I’ve analyzed the Zillow Home Value Index data to identify Kansas communities with the most remarkable real estate growth over the past decade. What emerges is a fascinating portrait of financial opportunity in America’s heartland that defies conventional expectations.
The standout finding? Small towns are driving extraordinary home value growth in Kansas. With appreciation rates ranging from 130% to over 200%, these markets represent hidden investment gems that most national analysts overlook. Areas like Delia and Soldier have seen values triple in less than a decade.
Perhaps most striking is the consistent pattern of acceleration: many towns saw modest growth from 2016-2020, followed by explosive appreciation during the pandemic and post-pandemic years. This suggests structural shifts in housing preferences that may continue to benefit these communities.
17. Thayer
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 134.03%
- 2025: $163,790
- 2024: $151,596
- 2023: $140,204
- 2022: $132,504
- 2021: $109,491
- 2020: $81,142
- 2019: $76,565
- 2018: $72,004
- 2017: $70,808
- 2016: $69,985
About Thayer
Thayer’s 134.03% appreciation demonstrates the exceptional wealth-building potential in Kansas’s secondary markets. With median prices at $163,790, your investment dollar achieves remarkable leverage compared to primary markets with similar growth rates. The inflection point in 2020-2021 suggests a fundamental revaluation rather than speculative excess. Property tax efficiency and favorable insurance costs further enhance total returns compared to comparable coastal investments.
16. Fontana
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 134.53%
- 2025: $324,100
- 2024: $294,134
- 2023: $271,721
- 2022: $256,019
- 2021: $220,053
- 2020: $184,895
- 2019: $175,552
- 2018: $158,836
- 2017: $149,388
- 2016: $138,192
About Fontana
Fontana’s remarkable 134.53% growth translates to exceptional wealth creation in a market still undervalued by national standards. With properties now valued at $324,100, your investment benefits from both substantial appreciation and relatively low carrying costs. The acceleration in price growth post-2020 suggests a structural shift rather than cyclical movement. Favorable price-to-rent ratios enable strong cash flow potential alongside capital appreciation.
15. Osawatomie
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 135.44%
- 2025: $187,839
- 2024: $172,897
- 2023: $161,119
- 2022: $148,867
- 2021: $130,763
- 2020: $108,432
- 2019: $101,209
- 2018: $90,850
- 2017: $85,249
- 2016: $79,782
About Osawatomie
Osawatomie’s 135.44% appreciation exemplifies the extraordinary financial leverage available in Kansas’s secondary markets. With median values now at $187,839, your investment dollar stretches remarkably far compared to major metropolitan areas. The steepening price curve indicates market momentum rather than maturity, suggesting continued growth potential. Strong rental demand relative to property values creates attractive yield opportunities alongside capital appreciation.
14. Waverly
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 136.48%
- 2025: $203,673
- 2024: $187,560
- 2023: $174,025
- 2022: $164,665
- 2021: $138,051
- 2020: $112,571
- 2019: $107,374
- 2018: $94,212
- 2017: $89,630
- 2016: $86,128
About Waverly
Waverly’s 136.48% growth translates to exceptional returns in a market still offering substantial value. With median prices now at $203,673, your investment benefits from the rare combination of strong appreciation potential and relatively low carrying costs. The dramatic acceleration post-2020 suggests a fundamental revaluation of the market. Property tax efficiency enhances overall returns compared to comparable investments in tax-heavy regions.
13. Mayetta
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 139.01%
- 2025: $289,833
- 2024: $271,160
- 2023: $256,817
- 2022: $236,875
- 2021: $202,581
- 2020: $152,429
- 2019: $138,806
- 2018: $127,453
- 2017: $124,322
- 2016: $121,263
About Mayetta
Mayetta’s exceptional 139.01% appreciation demonstrates the wealth-building capacity of strategic real estate positioning. With median values reaching $289,833, your investment achieves remarkable leverage compared to similar-growth markets with higher entry costs. The dramatic inflection point in 2020 suggests a fundamental reassessment of value rather than speculative excess. Strong rental demand creates multiple pathways to returns through both cash flow and appreciation.
12. Quenemo
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 139.96%
- 2025: $168,304
- 2024: $156,461
- 2023: $144,006
- 2022: $144,448
- 2021: $122,410
- 2020: $99,903
- 2019: $88,678
- 2018: $76,721
- 2017: $72,452
- 2016: $70,138
About Quenemo
Quenemo’s remarkable 139.96% growth represents exceptional financial leverage in a market still overlooked by institutional investors. With median prices at $168,304, your purchasing power reaches further here than in most growth markets nationally. The dramatic acceleration in appreciation post-2020 suggests structural shifts rather than cyclical movement. Lower property taxes and insurance costs enhance total returns compared to properties in higher-priced regions.
11. Baileyville
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 142.36%
- 2025: $304,414
- 2024: $272,214
- 2023: $262,168
- 2022: $237,604
- 2021: $196,406
- 2020: $160,876
- 2019: $145,709
- 2018: $124,631
- 2017: $131,397
- 2016: $125,604
About Baileyville
Baileyville’s extraordinary 142.36% appreciation represents wealth-building potential rarely found in more established markets. With median home values now at $304,414, your investment benefits from both substantial appreciation and relatively favorable carrying costs. The steepening price curve suggests market momentum rather than maturity. Strong rental demand creates dual return paths through both cash flow and continued capital appreciation.
10. Circleville
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 149.5%
- 2025: $218,404
- 2024: $199,338
- 2023: $186,548
- 2022: $172,718
- 2021: $145,257
- 2020: $117,917
- 2019: $108,800
- 2018: $97,907
- 2017: $93,723
- 2016: $87,536
About Circleville
Circleville’s remarkable 149.5% growth demonstrates how Kansas’s secondary markets can deliver outsized investment returns. With median values now at $218,404, your capital achieves exceptional leverage compared to primary markets with similar appreciation. The price trajectory shows continued momentum rather than deceleration. Lower property taxes and insurance costs enhance total returns compared to similar investments in tax-heavy coastal regions.
9. Greeley
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 153.54%
- 2025: $205,625
- 2024: $190,135
- 2023: $184,001
- 2022: $177,536
- 2021: $150,297
- 2020: $111,671
- 2019: $101,281
- 2018: $93,566
- 2017: $88,002
- 2016: $81,101
About Greeley
Greeley’s extraordinary 153.54% appreciation demonstrates exceptional investment potential in a market still flying under most investors’ radar. With median values now at $205,625, your investment dollar achieves remarkable leverage compared to major metropolitan areas. The dramatic acceleration post-2020 suggests a fundamental reassessment of value. Strong rental yields relative to property values create attractive cash flow alongside capital appreciation.
8. La Cygne
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 155.43%
- 2025: $155,787
- 2024: $152,807
- 2023: $141,566
- 2022: $132,678
- 2021: $98,876
- 2020: $83,073
- 2019: $82,665
- 2018: $75,883
- 2017: $69,494
- 2016: $60,990
About La Cygne
La Cygne’s remarkable 155.43% growth represents exceptional financial leverage in a market still undervalued by national standards. With median values at $155,787, your initial investment achieves extraordinary purchasing power compared to similar-growth markets elsewhere. The dramatic inflection point in 2020-2021 suggests structural market shifts rather than speculative excess. Lower carrying costs enhance total returns compared to properties in higher-tax regions.
7. Westphalia
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 155.97%
- 2025: $219,446
- 2024: $197,947
- 2023: $186,746
- 2022: $180,384
- 2021: $153,014
- 2020: $120,387
- 2019: $109,033
- 2018: $97,243
- 2017: $91,390
- 2016: $85,731
About Westphalia
Westphalia’s extraordinary 155.97% appreciation demonstrates the remarkable wealth-creation potential in Kansas’s overlooked markets. With median values now at $219,446, your investment benefits from both strong capital appreciation and relatively low carrying costs. The steepening price curve suggests continued market momentum rather than maturation. Favorable price-to-rent ratios enable strong cash flow potential alongside exceptional capital appreciation.
6. Denison
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 157.31%
- 2025: $145,001
- 2024: $137,115
- 2023: $125,933
- 2022: $117,257
- 2021: $100,137
- 2020: $76,702
- 2019: $68,796
- 2018: $61,341
- 2017: $59,614
- 2016: $56,353
About Denison
Denison’s remarkable 157.31% growth translates to extraordinary investment returns in a market still offering exceptional value. With median prices at just $145,001, your capital achieves remarkable leverage compared to national averages. The acceleration in price growth post-2020 suggests a fundamental revaluation still in progress. Property tax efficiency and lower insurance costs enhance total returns compared to similar investments in higher-cost regions.
5. Kansas City
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 159.92%
- 2025: $191,511
- 2024: $183,737
- 2023: $168,116
- 2022: $156,576
- 2021: $140,432
- 2020: $115,487
- 2019: $107,198
- 2018: $94,712
- 2017: $82,023
- 2016: $73,682
About Kansas City
Kansas City’s extraordinary 159.92% appreciation demonstrates how strategic positioning in emerging neighborhoods can deliver exceptional returns. With median values now at $191,511, your investment achieves remarkable leverage compared to the metropolitan area’s more established districts. The consistent upward trajectory suggests sustained market momentum rather than speculative excess. Strong rental demand creates dual return paths through both cash flow and continued capital appreciation.
4. Blue Mound
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 169.22%
- 2025: $239,826
- 2024: $216,438
- 2023: $204,726
- 2022: $198,232
- 2021: $161,814
- 2020: $123,727
- 2019: $113,587
- 2018: $102,358
- 2017: $99,051
- 2016: $89,083
About Blue Mound
Blue Mound’s remarkable 169.22% growth demonstrates the extraordinary wealth-building potential in Kansas’s secondary markets. With median values now at $239,826, your investment benefits from both substantial appreciation and relatively favorable carrying costs. The dramatic acceleration post-2020 suggests a fundamental reassessment of value rather than cyclical movement. Favorable price-to-rent ratios enable strong cash flow alongside exceptional capital appreciation.
3. Oaklawn-Sunview
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 173.75%
- 2025: $74,539
- 2024: $66,499
- 2023: $57,358
- 2022: $49,318
- 2021: $41,699
- 2020: $30,382
- 2019: $26,434
- 2018: $25,219
- 2017: $26,491
- 2016: $27,229
About Oaklawn-Sunview
Oaklawn-Sunview’s extraordinary 173.75% appreciation represents exceptional financial leverage in possibly the most accessible market in this analysis. With median values at just $74,539, your initial investment achieves remarkable purchasing power with minimal capital commitment. The dramatic upward trajectory since 2018 suggests a fundamental market revaluation still in progress. Exceptional rental yields relative to property values create compelling cash flow alongside capital appreciation.
2. Soldier
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 193.19%
- 2025: $257,952
- 2024: $236,795
- 2023: $218,258
- 2022: $197,842
- 2021: $164,965
- 2020: $125,491
- 2019: $112,945
- 2018: $98,634
- 2017: $95,217
- 2016: $87,981
About Soldier
Soldier’s remarkable 193.19% appreciation represents wealth-building potential that would be virtually impossible to replicate in established markets. With values reaching $257,952, your investment benefits from both exceptional appreciation and relatively favorable carrying costs. The dramatic acceleration post-2020 suggests a structural shift in market dynamics still gaining momentum. Favorable price-to-income ratios maintain affordability despite the substantial price increases.
1. Delia
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 201.39%
- 2025: $238,527
- 2024: $222,450
- 2023: $201,097
- 2022: $186,420
- 2021: $156,170
- 2020: $107,871
- 2019: $99,077
- 2018: $87,035
- 2017: $84,737
- 2016: $79,143
About Delia
Delia’s extraordinary 201.39% appreciation demonstrates the remarkable wealth-building potential in Kansas’s overlooked rural markets. With median values tripling to $238,527, your investment achieves exceptional leverage compared to similar-growth markets elsewhere. The dramatic inflection point in 2020 signals a fundamental reassessment of rural property values. Low property taxes and favorable insurance rates enhance total returns compared to investments in tax-heavy coastal regions.
