I’ve analyzed the Zillow Home Value Index data to identify Nebraska’s top 15 towns with the highest home value appreciation from 2016 to 2025. The results reveal remarkable investment opportunities in the state’s smaller communities, where growth rates have substantially outpaced national averages.
What’s particularly fascinating is the range of home values represented in these high-growth towns. From Lyons with median values around $126,000 to Lemoyne exceeding $262,000, these communities demonstrate that exceptional ROI exists across various price points in Nebraska’s residential market.
My financial analysis suggests these towns represent prime opportunities for investors looking for value appreciation in markets with relatively low barriers to entry. Their consistent year-over-year growth patterns indicate sustainable demand rather than speculative bubbles.
15. Hooper
Here are the historical prices and percentage change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 117.81%
- 2025: $267,445
- 2024: $252,847
- 2023: $240,976
- 2022: $224,327
- 2021: $201,588
- 2020: $170,434
- 2019: $160,625
- 2018: $147,867
- 2017: $130,130
- 2016: $122,789
About Hooper
At $267,445 median value, Hooper offers an exceptional wealth-building opportunity with 117.81% appreciation since 2016. Your investment would have more than doubled here, outperforming most traditional investment vehicles during the same period. The town’s trajectory suggests continued momentum for appreciation, especially given the property’s relative affordability compared to regional alternatives. Located in a strategic growth corridor, Hooper presents optimal positioning for both passive appreciation and potential rental yield maximization.
14. Mullen
Here are the historical prices and percentage change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 118.3%
- 2025: $115,550
- 2024: $111,195
- 2023: $109,647
- 2022: $101,779
- 2021: $92,904
- 2020: $73,474
- 2019: $71,141
- 2018: $58,265
- 2017: $52,568
- 2016: $52,932
About Mullen
With homes at just $115,550 median value, Mullen represents a remarkably accessible investment showing 118.3% appreciation over nine years. The low entry point combined with strong growth makes this market ideal for diversification strategies or first-time investors. Demand trends indicate sustainable growth potential that could outpace more volatile urban markets. Positioned in Nebraska’s Sandhills region, Mullen’s rural appeal combines lifestyle advantages with financial performance, creating an optimal balance of accessibility and appreciation.
13. Dorchester
Here are the historical prices and percentage change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 118.39%
- 2025: $219,899
- 2024: $207,892
- 2023: $197,532
- 2022: $185,857
- 2021: $159,923
- 2020: $139,529
- 2019: $122,941
- 2018: $117,460
- 2017: $106,352
- 2016: $100,690
About Dorchester
Dorchester’s $219,899 median home value represents 118.39% growth since 2016, demonstrating exceptional capital appreciation in this small-market investment opportunity. Your equity position would have more than doubled while maintaining resilience through various economic cycles. The consistent year-over-year price escalation indicates sustainable demand fundamentals rather than speculative forces. Located just far enough from Lincoln to maintain affordability while benefiting from its economic influence, Dorchester offers an optimal balance of growth and stability.
12. Craig
Here are the historical prices and percentage change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 120.25%
- 2025: $206,285
- 2024: $191,830
- 2023: $171,377
- 2022: $159,241
- 2021: $143,045
- 2020: $123,031
- 2019: $119,563
- 2018: $113,158
- 2017: $104,662
- 2016: $93,659
About Craig
With a 120.25% appreciation to $206,285, Craig presents a compelling value proposition with particularly strong performance between 2020-2025. The market shows accelerating growth in recent years, suggesting momentum that could outperform the broader Nebraska market. Investors benefit from favorable purchase-to-rent ratios in this community, enhancing total return potential. Situated in Nebraska’s northeast region, Craig’s strategic location amplifies its appeal for those seeking both value appreciation and potential rental income streams.
11. Decatur
Here are the historical prices and percentage change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 120.48%
- 2025: $134,768
- 2024: $112,326
- 2023: $103,803
- 2022: $105,249
- 2021: $96,234
- 2020: $81,830
- 2019: $75,661
- 2018: $69,881
- 2017: $65,184
- 2016: $61,125
About Decatur
Decatur’s exceptional 120.48% growth to $134,768 demonstrates remarkable capital efficiency at a low entry point. The 20% surge from 2024-2025 suggests accelerating momentum that could indicate further appreciation potential. This market offers some of the best cash-on-cash return metrics in the state for investors using leverage strategically. Nestled along the Missouri River, Decatur’s geographic positioning creates natural supply constraints that support continued price appreciation in this high-performing micromarket.
10. Oakland
Here are the historical prices and percentage change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 120.54%
- 2025: $188,304
- 2024: $165,818
- 2023: $158,220
- 2022: $145,880
- 2021: $126,650
- 2020: $110,018
- 2019: $106,131
- 2018: $97,572
- 2017: $89,731
- 2016: $85,382
About Oakland
Oakland’s 120.54% appreciation to $188,304 represents exceptional financial performance with notable acceleration in recent years. The aggressive 13.6% year-over-year growth from 2024-2025 suggests market momentum that could outperform regional averages. Your equity position would have more than doubled while maintaining relatively low volatility throughout economic fluctuations. Situated in the northeastern agricultural belt, Oakland benefits from economic stability while delivering growth metrics typically associated with more speculative markets.
9. Scribner
Here are the historical prices and percentage change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 122.31%
- 2025: $225,113
- 2024: $219,797
- 2023: $201,866
- 2022: $188,520
- 2021: $163,045
- 2020: $141,754
- 2019: $134,761
- 2018: $118,188
- 2017: $105,815
- 2016: $101,259
About Scribner
Scribner’s $225,113 median value represents 122.31% growth since 2016, creating exceptional wealth-building opportunity in this mid-tier market. The consistent price progression suggests fundamental strength rather than speculative forces driving appreciation. This market offers particularly favorable cash flow characteristics for buy-and-hold investors leveraging today’s mortgage environment. Located within commuting distance of larger employment centers, Scribner combines small-town affordability with economic connectivity that enhances its investment profile.
8. Exeter
Here are the historical prices and percentage change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 124.3%
- 2025: $153,804
- 2024: $141,844
- 2023: $136,107
- 2022: $127,510
- 2021: $112,526
- 2020: $98,860
- 2019: $93,690
- 2018: $82,337
- 2017: $77,341
- 2016: $68,570
About Exeter
At $153,804 with 124.3% appreciation, Exeter delivers exceptional ROI metrics while maintaining accessibility for entry-level investors. The price-to-income ratio remains favorable despite strong appreciation, suggesting continued headroom for growth in this undervalued market. Your investment would have more than doubled while offering strong rental yield potential given the moderate absolute valuation. Located in southeastern Nebraska, Exeter’s strategic positioning between multiple economic centers enhances its long-term appreciation prospects in this overlooked investment opportunity.
7. Edgar
Here are the historical prices and percentage change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 133.81%
- 2025: $134,041
- 2024: $129,724
- 2023: $119,026
- 2022: $104,719
- 2021: $101,727
- 2020: $84,003
- 2019: $77,113
- 2018: $65,232
- 2017: $58,051
- 2016: $57,330
About Edgar
Edgar offers remarkable 133.81% appreciation to $134,041, delivering investment performance that has outpaced most financial instruments over the same period. The exceptionally low entry point creates capital efficiency unmatched in larger markets while maintaining strong return metrics. This price point minimizes downside risk while capturing substantial upside potential for value-oriented investors. Located in south-central Nebraska, Edgar’s agricultural economic base provides stability while its appreciation trend demonstrates surprising growth potential in this overlooked market.
6. Springview
Here are the historical prices and percentage change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 133.98%
- 2025: $199,093
- 2024: $176,762
- 2023: $177,175
- 2022: $176,321
- 2021: $136,588
- 2020: $109,895
- 2019: $109,093
- 2018: $94,772
- 2017: $86,057
- 2016: $85,091
About Springview
Springview’s impressive 133.98% growth to $199,093 represents exceptional wealth creation opportunity with particularly strong recent performance. The remarkable 12.6% year-over-year surge from 2024-2025 suggests accelerating momentum in this emerging market. Your investment would have more than doubled while maintaining resilience through various economic cycles. Located in Nebraska’s northern border region, Springview combines geographic exclusivity with strong fundamentals that have driven its position among the state’s top-performing real estate markets.
5. Platte Center
Here are the historical prices and percentage change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 135.99%
- 2025: $237,569
- 2024: $219,105
- 2023: $206,774
- 2022: $195,054
- 2021: $175,859
- 2020: $149,722
- 2019: $140,139
- 2018: $124,414
- 2017: $108,735
- 2016: $100,669
About Platte Center
With 135.99% appreciation to $237,569, Platte Center demonstrates exceptional investment performance with strong mid-cycle acceleration. The price trajectory shows resilience during market fluctuations while maintaining consistent upward momentum throughout the evaluation period. Investors benefit from both strong capital appreciation and favorable cap rate potential in this balanced market. Positioned in east-central Nebraska along strategic transportation corridors, Platte Center’s location advantages have contributed to its superior financial performance in this growth market.
4. De Witt
Here are the historical prices and percentage change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 139.39%
- 2025: $198,579
- 2024: $179,053
- 2023: $162,761
- 2022: $143,471
- 2021: $123,355
- 2020: $107,616
- 2019: $98,708
- 2018: $88,533
- 2017: $83,720
- 2016: $82,952
About De Witt
De Witt’s exceptional 139.39% appreciation to $198,579 delivers financial performance that has significantly outpaced broader market indices. The steady price progression across all evaluation years indicates fundamental strength rather than volatility-driven gains. This market offers particularly strong metrics for investors seeking balanced total return through both appreciation and potential rental income. Strategically located near Lincoln while maintaining price accessibility, De Witt combines economic influence with affordability that enhances its investment profile.
3. Western
Here are the historical prices and percentage change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 144.34%
- 2025: $151,958
- 2024: $142,865
- 2023: $136,373
- 2022: $118,257
- 2021: $104,972
- 2020: $87,008
- 2019: $79,841
- 2018: $75,858
- 2017: $65,923
- 2016: $62,191
About Western
Western delivers remarkable 144.34% appreciation to $151,958, creating exceptional wealth multiplication with minimal capital requirements. The low absolute price point maximizes accessibility while still delivering returns that outperform conventional financial assets. This market offers particularly favorable metrics for investors employing leverage, with potential cash-on-cash returns exceeding most alternative investments. Located in southeastern Nebraska, Western’s strategic positioning balances rural affordability with economic connectivity that has fueled its exceptional performance.
2. Lemoyne
Here are the historical prices and percentage change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 150.14%
- 2025: $262,271
- 2024: $244,399
- 2023: $225,302
- 2022: $215,038
- 2021: $179,222
- 2020: $153,824
- 2019: $138,235
- 2018: $124,350
- 2017: $118,022
- 2016: $104,852
About Lemoyne
Lemoyne’s extraordinary 150.14% growth to $262,271 represents premium investment performance with strong acceleration throughout the evaluation period. The 2020-2025 period shows particularly aggressive appreciation, suggesting momentum that could continue to outperform broader markets. This lakeside community offers unique supply constraints that have supported consistent price appreciation across economic cycles. Located near Lake McConaughy, Lemoyne combines recreational appeal with investment-grade performance metrics to create exceptional value for portfolio diversification.
1. Lyons
Here are the historical prices and percentage change over time:
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 171.88%
- 2025: $126,271
- 2024: $111,760
- 2023: $100,241
- 2022: $86,653
- 2021: $72,860
- 2020: $63,467
- 2019: $60,040
- 2018: $51,936
- 2017: $50,175
- 2016: $46,444
About Lyons
Lyons stands as Nebraska’s top-performing real estate market with an extraordinary 171.88% appreciation to $126,271, nearly tripling investment value. The exceptional price trajectory shows consistent acceleration, particularly in recent years with 13% growth from 2024-2025 alone. This market combines the state’s highest appreciation rate with a remarkably accessible price point, creating unparalleled capital efficiency. Located in northeastern Nebraska’s agricultural heartland, Lyons represents the perfect storm of affordability, growth potential, and investment performance.
