I’ve analyzed the Zillow Home Value Index data to highlight Nebraska’s fastest-growing real estate markets from 2016 to 2025. These 25 communities demonstrate the strength and resilience of property values in America’s heartland, with growth rates that rival many coastal markets.
The data reveals a compelling narrative about Nebraska’s housing market potential – small towns with affordable entry points are generating percentage returns that would impress investors in any region. Many top performers offer low six-figure entry prices with strong double-digit appreciation that compounds year after year.
For investors and homeowners, these markets represent Nebraska’s growth corridors where equity accumulation has significantly outpaced state averages. Each town is ranked by percentage appreciation below, with detailed financial metrics and customized investment insights for those considering these emerging markets.
25. Dodge
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 113.56%
- Home value in 2016: $107,490
- Home value in 2017: $114,295
- Home value in 2018: $124,326
- Home value in 2019: $140,909
- Home value in 2020: $146,377
- Home value in 2021: $170,588
- Home value in 2022: $189,920
- Home value in 2023: $206,004
- Home value in 2024: $216,457
- Home value in 2025: $229,554
Your Dodge investment would have delivered 113.6% returns, generating $122K in equity from a modest $107K starting point. The consistent growth trajectory shows accelerating momentum, with 57% appreciation since 2020 alone. This eastern Nebraska community offers compelling value with proven price stability and strong fundamentals that continue attracting buyers seeking affordable entry points.
24. Herman
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 113.68%
- Home value in 2016: $185,581
- Home value in 2017: $194,370
- Home value in 2018: $209,260
- Home value in 2019: $227,816
- Home value in 2020: $247,837
- Home value in 2021: $285,753
- Home value in 2022: $315,725
- Home value in 2023: $353,899
- Home value in 2024: $375,157
- Home value in 2025: $396,549
Herman has delivered impressive 113.7% appreciation, transforming $185K into $396K and creating $211K in equity. Despite having the highest entry point on our list, the market shows remarkable 60% growth since 2020. This Missouri River community near the Iowa border combines strategic location advantages with substantial price momentum that has accelerated in recent years.
23. Hayes Center
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 113.85%
- Home value in 2016: $98,853
- Home value in 2017: $102,232
- Home value in 2018: $107,900
- Home value in 2019: $117,285
- Home value in 2020: $123,077
- Home value in 2021: $146,703
- Home value in 2022: $152,533
- Home value in 2023: $162,926
- Home value in 2024: $179,894
- Home value in 2025: $211,392
Hayes Center presents an exceptional value play with 113.8% appreciation, turning a modest $98K investment into $211K. The market has more than doubled since 2018, with extraordinary 72% growth over the last five years. This southwestern Nebraska community demonstrates how affordable rural markets can deliver premium percentage returns with minimal initial capital requirements.
22. Odell
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 114.15%
- Home value in 2016: $107,576
- Home value in 2017: $107,077
- Home value in 2018: $124,629
- Home value in 2019: $137,884
- Home value in 2020: $143,600
- Home value in 2021: $164,743
- Home value in 2022: $184,828
- Home value in 2023: $195,803
- Home value in 2024: $210,224
- Home value in 2025: $230,374
Odell has generated remarkable 114.2% returns, increasing property values by $123K from an accessible $107K entry point. The property values have increased 84.8% since 2018 despite broader economic fluctuations. This southeastern Nebraska town offers excellent investment leverage with proven appreciation fundamentals at a price point that remains accessible to first-time buyers.
21. Wilber
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 114.32%
- Home value in 2016: $96,271
- Home value in 2017: $97,746
- Home value in 2018: $106,230
- Home value in 2019: $118,769
- Home value in 2020: $126,279
- Home value in 2021: $141,044
- Home value in 2022: $161,291
- Home value in 2023: $181,201
- Home value in 2024: $191,067
- Home value in 2025: $206,324
Wilber has delivered exceptional 114.3% appreciation, transforming $96K into $206K and creating $110K in wealth. The consistent growth trajectory shows remarkable 63% appreciation since 2020 alone. This Czech cultural hub combines small-town affordability with strong investment fundamentals and continues to attract buyers seeking value with established growth patterns.
20. Venango
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 114.86%
- Home value in 2016: $63,747
- Home value in 2017: $64,711
- Home value in 2018: $69,708
- Home value in 2019: $77,390
- Home value in 2020: $80,841
- Home value in 2021: $101,356
- Home value in 2022: $115,524
- Home value in 2023: $116,483
- Home value in 2024: $129,120
- Home value in 2025: $136,968
Venango showcases Nebraska’s affordability advantage with 114.9% appreciation from an ultra-low $63K entry point. While the dollar gain ($73K) seems modest, the percentage return demonstrates exceptional leverage potential. This Colorado border community offers remarkable investment efficiency, with every dollar deployed in 2016 now worth more than double.
19. Friend
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 115.31%
- Home value in 2016: $97,637
- Home value in 2017: $107,559
- Home value in 2018: $120,112
- Home value in 2019: $120,943
- Home value in 2020: $133,587
- Home value in 2021: $152,574
- Home value in 2022: $168,442
- Home value in 2023: $186,205
- Home value in 2024: $193,481
- Home value in 2025: $210,219
Friend has generated exceptional 115.3% returns, turning $97K into $210K and creating $113K in equity from a modest investment. The market demonstrates consistent 75% appreciation since 2018, reflecting sustained demand. This southeastern Nebraska community offers an excellent balance of affordability and proven growth fundamentals for value-oriented investors.
18. North Bend
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 115.38%
- Home value in 2016: $115,316
- Home value in 2017: $121,413
- Home value in 2018: $136,082
- Home value in 2019: $153,941
- Home value in 2020: $161,265
- Home value in 2021: $180,974
- Home value in 2022: $201,393
- Home value in 2023: $226,956
- Home value in 2024: $235,881
- Home value in 2025: $248,368
North Bend has delivered remarkable 115.4% appreciation, transforming $115K into $248K through consistent growth and generating $133K in equity. The property values have increased 54% since 2020, demonstrating accelerating market momentum. This strategically positioned community between Fremont and Columbus offers strong fundamentals with proven price stability.
17. Grafton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 116.35%
- Home value in 2016: $78,351
- Home value in 2017: $81,960
- Home value in 2018: $86,150
- Home value in 2019: $98,549
- Home value in 2020: $107,969
- Home value in 2021: $122,448
- Home value in 2022: $134,125
- Home value in 2023: $148,182
- Home value in 2024: $157,883
- Home value in 2025: $169,510
Grafton has generated excellent 116.3% returns, turning $78K into $169K with substantial financial leverage. The market has consistently outperformed, doubling in value since 2018. This small agricultural community offers exceptional value with proven appreciation fundamentals and continued price momentum that has maintained its trajectory through varying economic conditions.
16. Hooper
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 117.87%
- Home value in 2016: $119,791
- Home value in 2017: $126,560
- Home value in 2018: $142,599
- Home value in 2019: $156,477
- Home value in 2020: $165,473
- Home value in 2021: $193,891
- Home value in 2022: $213,948
- Home value in 2023: $235,638
- Home value in 2024: $246,292
- Home value in 2025: $260,988
Hooper has delivered exceptional 117.9% appreciation, increasing property values by $141K from a reasonable $119K starting point. The market shows remarkable consistency with 58% growth since 2020 alone. This community north of Fremont combines strategic positioning near larger employment centers with proven investment fundamentals and continued price momentum.
15. Ohiowa
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 118.32%
- Home value in 2016: $94,765
- Home value in 2017: $99,506
- Home value in 2018: $104,797
- Home value in 2019: $116,756
- Home value in 2020: $123,951
- Home value in 2021: $143,243
- Home value in 2022: $156,035
- Home value in 2023: $186,121
- Home value in 2024: $194,188
- Home value in 2025: $206,893
Ohiowa has generated remarkable 118.3% returns, transforming $94K into $207K and creating $112K in wealth. The property values have nearly doubled since 2018, with impressive 67% growth over the last five years. This small Fillmore County community demonstrates how rural Nebraska markets can deliver premium percentage returns with minimal initial investment requirements.
14. Dorchester
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 120.04%
- Home value in 2016: $97,422
- Home value in 2017: $103,777
- Home value in 2018: $113,862
- Home value in 2019: $118,412
- Home value in 2020: $136,235
- Home value in 2021: $153,831
- Home value in 2022: $176,422
- Home value in 2023: $194,341
- Home value in 2024: $202,519
- Home value in 2025: $214,362
Dorchester has delivered impressive 120% appreciation, turning $97K into $214K and creating substantial equity growth. The market shows outstanding 57% appreciation since 2020, reflecting sustained buyer interest. This strategically positioned community between Lincoln and Beatrice offers compelling value with proven growth fundamentals and continued price resilience.
13. Oakland
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 121.17%
- Home value in 2016: $84,399
- Home value in 2017: $89,150
- Home value in 2018: $96,433
- Home value in 2019: $105,359
- Home value in 2020: $108,942
- Home value in 2021: $124,777
- Home value in 2022: $141,577
- Home value in 2023: $157,603
- Home value in 2024: $165,206
- Home value in 2025: $186,665
Oakland has generated exceptional 121.2% returns, increasing property values by $102K from an accessible $84K entry point. The market demonstrates remarkable resilience with 71% growth since 2020. This northeastern Nebraska community offers excellent investment leverage with proven appreciation fundamentals at a price point that remains attainable for most buyers.
12. Craig
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 121.35%
- Home value in 2016: $91,121
- Home value in 2017: $100,396
- Home value in 2018: $109,862
- Home value in 2019: $117,864
- Home value in 2020: $119,508
- Home value in 2021: $140,025
- Home value in 2022: $152,132
- Home value in 2023: $168,131
- Home value in 2024: $186,971
- Home value in 2025: $201,695
Craig has delivered outstanding 121.3% appreciation, transforming $91K into $201K with remarkable financial leverage. The market has seen incredible 68% growth since 2020, showing accelerating momentum. This small Burt County community offers compelling value with consistent price performance and proven fundamentals that continue attracting buyers seeking affordable entry points.
11. Decatur
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 122.06%
- Home value in 2016: $60,665
- Home value in 2017: $64,119
- Home value in 2018: $69,257
- Home value in 2019: $75,544
- Home value in 2020: $80,457
- Home value in 2021: $95,637
- Home value in 2022: $102,922
- Home value in 2023: $103,929
- Home value in 2024: $110,851
- Home value in 2025: $134,710
Decatur showcases Nebraska’s affordability advantage with 122.1% appreciation from a remarkably low $60K entry point. While the dollar gain ($74K) appears modest, the extraordinary percentage return demonstrates maximum leverage potential. This Missouri River community offers exceptional investment efficiency, with property values more than doubling while remaining accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
10. Mullen
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 123.37%
- Home value in 2016: $51,422
- Home value in 2017: $51,885
- Home value in 2018: $54,138
- Home value in 2019: $70,058
- Home value in 2020: $71,494
- Home value in 2021: $89,947
- Home value in 2022: $95,739
- Home value in 2023: $106,585
- Home value in 2024: $108,424
- Home value in 2025: $114,859
Mullen represents Nebraska’s ultra-affordability play with 123.4% appreciation from the lowest entry point on our list. The market has delivered remarkable investment efficiency, turning $51K into $115K with minimal capital requirements. This Sandhills community offers maximum percentage growth potential while remaining within reach of first-time buyers and investors seeking optimal leverage.
9. Scribner
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 123.97%
- Home value in 2016: $97,234
- Home value in 2017: $101,367
- Home value in 2018: $112,401
- Home value in 2019: $128,188
- Home value in 2020: $135,020
- Home value in 2021: $154,395
- Home value in 2022: $177,023
- Home value in 2023: $194,258
- Home value in 2024: $211,065
- Home value in 2025: $217,770
Scribner has generated outstanding 124% returns, increasing property values by $120K from an accessible $97K starting point. The market shows remarkable consistency with homes appreciating 61% since 2020 alone. This Dodge County community offers excellent investment leverage with proven appreciation fundamentals at a price point that remains attainable for most buyers.
8. Exeter
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 124.49%
- Home value in 2016: $67,207
- Home value in 2017: $75,909
- Home value in 2018: $80,406
- Home value in 2019: $92,326
- Home value in 2020: $96,748
- Home value in 2021: $110,001
- Home value in 2022: $122,773
- Home value in 2023: $134,160
- Home value in 2024: $138,159
- Home value in 2025: $150,875
Exeter has delivered exceptional 124.5% appreciation, transforming $67K into $151K with remarkable financial efficiency. The market has consistently outperformed with 87% growth since 2018. This small Fillmore County community demonstrates how rural Nebraska can offer extraordinary percentage returns with minimal capital requirements, making it ideal for investors seeking maximum leverage.
7. Edgar
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 133.54%
- Home value in 2016: $56,208
- Home value in 2017: $56,945
- Home value in 2018: $62,896
- Home value in 2019: $75,178
- Home value in 2020: $81,361
- Home value in 2021: $98,330
- Home value in 2022: $99,654
- Home value in 2023: $115,253
- Home value in 2024: $126,170
- Home value in 2025: $131,266
Edgar showcases Nebraska’s affordability advantage with remarkable 133.5% appreciation from a low $56K entry point. Property values have more than doubled, turning a modest investment into substantial percentage returns. This small Clay County community offers exceptional investment efficiency with proven growth fundamentals while remaining accessible to budget-conscious buyers seeking maximum leverage potential.
6. Springview
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 134.14%
- Home value in 2016: $77,643
- Home value in 2017: $80,303
- Home value in 2018: $82,955
- Home value in 2019: $101,767
- Home value in 2020: $100,255
- Home value in 2021: $125,555
- Home value in 2022: $157,000
- Home value in 2023: $164,443
- Home value in 2024: $165,472
- Home value in 2025: $181,794
Springview has generated exceptional 134.1% returns, transforming $77K into $182K and creating $104K in equity. The market shows remarkable resilience with 81% growth since 2020 despite broader economic fluctuations. This rural Keya Paha County community offers extraordinary percentage growth with proven appreciation fundamentals at price points that remain accessible to most buyers.
5. Platte Center
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 135.23%
- Home value in 2016: $95,829
- Home value in 2017: $102,436
- Home value in 2018: $117,502
- Home value in 2019: $133,323
- Home value in 2020: $142,766
- Home value in 2021: $166,478
- Home value in 2022: $183,810
- Home value in 2023: $196,793
- Home value in 2024: $208,046
- Home value in 2025: $225,421
Platte Center has delivered outstanding 135.2% appreciation, increasing property values by $130K from an accessible $95K starting point. The market has proven resilient with 58% growth since 2020 alone. This strategically positioned community between Columbus and Norfolk combines affordability with proximity to employment centers, offering compelling value with proven growth fundamentals.
4. De Witt
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 139.29%
- Home value in 2016: $80,374
- Home value in 2017: $82,234
- Home value in 2018: $85,612
- Home value in 2019: $95,093
- Home value in 2020: $103,860
- Home value in 2021: $118,092
- Home value in 2022: $135,422
- Home value in 2023: $157,665
- Home value in 2024: $172,781
- Home value in 2025: $192,328
De Witt has generated exceptional 139.3% returns, transforming $80K into $192K with remarkable financial leverage. Property values have grown by an impressive 85% since 2020, demonstrating accelerating market momentum. This southeastern Nebraska community offers excellent investment efficiency with proven price performance and continued growth fundamentals that attract both local buyers and value investors.
3. Western
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 147.96%
- Home value in 2016: $58,070
- Home value in 2017: $61,304
- Home value in 2018: $70,623
- Home value in 2019: $75,501
- Home value in 2020: $81,885
- Home value in 2021: $98,285
- Home value in 2022: $109,242
- Home value in 2023: $128,743
- Home value in 2024: $134,874
- Home value in 2025: $143,991
Western showcases Nebraska’s affordability advantage with remarkable 148% appreciation from a low $58K entry point. While the dollar gain ($86K) appears modest, the extraordinary percentage return demonstrates maximum leverage potential. This small Saline County community has seen property values increase 76% since 2020, offering exceptional investment efficiency while remaining accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
2. Lemoyne
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 153.14%
- Home value in 2016: $106,051
- Home value in 2017: $120,115
- Home value in 2018: $126,059
- Home value in 2019: $138,736
- Home value in 2020: $156,152
- Home value in 2021: $180,752
- Home value in 2022: $218,307
- Home value in 2023: $231,405
- Home value in 2024: $248,149
- Home value in 2025: $268,457
Lemoyne has delivered exceptional 153.1% appreciation, transforming $106K into $268K and creating $162K in wealth. The market shows remarkable consistency with values increasing 72% since 2020 alone. This Lake McConaughy community combines recreational appeal with investment-grade returns, offering both lifestyle benefits and strong capital appreciation for those seeking waterfront proximity.
1. Lyons
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 170.76%
- Home value in 2016: $45,982
- Home value in 2017: $49,471
- Home value in 2018: $51,155
- Home value in 2019: $58,578
- Home value in 2020: $61,881
- Home value in 2021: $71,385
- Home value in 2022: $83,479
- Home value in 2023: $98,447
- Home value in 2024: $109,574
- Home value in 2025: $124,501
Lyons leads Nebraska with extraordinary 170.8% appreciation, transforming the lowest entry point on our list ($46K) into $124K through consistent growth. The remarkable investment efficiency has produced 171% returns with minimal capital requirements. This northeastern Nebraska community demonstrates how ultra-affordable markets can deliver market-leading percentage growth while remaining accessible to first-time buyers and investors seeking maximum leverage.
