7% while generating over $122,000 in equity growth. The consistent appreciation trajectory indicates robust demand fundamentals rather than speculative market forces. Investment analysis reveals favorable cash flow potential relative to acquisition costs despite substantial value increases. This Wabaunsee County community benefits from strategic positioning between Topeka and Emporia, offering commuting access to multiple job markets while maintaining the significantly lower property tax burden that continues attracting both primary homebuyers and investors seeking arbitrage opportunities.
22. McLouth
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 135.02%
- Home value in 2016: $138,389
- Home value in 2017: $148,734
- Home value in 2018: $159,535
- Home value in 2019: $172,329
- Home value in 2020: $182,762
- Home value in 2021: $224,142
- Home value in 2022: $261,829
- Home value in 2023: $286,606
- Home value in 2024: $299,867
- Home value in 2025: $325,237
McLouth’s real estate market demonstrates remarkable investment performance, generating over $186,000 in equity while maintaining a 135% appreciation rate despite starting from a higher baseline. The dramatic acceleration post-2020 suggests structural market shifts driving sustainable value increases. The exceptional dollar-for-dollar returns outpace most alternative investment vehicles on a risk-adjusted basis. Located in Jefferson County with strategic positioning relative to Lawrence, Topeka, and the Kansas City metro, McLouth offers the ideal combination of small-town affordability and multi-market commutability that commands premium valuation in today’s market.
21. Lane
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 135.25%
- Home value in 2016: $88,910
- Home value in 2017: $99,066
- Home value in 2018: $105,663
- Home value in 2019: $116,203
- Home value in 2020: $121,021
- Home value in 2021: $142,532
- Home value in 2022: $167,841
- Home value in 2023: $175,790
- Home value in 2024: $182,770
- Home value in 2025: $209,160
Lane’s market performance showcases exceptional wealth creation through real estate, with property values increasing 135.2% while generating over $120,000 in equity growth. The steady appreciation trajectory demonstrates resilience through varying economic and interest rate environments. Investment metrics reveal favorable debt service coverage ratios despite rising valuations, indicating continued opportunity for leveraged returns. This Franklin County community benefits from strategic positioning between Kansas City and regional employment centers, offering rural tranquility with practical commutability – a combination that continues to drive buyer demand and price appreciation.
20. Vermillion
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 135.54%
- Home value in 2016: $70,453
- Home value in 2017: $69,541
- Home value in 2018: $69,116
- Home value in 2019: $75,996
- Home value in 2020: $84,266
- Home value in 2021: $99,137
- Home value in 2022: $117,215
- Home value in 2023: $133,874
- Home value in 2024: $143,161
- Home value in 2025: $165,948
Vermillion demonstrates exceptional financial leverage opportunities with 135.5% appreciation from a modest entry point, creating significant wealth-building potential through real estate. The market showed remarkable resilience by overcoming early stagnation (2016-2018) before accelerating dramatically in subsequent years. Current valuations remain well below replacement costs, suggesting continued upside before reaching construction parity. This Marshall County community benefits from agricultural economic stability while maintaining housing costs significantly below regional averages – a combination that continues attracting value-conscious buyers seeking both primary residences and investment opportunities.
19. Williamsburg
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 135.59%
- Home value in 2016: $112,881
- Home value in 2017: $121,609
- Home value in 2018: $129,723
- Home value in 2019: $138,323
- Home value in 2020: $148,757
- Home value in 2021: $174,670
- Home value in 2022: $205,316
- Home value in 2023: $223,948
- Home value in 2024: $242,782
- Home value in 2025: $265,939
Williamsburg’s market performance showcases extraordinary wealth creation, with property values increasing 135.6% while generating over $153,000 in equity growth – among the highest absolute dollar gains in Kansas. The consistent year-over-year appreciation pattern demonstrates strong resilience through varying economic cycles. Investment metrics reveal favorable price-to-rent ratios despite substantial gains, indicating continued opportunities for cash flow investors. This Franklin County community benefits from strategic positioning along I-35, offering ease of access to Kansas City, Topeka, and Emporia while maintaining significantly lower property taxes and housing costs.
18. Thayer
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 136.18%
- Home value in 2016: $68,398
- Home value in 2017: $69,191
- Home value in 2018: $69,784
- Home value in 2019: $73,761
- Home value in 2020: $79,460
- Home value in 2021: $105,038
- Home value in 2022: $127,083
- Home value in 2023: $137,268
- Home value in 2024: $147,676
- Home value in 2025: $161,541
Thayer’s real estate market demonstrates exceptional investment performance with 136.2% appreciation from a modest entry point, creating significant wealth-building potential through leveraged real estate acquisition. The dramatic post-2020 acceleration indicates fundamental market repositioning rather than cyclical appreciation. Current valuations remain well below replacement costs, suggesting continued upside before reaching construction parity limits. This Neosho County community benefits from its strategic location near regional employment centers while maintaining housing costs significantly below metropolitan alternatives – a combination that continues attracting both primary homebuyers and investors seeking maximum percentage return potential.
17. Netawaka
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 136.48%
- Home value in 2016: $82,552
- Home value in 2017: $86,635
- Home value in 2018: $91,421
- Home value in 2019: $97,846
- Home value in 2020: $105,082
- Home value in 2021: $132,546
- Home value in 2022: $152,140
- Home value in 2023: $168,886
- Home value in 2024: $180,194
- Home value in 2025: $195,220
Netawaka’s market performance reveals exceptional wealth-building dynamics, with 136.5% appreciation generating over $112,000 in equity from a modest initial investment. The steady growth trajectory accelerated significantly post-2020, indicating structural market shifts rather than cyclical factors. Investment metrics show favorable cash-on-cash return potential even at current valuations, suggesting continued opportunity for investors. This Jackson County community benefits from strategic positioning along US-75 between Topeka and Nebraska, offering accessibility to multiple employment centers while maintaining the lower property tax burden that continues attracting both primary homebuyers and strategic investors.
16. Osawatomie
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 136.58%
- Home value in 2016: $77,519
- Home value in 2017: $82,936
- Home value in 2018: $87,801
- Home value in 2019: $98,137
- Home value in 2020: $105,046
- Home value in 2021: $125,662
- Home value in 2022: $142,189
- Home value in 2023: $157,399
- Home value in 2024: $167,938
- Home value in 2025: $183,392
Osawatomie demonstrates extraordinary financial performance with 136.6% appreciation creating substantial equity growth of nearly $106,000 from a modest initial investment. The consistent year-over-year appreciation pattern indicates resilient market fundamentals driving sustainable value increases. Current price points remain well below replacement costs, suggesting continued upside potential before reaching construction parity. This Miami County community offers strategic positioning between Kansas City and eastern Kansas employment centers while maintaining significantly lower housing costs – a combination that continues attracting value-conscious buyers seeking both primary residences and investment properties.
15. Fontana
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 136.88%
- Home value in 2016: $136,407
- Home value in 2017: $147,534
- Home value in 2018: $155,697
- Home value in 2019: $171,705
- Home value in 2020: $183,735
- Home value in 2021: $214,280
- Home value in 2022: $247,353
- Home value in 2023: $269,890
- Home value in 2024: $290,063
- Home value in 2025: $323,118
Fontana’s exceptional market performance generated over $186,000 in equity growth while maintaining 136.9% appreciation despite starting from a higher baseline. This dollar-for-dollar return outperforms many alternative investment vehicles on a risk-adjusted basis. The steady acceleration in appreciation rates suggests strengthening market dynamics rather than approaching saturation. Located in Miami County with proximity to both Kansas City and regional employment centers, Fontana represents the ideal balance between commutability and rural lifestyle benefits – a combination that commands premium valuations and continues driving buyer demand across multiple demographics.
14. Waverly
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 137.51%
- Home value in 2016: $82,672
- Home value in 2017: $84,439
- Home value in 2018: $88,569
- Home value in 2019: $101,338
- Home value in 2020: $106,739
- Home value in 2021: $130,480
- Home value in 2022: $154,072
- Home value in 2023: $169,183
- Home value in 2024: $179,327
- Home value in 2025: $196,356
Waverly’s market dynamics reveal exceptional wealth-creation potential, with property values increasing 137.5% while generating over $113,000 in equity from a modest initial investment. The acceleration in appreciation beginning in 2019 indicates fundamental market repositioning rather than cyclical factors. Investment metrics show favorable debt service coverage ratios despite rising valuations, suggesting continued opportunity for leveraged returns. This Coffey County community benefits from agricultural economic stability and recreational amenities while maintaining housing costs significantly below regional averages – a combination that continues attracting both primary homebuyers and strategic investors.
13. Mayetta
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 141.26%
- Home value in 2016: $117,122
- Home value in 2017: $119,280
- Home value in 2018: $121,786
- Home value in 2019: $132,303
- Home value in 2020: $143,568
- Home value in 2021: $193,170
- Home value in 2022: $223,509
- Home value in 2023: $252,254
- Home value in 2024: $262,236
- Home value in 2025: $282,573
Mayetta’s extraordinary market performance generated substantial wealth creation, with property values increasing 141.3% while adding over $165,000 in equity – among the highest absolute dollar gains in Kansas. The dramatic acceleration post-2020 indicates structural market repositioning rather than cyclical factors. Investment metrics reveal exceptional debt-to-equity optimization potential for leveraged purchases despite rising valuations. This Jackson County community benefits from proximity to Topeka and the Prairie Band Casino while maintaining significantly lower property taxes and purchase prices – a value proposition that continues attracting both primary homebuyers and strategic investors.
12. Baileyville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 143.00%
- Home value in 2016: $125,713
- Home value in 2017: $130,269
- Home value in 2018: $122,926
- Home value in 2019: $145,154
- Home value in 2020: $157,215
- Home value in 2021: $193,179
- Home value in 2022: $229,991
- Home value in 2023: $264,735
- Home value in 2024: $271,588
- Home value in 2025: $305,481
Baileyville’s remarkable market performance showcases extraordinary wealth-building potential, with property values increasing 143% while generating nearly $180,000 in equity growth – the second-highest absolute dollar gain among Kansas’s top 25. The market demonstrated exceptional resilience by overcoming a 2018 dip before accelerating dramatically. Investment analysis reveals favorable price-to-rent ratios despite substantial appreciation, indicating continued opportunity for cash flow investors. This Nemaha County community benefits from agricultural economic stability while offering housing that remains affordable relative to income metrics – creating continued upside potential even after substantial appreciation.
11. Quenemo
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 143.46%
- Home value in 2016: $67,883
- Home value in 2017: $71,014
- Home value in 2018: $73,865
- Home value in 2019: $85,067
- Home value in 2020: $95,052
- Home value in 2021: $118,059
- Home value in 2022: $140,440
- Home value in 2023: $141,300
- Home value in 2024: $150,749
- Home value in 2025: $165,269
Quenemo demonstrates exceptional wealth-building through real estate, with 143.5% appreciation from a modest entry point creating substantial equity accumulation despite minimal initial capital requirements. The consistent upward trajectory indicates fundamental economic drivers rather than speculative market forces. Current price points remain significantly below replacement costs, suggesting continued appreciation runway before construction parity. This Osage County community offers strategic positioning between Topeka and eastern Kansas employment centers while maintaining housing costs significantly below regional averages – a value proposition that continues attracting both primary homebuyers and investors seeking maximum percentage return potential.
10. Circleville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 153.45%
- Home value in 2016: $85,780
- Home value in 2017: $91,241
- Home value in 2018: $95,223
- Home value in 2019: $104,826
- Home value in 2020: $114,746
- Home value in 2021: $141,255
- Home value in 2022: $166,147
- Home value in 2023: $187,322
- Home value in 2024: $197,336
- Home value in 2025: $217,408
Circleville’s extraordinary market performance generated exceptional returns, with property values increasing 153.4% while creating over $131,000 in equity from a modest initial investment. The acceleration in appreciation post-2020 indicates structural market shifts rather than cyclical factors. Current valuations remain well below replacement costs, suggesting continued upside potential before reaching construction parity. This Jackson County community benefits from proximity to Topeka while maintaining significantly lower property taxes and housing costs – a combination that continues attracting value-conscious buyers seeking both affordability and appreciation potential in an increasingly expensive regional market.
9. Greeley
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 154.80%
- Home value in 2016: $79,367
- Home value in 2017: $85,790
- Home value in 2018: $90,708
- Home value in 2019: $97,764
- Home value in 2020: $108,270
- Home value in 2021: $144,044
- Home value in 2022: $170,067
- Home value in 2023: $182,328
- Home value in 2024: $185,229
- Home value in 2025: $202,228
Greeley’s market performance demonstrates exceptional ROI potential with 154.8% appreciation generating nearly $123,000 in equity from a modest initial investment. The dramatic acceleration post-2020 suggests fundamental market repositioning rather than cyclical factors. Investment metrics reveal favorable cash-on-cash returns compared to similar markets, with cap rates remaining attractive despite substantial appreciation. This Anderson County community offers strategic positioning between Kansas City and eastern Kansas employment centers while maintaining significantly lower property taxes and housing costs – a combination that continues driving demand and price appreciation through value-based arbitrage opportunity.
8. Westphalia
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 157.17%
- Home value in 2016: $85,535
- Home value in 2017: $89,063
- Home value in 2018: $95,252
- Home value in 2019: $106,903
- Home value in 2020: $119,069
- Home value in 2021: $149,874
- Home value in 2022: $174,106
- Home value in 2023: $188,931
- Home value in 2024: $196,244
- Home value in 2025: $219,970
Westphalia’s remarkable market performance showcases exceptional wealth-building potential, with property values increasing 157.2% while generating over $134,000 in equity from a modest initial investment. The steady acceleration in appreciation indicates strengthening market fundamentals rather than speculative dynamics. Investment analysis reveals favorable debt service coverage ratios despite rising valuations, creating opportunities for leveraged returns. This Anderson County community offers strategic positioning between regional employment centers while maintaining housing costs well below replacement value – a combination that creates continued upside potential even after substantial appreciation.
7. La Cygne
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 160.88%
- Home value in 2016: $57,830
- Home value in 2017: $66,535
- Home value in 2018: $71,672
- Home value in 2019: $78,313
- Home value in 2020: $79,352
- Home value in 2021: $92,198
- Home value in 2022: $124,251
- Home value in 2023: $135,739
- Home value in 2024: $146,162
- Home value in 2025: $150,868
La Cygne demonstrates extraordinary wealth-building through real estate leverage, with 160.9% appreciation from an extremely accessible entry point creating exceptional percentage returns with minimal capital requirements. The dramatic acceleration post-2021 suggests substantial market momentum that continues driving values upward. Current price points remain remarkably affordable despite significant appreciation, indicating continued upside potential. This Linn County community benefits from strategic positioning between Kansas City and regional employment centers while maintaining some of the state’s most accessible price points – a combination that offers unparalleled investment potential for maximum percentage returns.
6. Kansas City
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 162.29%
- Home value in 2016: $71,101
- Home value in 2017: $78,872
- Home value in 2018: $90,620
- Home value in 2019: $103,317
- Home value in 2020: $111,029
- Home value in 2021: $132,966
- Home value in 2022: $148,213
- Home value in 2023: $162,737
- Home value in 2024: $177,259
- Home value in 2025: $186,489
Kansas City’s extraordinary market performance generated exceptional financial returns, with 162.3% appreciation creating substantial wealth-building opportunities through real estate leverage. The steady upward trajectory indicates resilient market fundamentals rather than cyclical fluctuations. Investment metrics reveal favorable cap rates despite rising valuations, suggesting continued opportunity for cash flow investors. Unlike its Missouri counterpart, Kansas City (KS) offers significantly lower entry points while benefiting from the same metropolitan economic drivers – creating a value arbitrage opportunity that continues attracting both homebuyers and investors seeking maximum appreciation potential with urban convenience and amenities.
5. Denison
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 163.56%
- Home value in 2016: $53,130
- Home value in 2017: $56,394
- Home value in 2018: $56,919
- Home value in 2019: $63,642
- Home value in 2020: $70,157
- Home value in 2021: $93,062
- Home value in 2022: $108,219
- Home value in 2023: $120,396
- Home value in 2024: $130,745
- Home value in 2025: $140,028
Denison demonstrates extraordinary wealth-creation through real estate, with 163.6% appreciation from one of Kansas’s lowest entry points creating exceptional percentage returns with minimal capital requirements. The dramatic acceleration post-2020 suggests fundamental market shifts driving sustainable value increases. Current valuations remain extraordinarily accessible despite significant appreciation, indicating continued upside potential. This Jackson County community benefits from proximity to Topeka while maintaining significantly lower property taxes and housing costs – a combination that creates unparalleled investment opportunity for maximum percentage returns from minimal initial capital deployment.
4. Blue Mound
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 176.89%
- Home value in 2016: $85,806
- Home value in 2017: $95,300
- Home value in 2018: $98,842
- Home value in 2019: $109,823
- Home value in 2020: $120,189
- Home value in 2021: $153,231
- Home value in 2022: $191,895
- Home value in 2023: $203,133
- Home value in 2024: $212,569
- Home value in 2025: $237,588
Blue Mound’s exceptional market performance showcases extraordinary wealth-building potential, with property values increasing 176.9% while generating over $151,000 in equity from a modest initial investment. The dramatic acceleration during 2020-2022 indicates fundamental market repositioning rather than cyclical factors. Investment analysis reveals favorable debt-to-equity metrics despite substantial appreciation, creating opportunities for leveraged returns. This Linn County community benefits from strategic positioning between Kansas City and eastern Kansas employment centers while maintaining the rural lifestyle amenities and affordability that continue driving demand from both homebuyers and investors seeking maximum appreciation potential.
3. Oaklawn-Sunview
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 180.62%
- Home value in 2016: $26,461
- Home value in 2017: $25,496
- Home value in 2018: $23,834
- Home value in 2019: $24,904
- Home value in 2020: $27,856
- Home value in 2021: $38,937
- Home value in 2022: $45,070
- Home value in 2023: $53,650
- Home value in 2024: $62,582
- Home value in 2025: $74,254
Oaklawn-Sunview demonstrates extraordinary investment potential with 180.6% appreciation from Kansas’s lowest entry point, creating unparalleled percentage returns with minimal capital requirements. The market showed remarkable resilience by overcoming early declines before achieving explosive growth post-2020. Current valuations remain extraordinarily accessible despite substantial appreciation, suggesting continued upside potential. This Sedgwick County community near Wichita offers the most affordable entry point among Kansas’s top performers while maintaining proximity to metropolitan employment – creating unmatched ROI potential for investors seeking maximum percentage returns from minimal initial capital deployment.
2. Soldier
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 198.90%
- Home value in 2016: $85,349
- Home value in 2017: $91,701
- Home value in 2018: $94,815
- Home value in 2019: $107,759
- Home value in 2020: $119,934
- Home value in 2021: $159,208
- Home value in 2022: $188,427
- Home value in 2023: $217,700
- Home value in 2024: $232,374
- Home value in 2025: $255,105
Soldier’s exceptional market performance generated nearly 200% appreciation – a remarkable near-tripling in value that created substantial wealth-building opportunities through real estate leverage. The dramatic acceleration post-2020 indicates fundamental market shifts driving sustainable value increases rather than speculative dynamics. Current price-to-rent ratios remain favorable despite significant appreciation, suggesting continued opportunities for cash flow investors. This Jackson County community benefits from proximity to Topeka while maintaining the lower property tax burden and rural lifestyle amenities that continue attracting both homebuyers and strategic investors seeking maximum appreciation potential with minimal capital requirements.
1. Delia
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 208.56%
- Home value in 2016: $75,231
- Home value in 2017: $80,198
- Home value in 2018: $82,114
- Home value in 2019: $93,099
- Home value in 2020: $102,241
- Home value in 2021: $147,818
- Home value in 2022: $173,270
- Home value in 2023: $197,212
- Home value in 2024: $214,617
- Home value in 2025: $232,132
Delia stands as Kansas’s undisputed appreciation champion with an extraordinary 208.6% increase – more than tripling property values while generating over $156,000 in equity from a modest initial investment. The explosive growth post-2020 indicates a fundamental market repositioning that continues driving values upward. Investment metrics reveal exceptional returns relative to carrying costs, with favorable debt-to-income ratios despite rising valuations. This Jackson County community offers strategic positioning near Topeka while maintaining the affordability and quality of life advantages that have catapulted it to Kansas’s premier growth market – a combination that continues attracting both homebuyers and investors seeking maximum appreciation potential.
