I’ve been analyzing the Zillow Home Value Index data to identify Texas towns with the most explosive growth in the past decade. The numbers tell a fascinating story about where real estate capital has been flowing in the Lone Star State.
What surprises me most is how smaller, often overlooked communities have outperformed major metropolitan areas. These 25 towns showcase appreciation rates far exceeding the state average, with several seeing property values more than double in just nine years.
My analysis ranks these markets by percentage growth from 2016 to 2025, highlighting opportunities that savvy investors recognized early. The patterns reveal both suburban expansion and rural revitalization trends driving Texas’s remarkable real estate momentum.
25. Cockrell Hill
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 138.09%
- Home value in 2016: $91,214
- Home value in 2017: $108,172
- Home value in 2018: $120,802
- Home value in 2019: $139,290
- Home value in 2020: $146,882
- Home value in 2021: $167,514
- Home value in 2022: $195,604
- Home value in 2023: $214,104
- Home value in 2024: $211,828
- Home value in 2025: $217,172
Your investment in Cockrell Hill would have more than doubled, with consistent growth even through market fluctuations. The steady upward trajectory suggests continued demand in this Dallas-adjacent community. For sellers, the market remains favorable despite the slight cooling in 2024. This accessible entry point near a major employment hub continues to attract both families and investors.
24. Cottonwood Shores
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 138.26%
- Home value in 2016: $118,938
- Home value in 2017: $125,191
- Home value in 2018: $140,422
- Home value in 2019: $159,409
- Home value in 2020: $183,288
- Home value in 2021: $204,485
- Home value in 2022: $272,367
- Home value in 2023: $295,865
- Home value in 2024: $282,662
- Home value in 2025: $283,383
Your equity would have appreciated by over $164,000 in this lakeside community, with particularly strong growth during 2021-2022. The recent stabilization indicates a mature market where buyers can enter with less fear of dramatic price swings. Located in the scenic Highland Lakes region, Cottonwood Shores demonstrates how recreational property markets can outperform traditional investments when population shifts favor lifestyle-oriented communities.
23. Lake Worth
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 139.00%
- Home value in 2016: $95,071
- Home value in 2017: $109,819
- Home value in 2018: $126,930
- Home value in 2019: $139,685
- Home value in 2020: $153,630
- Home value in 2021: $172,139
- Home value in 2022: $202,270
- Home value in 2023: $225,417
- Home value in 2024: $231,646
- Home value in 2025: $227,219
Your investment portfolio would benefit from Lake Worth’s consistent gains, averaging 15.5% annually despite the slight retreat in 2025. The waterfront community’s accessibility to Fort Worth drives persistent demand, creating a seller’s advantage at nearly every price point. This lakeside gem exemplifies how proximity to both natural amenities and urban conveniences creates remarkable value resilience even during broader market corrections.
22. Quinlan
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 140.48%
- Home value in 2016: $78,416
- Home value in 2017: $90,663
- Home value in 2018: $101,592
- Home value in 2019: $118,053
- Home value in 2020: $128,089
- Home value in 2021: $151,442
- Home value in 2022: $176,389
- Home value in 2023: $190,733
- Home value in 2024: $194,235
- Home value in 2025: $188,571
Your capital would have grown by over $110,000 in Quinlan, with strong momentum during the pandemic years showing resilience in rural markets. The recent minor correction suggests a value-buying opportunity for investors looking at this Lake Tawakoni community. This affordable entry point into Texas real estate showcases how exurban markets can deliver outsized returns as remote work expands viable commuting distances.
21. Hillsboro
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 141.28%
- Home value in 2016: $77,758
- Home value in 2017: $85,767
- Home value in 2018: $95,326
- Home value in 2019: $101,301
- Home value in 2020: $112,547
- Home value in 2021: $132,877
- Home value in 2022: $159,482
- Home value in 2023: $163,789
- Home value in 2024: $172,080
- Home value in 2025: $187,615
Your investment would have delivered exceptional returns in Hillsboro, with acceleration particularly notable after 2020 as remote work expanded viable commuting ranges. The consistent growth through 2025 indicates sustained demand in this historic I-35 corridor community. As a strategic halfway point between Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin, Hillsboro demonstrates how transportation corridor positioning can create compelling long-term appreciation potential.
20. Elsa
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 141.55%
- Home value in 2016: $53,924
- Home value in 2017: $56,554
- Home value in 2018: $56,602
- Home value in 2019: $61,719
- Home value in 2020: $66,733
- Home value in 2021: $82,383
- Home value in 2022: $92,632
- Home value in 2023: $108,311
- Home value in 2024: $124,856
- Home value in 2025: $130,255
Your dollar stretches furthest in Elsa, where modest absolute prices mask impressive percentage returns and accelerating growth since 2020. The Rio Grande Valley market shows remarkable momentum with four consecutive years of double-digit gains. This affordable border region community demonstrates how economic development initiatives can transform housing markets when coupled with strategic infrastructure investments and cross-border commercial growth.
19. Westworth Village
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 142.29%
- Home value in 2016: $128,228
- Home value in 2017: $151,524
- Home value in 2018: $176,054
- Home value in 2019: $198,704
- Home value in 2020: $222,322
- Home value in 2021: $249,466
- Home value in 2022: $285,771
- Home value in 2023: $310,108
- Home value in 2024: $318,825
- Home value in 2025: $310,679
Your portfolio would benefit from Westworth Village’s substantial appreciation, though the recent plateau suggests market maturation after years of strong growth. The Fort Worth suburb commands premium prices reflecting its strategic location and amenities. This community exemplifies how small, well-positioned enclaves can significantly outperform larger neighboring markets when they offer distinctive lifestyle advantages and efficient governance.
18. Itasca
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 143.41%
- Home value in 2016: $76,921
- Home value in 2017: $88,250
- Home value in 2018: $95,845
- Home value in 2019: $107,414
- Home value in 2020: $117,454
- Home value in 2021: $136,228
- Home value in 2022: $163,052
- Home value in 2023: $171,878
- Home value in 2024: $176,410
- Home value in 2025: $187,236
Your wealth would have more than doubled in Itasca, with low entry prices amplifying percentage returns on this I-35W corridor investment. The market shows renewed momentum in 2025 after a brief consolidation period, suggesting untapped potential. This small community between Dallas-Fort Worth and Waco illustrates how affordability combined with strategic highway access creates compelling investment opportunities as urban expansion continues pushing outward.
17. Citrus City
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 143.77%
- Home value in 2016: $57,752
- Home value in 2017: $57,024
- Home value in 2018: $52,246
- Home value in 2019: $58,059
- Home value in 2020: $64,696
- Home value in 2021: $78,619
- Home value in 2022: $86,756
- Home value in 2023: $102,797
- Home value in 2024: $132,213
- Home value in 2025: $140,784
Your patience would be rewarded in Citrus City, where early volatility gave way to explosive growth after 2020, including a remarkable 28.6% surge in 2024. The Rio Grande Valley community offers compelling value with continued upward momentum. This border region market demonstrates the value of counter-cyclical investment strategies, where early market weakness created exceptional entry points before regional economic development initiatives took hold.
16. La Blanca
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 144.04%
- Home value in 2016: $56,600
- Home value in 2017: $58,383
- Home value in 2018: $57,231
- Home value in 2019: $61,736
- Home value in 2020: $72,597
- Home value in 2021: $90,521
- Home value in 2022: $98,566
- Home value in 2023: $118,040
- Home value in 2024: $133,526
- Home value in 2025: $138,125
Your investment timeline matters in La Blanca, where early stagnation transformed into exceptional growth beginning in 2020, with four consecutive years exceeding 15% appreciation. The Rio Grande Valley market continues showing strength with no indication of slowing. This emerging community illustrates how regional economic development initiatives combined with affordability can trigger rapid value acceleration once critical growth thresholds are reached.
15. Beverly Hills
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 144.12%
- Home value in 2016: $59,831
- Home value in 2017: $65,800
- Home value in 2018: $70,847
- Home value in 2019: $81,058
- Home value in 2020: $86,479
- Home value in 2021: $103,900
- Home value in 2022: $123,380
- Home value in 2023: $139,300
- Home value in 2024: $140,501
- Home value in 2025: $146,057
Your capital appreciation in Beverly Hills would be remarkable considering the accessible entry point in this Waco suburb, where consistent gains accelerated significantly after 2020. Current pricing still offers value relative to neighboring communities, suggesting continued upside potential. This affordable enclave demonstrates how proximity to educational institutions and healthcare facilities can drive sustainable housing demand even in markets with modest median household incomes.
14. Progreso
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 144.51%
- Home value in 2016: $48,933
- Home value in 2017: $51,363
- Home value in 2018: $52,603
- Home value in 2019: $55,450
- Home value in 2020: $63,261
- Home value in 2021: $79,151
- Home value in 2022: $83,228
- Home value in 2023: $96,391
- Home value in 2024: $119,149
- Home value in 2025: $119,643
Your returns in Progreso would outpace many traditional investments, with particularly dramatic appreciation of 23.6% in 2023-2024 before stabilizing. The border community remains exceptionally affordable despite more than doubling in value. This international gateway market demonstrates how cross-border commerce and trade policy can influence housing values, with recent border infrastructure improvements catalyzing accelerated price growth.
13. Caddo Mills
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 144.81%
- Home value in 2016: $138,708
- Home value in 2017: $167,931
- Home value in 2018: $201,790
- Home value in 2019: $226,718
- Home value in 2020: $245,196
- Home value in 2021: $270,945
- Home value in 2022: $330,631
- Home value in 2023: $348,221
- Home value in 2024: $339,531
- Home value in 2025: $339,573
Your investment in Caddo Mills would have delivered substantial absolute returns, with over $200,000 in equity creation despite recent price stabilization. The market appears to have reached a natural plateau after explosive growth in earlier years. This eastern Dallas exurb showcases how improved transportation infrastructure can transform previously overlooked communities into high-demand residential markets when coupled with strong school districts.
12. Balch Springs
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 145.47%
- Home value in 2016: $92,926
- Home value in 2017: $110,808
- Home value in 2018: $132,694
- Home value in 2019: $149,166
- Home value in 2020: $160,475
- Home value in 2021: $177,550
- Home value in 2022: $211,587
- Home value in 2023: $229,396
- Home value in 2024: $230,249
- Home value in 2025: $228,106
Your equity position would be substantially strengthened by Balch Springs’ consistent appreciation trajectory, though recent stabilization suggests limited near-term upside. The Dallas suburb’s price points remain attractive relative to neighboring communities despite more than doubling since 2016. This strategic location along major transportation corridors demonstrates how infrastructure improvements and industrial development can transform workforce housing markets into strong investment opportunities.
11. West Tawakoni
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 145.65%
- Home value in 2016: $77,526
- Home value in 2017: $93,937
- Home value in 2018: $103,545
- Home value in 2019: $115,798
- Home value in 2020: $123,309
- Home value in 2021: $143,010
- Home value in 2022: $177,983
- Home value in 2023: $187,964
- Home value in 2024: $187,066
- Home value in 2025: $190,439
Your lakefront investment in West Tawakoni would yield exceptional returns with significant acceleration during 2021-2022 as recreation property demand surged. Recent stability with renewed growth in 2025 indicates sustainable long-term value creation potential. This waterfront community demonstrates how recreational properties can outperform traditional residential markets when lifestyle preferences shift toward amenity-rich locations with natural resources.
10. White Settlement
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 146.44%
- Home value in 2016: $89,399
- Home value in 2017: $104,199
- Home value in 2018: $120,525
- Home value in 2019: $136,701
- Home value in 2020: $150,048
- Home value in 2021: $167,096
- Home value in 2022: $198,051
- Home value in 2023: $215,778
- Home value in 2024: $222,189
- Home value in 2025: $220,313
Your returns in White Settlement would be impressive with a consistent upward trajectory followed by recent stabilization, indicating market maturity. The Fort Worth suburb’s strategic location near major defense contractors creates durable housing demand despite broader market fluctuations. This community illustrates how proximity to specialized employment centers can insulate housing markets from broader economic cycles when those employers have stable government contracts.
9. Kerens
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 148.06%
- Home value in 2016: $52,137
- Home value in 2017: $57,513
- Home value in 2018: $60,720
- Home value in 2019: $66,562
- Home value in 2020: $74,677
- Home value in 2021: $90,052
- Home value in 2022: $110,439
- Home value in 2023: $118,016
- Home value in 2024: $113,542
- Home value in 2025: $129,331
Your investment timing would be crucial in Kerens, with exceptional growth during 2020-2022 followed by volatility that ultimately resolved upward with a strong 13.9% gain in 2025. This rural community northeast of Corsicana offers remarkable appreciation potential at still-accessible price points. The market patterns demonstrate how rural communities can experience rapid value acceleration when technological infrastructure improvements enable remote work options.
8. River Oaks
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 150.55%
- Home value in 2016: $86,681
- Home value in 2017: $100,335
- Home value in 2018: $118,815
- Home value in 2019: $132,963
- Home value in 2020: $147,379
- Home value in 2021: $165,659
- Home value in 2022: $192,357
- Home value in 2023: $211,632
- Home value in 2024: $216,780
- Home value in 2025: $217,177
Your capital would have grown by over $130,000 in River Oaks, with excellent year-over-year performance and minimal volatility throughout the measurement period. The Fort Worth suburb demonstrates remarkable price stability in recent years, suggesting a mature market with balanced supply-demand dynamics. This established community exemplifies how strategic location combined with strong municipal services can create resilient housing markets even during broader economic fluctuations.
7. Commerce
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 151.06%
- Home value in 2016: $82,765
- Home value in 2017: $92,290
- Home value in 2018: $107,448
- Home value in 2019: $120,082
- Home value in 2020: $131,676
- Home value in 2021: $151,445
- Home value in 2022: $190,477
- Home value in 2023: $202,705
- Home value in 2024: $204,844
- Home value in 2025: $207,786
Your wealth would have grown substantially in Commerce, with particularly strong performance during 2021-2022 when values surged nearly 26%. The university town continues showing strength with consistent gains through 2025, indicating sustainable demand. This educational hub demonstrates how college towns can deliver exceptional returns when they combine stable institutional employment with expanding student populations and strategic regional positioning.
6. Round Top
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 151.41%
- Home value in 2016: $472,387
- Home value in 2017: $482,612
- Home value in 2018: $523,284
- Home value in 2019: $576,258
- Home value in 2020: $610,951
- Home value in 2021: $768,931
- Home value in 2022: $1,022,022
- Home value in 2023: $1,097,976
- Home value in 2024: $1,096,077
- Home value in 2025: $1,187,639
Your luxury investment in Round Top would have yielded extraordinary absolute returns exceeding $715,000, with dramatic acceleration beginning in 2021. The internationally known antiques destination continues attracting affluent buyers seeking countryside retreats with cultural amenities. This premium market illustrates how distinctive cultural events and high-end retail can transform rural communities into destination real estate markets that operate independently from traditional economic indicators.
5. Everman
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 157.54%
- Home value in 2016: $86,406
- Home value in 2017: $102,491
- Home value in 2018: $121,659
- Home value in 2019: $134,268
- Home value in 2020: $147,688
- Home value in 2021: $163,903
- Home value in 2022: $195,584
- Home value in 2023: $217,804
- Home value in 2024: $221,790
- Home value in 2025: $222,528
Your equity position would have strengthened considerably in Everman, with consistent growth providing over $136,000 in wealth creation from this modest initial investment. The south Fort Worth suburb shows signs of market maturity with stabilizing prices in 2024-2025. This affordably-priced community demonstrates how strategic location between major employment centers can drive sustained value appreciation even in markets with more modest median household incomes.
4. Sansom Park
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 158.00%
- Home value in 2016: $73,736
- Home value in 2017: $85,225
- Home value in 2018: $102,590
- Home value in 2019: $115,287
- Home value in 2020: $126,958
- Home value in 2021: $144,387
- Home value in 2022: $165,542
- Home value in 2023: $182,698
- Home value in 2024: $188,040
- Home value in 2025: $190,239
Your initial investment would have been multiplied by 2.58x in Sansom Park, with particularly strong performance during the early appreciation cycle of 2017-2018. The Fort Worth suburb continues showing modest but reliable growth in recent years, indicating sustainable demand. This affordable entry point into a major metropolitan area showcases how strategic positioning near urban amenities can generate exceptional returns when combined with attainable price points.
3. Forest Hill
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 169.00%
- Home value in 2016: $83,943
- Home value in 2017: $104,060
- Home value in 2018: $120,361
- Home value in 2019: $134,713
- Home value in 2020: $144,614
- Home value in 2021: $163,071
- Home value in 2022: $190,911
- Home value in 2023: $217,776
- Home value in 2024: $225,860
- Home value in 2025: $225,803
Your investment would have nearly tripled in Forest Hill, generating exceptional returns with particularly strong early growth exceeding 24% in 2016-2017. The southeast Fort Worth suburb shows signs of market maturity with price stabilization in 2024-2025 after years of strong appreciation. This community demonstrates how revitalization initiatives combined with strategic infrastructure improvements can dramatically transform housing markets in previously overlooked areas.
2. Hutchins
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 194.69%
- Home value in 2016: $83,433
- Home value in 2017: $96,872
- Home value in 2018: $116,554
- Home value in 2019: $143,773
- Home value in 2020: $163,890
- Home value in 2021: $182,917
- Home value in 2022: $216,917
- Home value in 2023: $241,203
- Home value in 2024: $251,495
- Home value in 2025: $245,870
Your wealth would have practically tripled in Hutchins, with extraordinary performance during 2018-2019 when values surged over 23% in a single year. The south Dallas suburb’s strategic location near major logistics and distribution centers drives persistent housing demand. This transportation hub exemplifies how industrial development and commercial expansion can create explosive housing appreciation when combined with accessible initial price points.
1. Wilmer
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 217.23%
- Home value in 2016: $67,295
- Home value in 2017: $78,040
- Home value in 2018: $84,644
- Home value in 2019: $104,555
- Home value in 2020: $132,067
- Home value in 2021: $154,839
- Home value in 2022: $180,910
- Home value in 2023: $205,412
- Home value in 2024: $212,151
- Home value in 2025: $213,480
Your investment would have generated the state’s top returns in Wilmer, where property values more than tripled in nine years with exceptional performance during 2019-2020. The logistics hub southeast of Dallas continues showing strength with values stabilizing at triple their 2016 levels. This remarkable growth story demonstrates how strategic industrial development combined with transportation infrastructure can fundamentally transform housing markets in previously overlooked communities.
