I’ve analyzed the Zillow Home Value Index to identify Washington’s fastest-growing towns from 2016 to 2025. These 25 communities have experienced extraordinary appreciation ranging from 146% to 220%, significantly outpacing state and national averages.
What’s fascinating is the geographic pattern – most are rural, small-town markets that were previously overlooked. Buyers priced out of Seattle’s metro area found these affordable alternatives, creating investment opportunities that yielded six-figure equity gains in just nine years.
The data reveals a clear progression: initially slow growth through 2019, then explosive acceleration during the pandemic years (2020-2022), followed by a plateau in 2023-2024 before modest renewal in 2025. This suggests timing the market was critical for maximizing returns.
25. Ritzville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 145.93%
- Home value in 2016: $93,041
- Home value in 2017: $95,982
- Home value in 2018: $104,185
- Home value in 2019: $118,177
- Home value in 2020: $135,138
- Home value in 2021: $167,021
- Home value in 2022: $204,824
- Home value in 2023: $219,121
- Home value in 2024: $219,415
- Home value in 2025: $228,812
Your investment in Ritzville would’ve yielded a remarkable 146% return, translating to roughly $135,000 in equity growth within nine years. The agricultural town’s affordability creates an attractive entry point for first-time investors, while recent price stabilization suggests a maturing market ripe for rental property strategies. Located along I-90 between Spokane and the Tri-Cities, Ritzville remains undervalued compared to neighboring communities.
24. Silver Creek
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 146.50%
- Home value in 2016: $212,861
- Home value in 2017: $230,755
- Home value in 2018: $250,763
- Home value in 2019: $283,447
- Home value in 2020: $319,597
- Home value in 2021: $395,025
- Home value in 2022: $489,388
- Home value in 2023: $483,356
- Home value in 2024: $498,759
- Home value in 2025: $524,699
Silver Creek’s property values have more than doubled, generating over $311,000 in wealth for early investors. The growth curve shows perfect timing would have meant buying pre-2020 and selling in 2022 at peak momentum, though recent appreciation suggests long-term viability. Nestled in the Cascade foothills with access to outdoor recreation, this community combines lifestyle appeal with significant financial upside for those seeking rental income or eventual retirement.
23. Toutle
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 146.77%
- Home value in 2016: $207,800
- Home value in 2017: $229,806
- Home value in 2018: $254,425
- Home value in 2019: $281,029
- Home value in 2020: $309,132
- Home value in 2021: $377,406
- Home value in 2022: $422,694
- Home value in 2023: $465,457
- Home value in 2024: $488,500
- Home value in 2025: $512,783
With nearly $305,000 in appreciation since 2016, Toutle property investments have outperformed many traditional financial instruments by a significant margin. Unlike some markets that plateaued after 2022, Toutle shows continual growth, suggesting fundamental demand rather than speculative buying. The town’s proximity to Mount St. Helens attracts tourism and outdoor enthusiasts, creating opportunities for vacation rental strategies with stronger cash flow potential than typical long-term leases.
22. Fairfield
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 148.04%
- Home value in 2016: $116,466
- Home value in 2017: $131,298
- Home value in 2018: $145,733
- Home value in 2019: $168,554
- Home value in 2020: $193,779
- Home value in 2021: $235,052
- Home value in 2022: $279,226
- Home value in 2023: $285,952
- Home value in 2024: $280,621
- Home value in 2025: $288,884
Fairfield’s 148% appreciation represents a phenomenal wealth-building opportunity, particularly given its low initial entry price of just $116,466. The slight value decline in 2024 presents a strategic buying window before resumed growth in 2025. This farming community south of Spokane offers investors a chance to diversify into rural markets with relatively low acquisition costs, higher cap rates, and fewer maintenance concerns compared to aging urban properties.
21. Concrete
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 148.54%
- Home value in 2016: $159,739
- Home value in 2017: $181,948
- Home value in 2018: $210,019
- Home value in 2019: $234,041
- Home value in 2020: $266,079
- Home value in 2021: $320,220
- Home value in 2022: $378,623
- Home value in 2023: $381,167
- Home value in 2024: $385,134
- Home value in 2025: $397,021
Your investment in Concrete would have yielded an impressive $237,000 in equity gains, outperforming most stock market portfolios over the same period. The town’s steady appreciation pattern, even post-pandemic boom, suggests sustainable demand based on affordability and access to North Cascades recreation. Situated along the North Cascades Highway, Concrete offers investors both capital appreciation potential and increasing rental demand from outdoor enthusiasts priced out of more expensive mountain communities.
20. Raymond
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 148.56%
- Home value in 2016: $113,555
- Home value in 2017: $123,294
- Home value in 2018: $126,202
- Home value in 2019: $136,364
- Home value in 2020: $167,729
- Home value in 2021: $214,834
- Home value in 2022: $261,570
- Home value in 2023: $268,921
- Home value in 2024: $275,870
- Home value in 2025: $282,257
Raymond’s property market has transformed $113,000 investments into assets worth nearly $283,000, delivering exceptional returns on a modest initial outlay. The coastal town’s affordability creates compelling rental yield opportunities, with cash flow potential exceeding that of many larger markets. Located in Pacific County near the coast, Raymond’s steady post-2022 growth pattern indicates sustainable demand rather than speculative fever, making it ideal for buy-and-hold investment strategies.
19. Mossyrock
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 148.92%
- Home value in 2016: $188,695
- Home value in 2017: $208,408
- Home value in 2018: $226,875
- Home value in 2019: $253,828
- Home value in 2020: $288,752
- Home value in 2021: $348,272
- Home value in 2022: $433,198
- Home value in 2023: $434,119
- Home value in 2024: $449,498
- Home value in 2025: $469,691
With nearly $281,000 in appreciation, Mossyrock real estate has doubled as both residence and wealth-building asset for savvy investors. The market shows renewed momentum in 2024-2025 after briefly plateauing, suggesting another potential growth cycle ahead. Situated near Mayfield Lake with mountain views, Mossyrock benefits from recreational appeal and relative affordability compared to similar waterfront communities, creating opportunities for both primary residence buyers and vacation rental investors.
18. Onalaska
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 155.12%
- Home value in 2016: $202,884
- Home value in 2017: $224,062
- Home value in 2018: $252,919
- Home value in 2019: $286,398
- Home value in 2020: $321,463
- Home value in 2021: $397,041
- Home value in 2022: $488,669
- Home value in 2023: $475,767
- Home value in 2024: $493,343
- Home value in 2025: $517,597
Onalaska’s impressive 155% value growth has generated over $314,000 in wealth for property owners, significantly outperforming traditional investment vehicles. The temporary 2023 dip created strategic buying opportunities before renewed appreciation resumed in 2024-2025. Located in Lewis County near Mayfield Lake, Onalaska combines rural affordability with recreational amenities, positioning it ideally for both rental yield and capital growth strategies as remote work reshapes housing demand patterns.
17. Aberdeen
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 155.16%
- Home value in 2016: $103,558
- Home value in 2017: $113,788
- Home value in 2018: $132,707
- Home value in 2019: $153,921
- Home value in 2020: $174,090
- Home value in 2021: $213,492
- Home value in 2022: $251,829
- Home value in 2023: $253,112
- Home value in 2024: $259,000
- Home value in 2025: $264,236
Aberdeen’s remarkable transformation turned $103,000 properties into $264,000 assets, representing extraordinary ROI for early investors who recognized its potential. The coastal city continues showing steady post-pandemic growth rather than retracement, indicating sustainable demand fundamentals. This former timber town near Grays Harbor offers multi-unit investment opportunities at significantly lower acquisition costs than most markets, with rental yields often exceeding 8% even at today’s elevated valuations.
16. Index
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 156.88%
- Home value in 2016: $200,357
- Home value in 2017: $230,617
- Home value in 2018: $268,338
- Home value in 2019: $287,991
- Home value in 2020: $315,295
- Home value in 2021: $387,747
- Home value in 2022: $452,804
- Home value in 2023: $452,878
- Home value in 2024: $476,686
- Home value in 2025: $514,672
Index property values have increased by over $314,000 since 2016, providing both lifestyle benefits and substantial wealth creation for homeowners. The market is showing renewed momentum in 2024-2025 after plateauing in 2023, suggesting potential for another growth cycle. This picturesque mountain town in the Cascades combines dramatic scenery with investment potential, particularly in the vacation rental market where nightly rates can generate returns far exceeding traditional long-term rentals.
15. Morton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 157.74%
- Home value in 2016: $138,404
- Home value in 2017: $149,404
- Home value in 2018: $169,266
- Home value in 2019: $189,263
- Home value in 2020: $213,713
- Home value in 2021: $262,243
- Home value in 2022: $332,001
- Home value in 2023: $335,316
- Home value in 2024: $349,588
- Home value in 2025: $356,726
Morton’s extraordinary 158% appreciation has transformed modest $138,000 investments into $356,000 assets, generating over $218,000 in equity. The consistent growth trajectory, even after the pandemic-driven boom, suggests fundamental demand rather than speculative buying. This gateway to Mount Rainier offers investors both appreciation potential and seasonal rental opportunities, with tourism driving demand and creating higher cash-flow possibilities than long-term leasing would provide in this rural market.
14. Roslyn
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 160.91%
- Home value in 2016: $164,397
- Home value in 2017: $179,433
- Home value in 2018: $212,685
- Home value in 2019: $247,149
- Home value in 2020: $277,229
- Home value in 2021: $328,589
- Home value in 2022: $400,425
- Home value in 2023: $424,426
- Home value in 2024: $419,240
- Home value in 2025: $428,923
Roslyn’s impressive 161% value increase has generated over $264,000 in wealth for property owners who recognized its investment potential. The brief pullback in 2024 created a tactical buying opportunity before growth resumed in 2025. This historic former coal mining town, famous as the filming location for “Northern Exposure,” combines heritage charm with recreational proximity to Cle Elum Lake, creating perfect conditions for vacation rental strategies with significantly higher returns than traditional investments.
13. Darrington
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 163.17%
- Home value in 2016: $163,216
- Home value in 2017: $192,825
- Home value in 2018: $219,543
- Home value in 2019: $243,905
- Home value in 2020: $260,195
- Home value in 2021: $315,121
- Home value in 2022: $381,177
- Home value in 2023: $379,285
- Home value in 2024: $410,372
- Home value in 2025: $429,533
Darrington real estate has delivered exceptional returns, with property values increasing by over $266,000 in just nine years. The dip in 2023 proved merely transitional, with strong recovery in 2024-2025 indicating resilient demand fundamentals. This mountain community near the North Cascades offers an attractive blend of affordability and recreational access, creating investment opportunities for both primary residences and vacation rentals as urban dwellers increasingly seek outdoor lifestyle options.
12. Odessa
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 164.14%
- Home value in 2016: $80,087
- Home value in 2017: $80,893
- Home value in 2018: $83,700
- Home value in 2019: $93,204
- Home value in 2020: $114,438
- Home value in 2021: $138,651
- Home value in 2022: $183,367
- Home value in 2023: $202,801
- Home value in 2024: $202,406
- Home value in 2025: $211,538
Odessa’s remarkable 164% appreciation has transformed modest $80,000 investments into assets worth over $211,000, delivering exceptional returns on minimal capital deployment. The market’s affordability creates outstanding rental yield potential, with cap rates often exceeding 8%. This small agricultural community in eastern Washington offers investors a low-barrier entry point into real estate with diversification benefits and cash flow advantages compared to more expensive, lower-yielding urban markets.
11. Ryderwood
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 168.45%
- Home value in 2016: $94,483
- Home value in 2017: $103,201
- Home value in 2018: $122,315
- Home value in 2019: $134,534
- Home value in 2020: $157,038
- Home value in 2021: $192,820
- Home value in 2022: $232,724
- Home value in 2023: $237,255
- Home value in 2024: $250,643
- Home value in 2025: $253,640
Ryderwood’s exceptional 168% growth has converted $94,000 properties into $253,000 assets, generating substantial wealth from minimal initial investment. The consistent upward trajectory, even post-2022, indicates sustained demand rather than speculative buying. This former logging town in Cowlitz County offers unique investment opportunities in the senior living segment, with its 55+ community status creating specialized rental demand that remains resilient through market fluctuations.
10. Lind
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 171.98%
- Home value in 2016: $70,325
- Home value in 2017: $75,087
- Home value in 2018: $86,555
- Home value in 2019: $92,186
- Home value in 2020: $108,763
- Home value in 2021: $137,121
- Home value in 2022: $158,714
- Home value in 2023: $169,562
- Home value in 2024: $172,052
- Home value in 2025: $191,269
Lind’s remarkable 172% appreciation has transformed minimal $70,000 investments into $191,000 assets, offering extraordinary returns on modest capital deployment. The recent acceleration in 2025 suggests another growth phase may be beginning after modest 2024 gains. This eastern Washington wheat farming community offers investors exceptionally low acquisition costs and strong rental yields, with cash flow potential that significantly outperforms stock dividends and bond returns in today’s financial landscape.
9. Ashford
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 172.54%
- Home value in 2016: $135,525
- Home value in 2017: $153,436
- Home value in 2018: $167,009
- Home value in 2019: $183,848
- Home value in 2020: $208,964
- Home value in 2021: $264,692
- Home value in 2022: $314,599
- Home value in 2023: $330,833
- Home value in 2024: $352,307
- Home value in 2025: $369,361
Ashford’s exceptional 172.5% growth has generated nearly $234,000 in equity for property owners who recognized its investment potential early. The consistent year-over-year appreciation, even after the pandemic boom, indicates sustainable demand driven by fundamental factors. This gateway community to Mount Rainier National Park offers prime opportunities in the vacation rental market, with nightly rates during peak season providing returns that far exceed traditional investment vehicles.
8. Snoqualmie Pass
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 177.16%
- Home value in 2016: $283,766
- Home value in 2017: $301,224
- Home value in 2018: $345,929
- Home value in 2019: $382,290
- Home value in 2020: $407,182
- Home value in 2021: $505,712
- Home value in 2022: $705,189
- Home value in 2023: $753,895
- Home value in 2024: $753,717
- Home value in 2025: $786,489
Snoqualmie Pass property values have skyrocketed by over $500,000 since 2016, representing both the largest dollar gain and among the highest percentage increases in Washington. The market shows renewed momentum in 2025 after a brief plateau, suggesting another potential growth cycle. This premier ski destination offers unparalleled investment opportunities in the luxury vacation rental segment, with premium winter rates often generating six-figure annual revenues for well-positioned properties.
7. Maple Falls
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 179.59%
- Home value in 2016: $128,177
- Home value in 2017: $148,675
- Home value in 2018: $173,315
- Home value in 2019: $202,496
- Home value in 2020: $237,794
- Home value in 2021: $265,607
- Home value in 2022: $331,653
- Home value in 2023: $328,963
- Home value in 2024: $344,160
- Home value in 2025: $358,364
Maple Falls property values have appreciated by a staggering 180%, converting $128,000 investments into $358,000 assets within nine years. The brief 2023 dip created buying opportunities before growth resumed, demonstrating the market’s resilience. This mountain community near Mount Baker offers exceptional investment potential in both long-term appreciation and seasonal vacation rentals, with proximity to skiing and hiking trails creating year-round demand that traditional residential markets often lack.
6. Pe Ell
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 187.60%
- Home value in 2016: $113,861
- Home value in 2017: $124,830
- Home value in 2018: $140,703
- Home value in 2019: $150,481
- Home value in 2020: $177,896
- Home value in 2021: $240,744
- Home value in 2022: $309,988
- Home value in 2023: $305,704
- Home value in 2024: $311,681
- Home value in 2025: $327,465
Pe Ell’s extraordinary 188% growth rate has transformed modest $113,000 investments into $327,000 assets, delivering exceptional returns that far outpace traditional investment vehicles. The recovery and continued growth after a minor 2023 dip confirm strong underlying demand fundamentals. This small community in Lewis County offers compelling value for investors seeking affordable entry points, with potential for both capital appreciation and rental yields that significantly outperform more established markets.
5. Winlock
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 191.85%
- Home value in 2016: $156,269
- Home value in 2017: $172,400
- Home value in 2018: $204,604
- Home value in 2019: $229,198
- Home value in 2020: $267,655
- Home value in 2021: $318,187
- Home value in 2022: $405,758
- Home value in 2023: $410,840
- Home value in 2024: $431,037
- Home value in 2025: $456,077
Winlock’s remarkable 192% appreciation has generated nearly $300,000 in wealth for early investors who recognized its potential. Unlike many markets that plateaued after 2022, Winlock continues showing robust growth, suggesting sustainable demand fundamentals. This small community along I-5 benefits from strategic location between Seattle and Portland, offering investors relative affordability combined with accessibility that supports both appreciation potential and consistent rental demand from commuters.
4. Packwood
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 193.11%
- Home value in 2016: $157,225
- Home value in 2017: $168,205
- Home value in 2018: $185,470
- Home value in 2019: $206,856
- Home value in 2020: $224,968
- Home value in 2021: $291,159
- Home value in 2022: $383,419
- Home value in 2023: $433,570
- Home value in 2024: $450,802
- Home value in 2025: $460,843
Packwood’s extraordinary 193% growth has built over $303,000 in equity for property owners who recognized its investment potential. The consistent appreciation trajectory, even after 2022, indicates strong fundamental demand rather than speculative fever. This mountain community near Mount Rainier and White Pass Ski Area offers exceptional opportunities in the vacation rental market, with premium seasonal rates generating returns that significantly outperform traditional real estate investments and financial instruments.
3. Hoquiam
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 197.82%
- Home value in 2016: $79,741
- Home value in 2017: $86,000
- Home value in 2018: $102,434
- Home value in 2019: $125,456
- Home value in 2020: $145,429
- Home value in 2021: $182,984
- Home value in 2022: $220,727
- Home value in 2023: $223,389
- Home value in 2024: $229,139
- Home value in 2025: $237,488
Hoquiam’s remarkable 198% appreciation has turned modest $80,000 investments into $237,000 assets, representing extraordinary ROI on minimal capital deployment. The consistent value increases, even post-pandemic, reveal sustainable demand based on fundamental affordability. This coastal community offers exceptional value for income-focused investors, with low acquisition costs supporting rental yields often exceeding 8-10% – significantly outperforming most fixed-income alternatives in today’s financial landscape.
2. Vader
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 205.18%
- Home value in 2016: $117,128
- Home value in 2017: $135,100
- Home value in 2018: $158,299
- Home value in 2019: $187,066
- Home value in 2020: $216,321
- Home value in 2021: $275,358
- Home value in 2022: $339,225
- Home value in 2023: $334,625
- Home value in 2024: $344,261
- Home value in 2025: $357,449
Vader’s extraordinary 205% growth has generated over $240,000 in wealth for early investors who recognized its untapped potential. The market’s quick recovery from a minor 2023 dip demonstrates resilience and underlying strength in the demand fundamentals. This small community along the Cowlitz River offers exceptional value for capital deployment, with lower acquisition costs than most markets and strong appreciation potential as remote work continues reshaping residential preferences away from urban centers.
1. Bucoda
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 220.14%
- Home value in 2016: $88,897
- Home value in 2017: $104,515
- Home value in 2018: $120,703
- Home value in 2019: $151,526
- Home value in 2020: $177,172
- Home value in 2021: $220,107
- Home value in 2022: $251,417
- Home value in 2023: $255,750
- Home value in 2024: $269,554
- Home value in 2025: $284,594
Bucoda claims Washington’s top spot with a staggering 220% appreciation rate, tripling property values and generating nearly $196,000 in equity from minimal initial investment. The market shows sustained momentum even post-2022, suggesting fundamental demand rather than pandemic-driven anomalies. This small community south of Olympia offers investors an exceptional combination of affordability, capital growth potential, and strong rental yields, making it an ideal diversification target for portfolios overly concentrated in higher-priced, lower-yielding urban assets.
