According to the Zillow Home Value Index, Illinois offers some of the most affordable housing markets in the country, presenting unique opportunities for both homebuyers and investors. This analysis reveals surprising patterns in these value-priced communities that challenge conventional wisdom about affordable real estate.
What’s particularly fascinating is the dramatic price divergence among these 17 communities. While all represent Illinois’ most budget-friendly markets with an average 2025 price of just $72,996, their growth trajectories tell vastly different stories. Towns like Tilton and Madison have more than doubled in value over 15 years (105.56% and 103.22% respectively), while Eldorado experienced an 18.88% decline during the same period.
Perhaps most unexpected is how these affordable markets have outperformed many higher-priced areas, averaging 40.38% appreciation since 2010 despite starting from much lower price points. This contradicts the common assumption that expensive markets consistently deliver superior returns, suggesting strategic opportunities in these overlooked communities.
17. Grandview Home Prices Chart
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $87,173
- 2020 Home Value: $56,744
- 2015 Home Value: $45,276
- 2010 Home Value: $48,206
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 53.63%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 92.54%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 80.84%
About Grandview
Just outside Springfield’s city limits, you’ll discover Grandview’s remarkable transformation from modest suburb to sought-after community. The town’s housing market has nearly doubled since 2015, with values skyrocketing 92.54% in just a decade. Despite this impressive growth surge, homes remain surprisingly attainable at $87,173 in 2025. The accelerating appreciation curve – particularly the dramatic 53.63% jump since 2020 – hints at Grandview’s emerging status as a hidden gem for savvy Illinois homebuyers seeking affordable options with metropolitan accessibility.
16. Rankin Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $85,377
- 2020 Home Value: $61,551
- 2015 Home Value: $53,368
- 2010 Home Value: $50,805
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 38.71%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 59.98%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 68.05%
About Rankin
Venture into Rankin’s peaceful agricultural landscape and you’ll find your homebuying dollars stretch remarkably far. This serene village in east-central Illinois has maintained a steady upward trajectory, with property values climbing an impressive 68.05% since 2010. What’s particularly noteworthy is the acceleration pattern – the appreciation rate has increased with each subsequent five-year period, culminating in a robust 38.71% gain since 2020. At $85,377 in 2025, Rankin offers you quintessential small-town living at roughly a quarter of the national average home price.
15. Johnston City Home Prices Chart
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $84,480
- 2020 Home Value: $70,423
- 2015 Home Value: $69,859
- 2010 Home Value: $76,979
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 19.96%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 20.93%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 9.74%
About Johnston City
Unlike many towns on this list, Johnston City presents you with a housing market defined by resilience rather than explosive growth. After experiencing a noticeable dip from 2010 to 2015, property values have steadily recovered and now show consistent, measured appreciation of 19.96% over the past five years. This southern Illinois community offers a refreshing alternative if you’re seeking price stability without the dramatic swings seen elsewhere. At $84,480 in 2025, homes here provide affordable entry points with less speculative volatility – potentially appealing if predictable housing costs factor into your decision-making.
14. Savanna Home Prices Chart
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $82,222
- 2020 Home Value: $56,297
- 2015 Home Value: $51,649
- 2010 Home Value: $63,863
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 46.05%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 59.19%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 28.75%
About Savanna
Perched dramatically along the Mississippi River’s eastern banks, Savanna rewards you with breathtaking natural beauty at extraordinarily accessible price points. This picturesque town perfectly exemplifies a V-shaped recovery – after declining nearly 20% from 2010 to 2015, the market has rebounded spectacularly with 46.05% growth in just the last five years. The combination of scenic riverside location, abundant outdoor recreation, and strong recent momentum has elevated Savanna’s appeal. At $82,222 in 2025, you’re essentially paying entry-level prices for property in what many consider one of Illinois’ most naturally beautiful settings.
13. Hartford Home Prices Chart
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $78,269
- 2020 Home Value: $58,841
- 2015 Home Value: $49,173
- 2010 Home Value: $51,519
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 33.02%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 59.17%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 51.92%
About Hartford
Strategically positioned near the confluence of America’s two greatest rivers, Hartford offers you remarkable value with growing investment potential. After initially dipping post-2010, this industrial community has staged an impressive comeback, with values climbing 59.17% since their 2015 low point. The acceleration continues with robust 33.02% growth just in the past five years. At $78,269 in 2025, Hartford’s proximity to greater St. Louis metropolitan amenities makes it particularly attractive if you’re seeking affordable housing with easy access to urban conveniences. The strong recent growth suggests this river town may be in the early stages of a significant revitalization.
12. Bushnell Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $76,611
- 2020 Home Value: $61,687
- 2015 Home Value: $59,243
- 2010 Home Value: $62,757
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 24.19%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 29.32%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 22.07%
About Bushnell
In western Illinois’ agricultural heartland, Bushnell presents you with a housing market defined by remarkable consistency. After weathering a minor post-2010 decline, values have recovered gradually without the dramatic swings seen in more volatile communities. The steady 24.19% appreciation since 2020 indicates healthy demand without speculative excess. At $76,611 in 2025, Bushnell hits a sweet spot of affordability combined with sustainable growth. You’ll find this prairie town particularly appealing if your investment philosophy favors predictable, measured appreciation over high-risk, high-reward volatility.
11. Abingdon Home Prices Chart
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $75,860
- 2020 Home Value: $73,130
- 2015 Home Value: $61,925
- 2010 Home Value: $55,930
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 3.73%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 22.50%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 35.63%
About Abingdon
Unlike most communities on this list, Abingdon presents you with a fascinating housing market anomaly – while showing healthy long-term growth of 35.63% since 2010, the town has experienced remarkable price stability in the post-pandemic era with just 3.73% appreciation since 2020. This unique pattern suggests a market resistant to speculative bubbles and dramatic corrections. At $75,860 in 2025, this small community near Galesburg provides you attractive affordability with significantly less volatility than many comparable markets. If you value predictable housing costs and sustainable appreciation over explosive growth potential, Abingdon warrants serious consideration.
10. Nokomis Home Prices Chart
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $73,331
- 2020 Home Value: $68,037
- 2015 Home Value: $51,837
- 2010 Home Value: $52,960
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 7.78%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 41.47%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 38.46%
About Nokomis
Tucked away in central Illinois farmland, Nokomis offers you a compelling real estate narrative that unfolds in distinct chapters. After a slight initial decline from 2010, the market experienced dramatic 31% growth from 2015 to 2020, followed by more normalized 7.78% appreciation in the most recent period. This pattern suggests a market that has completed its recovery phase and found equilibrium. At $73,331 in 2025, Nokomis combines affordability with healthy overall appreciation of 38.46% since 2010. The town’s transition from volatile recovery to stable growth makes it particularly worth exploring if you’re seeking a balanced investment approach in an affordable rural setting.
9. Hoopeston Home Prices Chart
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $73,046
- 2020 Home Value: $59,176
- 2015 Home Value: $55,677
- 2010 Home Value: $45,598
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 23.44%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 31.20%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 60.19%
About Hoopeston
Few affordable markets can match Hoopeston’s remarkable consistency and long-term performance. This eastern Illinois agricultural hub has delivered impressive 60.19% appreciation since 2010 without a single period of decline. The growth has been extraordinarily steady across all measured intervals, with the most recent five years showing continued strength at 23.44%. At $73,046 in 2025, Hoopeston offers you the rare combination of entry-level affordability with proven long-term growth potential. The town’s agricultural economy provides stability while the consistent appreciation trajectory suggests sustainable fundamentals rather than speculative forces driving the market.
8. Kewanee Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $72,831
- 2020 Home Value: $60,029
- 2015 Home Value: $54,515
- 2010 Home Value: $63,262
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 21.33%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 33.60%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 15.13%
About Kewanee
Beyond its unique distinction as the “Hog Capital of the World,” Kewanee presents you with an intriguing market recovery story still in progress. After a significant 14% decline from 2010 to 2015, this western Illinois town has steadily regained momentum, with appreciation accelerating to 21.33% in just the last five years. Despite this strong recent performance, overall growth since 2010 remains a modest 15.13% – suggesting potential untapped upside as the recovery continues. At $72,831 in 2025, Kewanee combines affordability with promising growth momentum. The significant gap between recent performance and long-term metrics could signal opportunity if the current trajectory continues.
7. Danville Home Prices Chart
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $71,816
- 2020 Home Value: $54,475
- 2015 Home Value: $52,468
- 2010 Home Value: $45,582
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 31.83%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 36.88%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 57.55%
About Danville
As the largest city among our affordable communities, Danville offers you a compelling combination of urban amenities and extraordinary value. This eastern Illinois regional hub has demonstrated remarkable consistency with steady appreciation across all measured periods, culminating in impressive 57.55% growth since 2010. Most striking is the recent acceleration – 31.83% in just the past five years – suggesting growing market momentum. At $71,816 in 2025, homes here cost less than a quarter of the national average despite offering the infrastructure, services, and conveniences of a full-fledged city. Danville’s combination of urban attributes, consistent growth, and exceptional affordability creates a unique value proposition in the Illinois market.
6. Benld Home Prices Chart
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $71,405
- 2020 Home Value: $50,792
- 2015 Home Value: $48,147
- 2010 Home Value: $63,920
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 40.58%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 48.31%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 11.71%
About Benld
Few housing markets tell a recovery story as dramatic as Benld’s remarkable turnaround. After suffering a steep 25% decline from 2010 to 2015, this small community has staged an extraordinary comeback, particularly in the most recent five-year period with explosive 40.58% growth since 2020. This classic V-shaped recovery has resulted in modest 11.71% total appreciation since 2010, but the powerful recent momentum suggests a market that may just be hitting its stride. At $71,405 in 2025, Benld combines affordability with some of the most aggressive recent growth rates in Illinois. The stark contrast between long-term performance and recent trajectory makes this market particularly intriguing for value investors.
5. Witt Home Prices Chart
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $68,976
- 2020 Home Value: $64,132
- 2015 Home Value: $59,743
- 2010 Home Value: $67,490
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 7.55%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 15.45%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 2.20%
About Witt
In a housing era defined by volatility, Witt stands apart with its remarkable price stability. This tiny central Illinois community has experienced just 2.20% total appreciation since 2010 – essentially keeping pace with inflation rather than following broader market trends. After initially declining post-2010, values have gradually recovered at a measured pace with modest 7.55% growth in the most recent five-year period. At $68,976 in 2025, Witt provides you exceptionally affordable housing with unusually predictable costs. You’ll find this market particularly appealing if stability and budget certainty matter more than equity growth potential – a financial proposition increasingly rare in today’s volatile real estate landscape.
4. Eldorado Home Prices Chart
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $67,844
- 2020 Home Value: $67,970
- 2015 Home Value: $83,912
- 2010 Home Value: $83,630
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: -0.19%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: -19.15%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: -18.88%
About Eldorado
As the only town among these 17 communities showing negative long-term performance, Eldorado presents you with both cautions and possibilities. This southern Illinois town has experienced a significant 18.88% decline since 2010, with the steepest drops occurring between 2015 and 2020. What’s noteworthy is the recent stabilization – just a minimal 0.19% decline in the past five years suggests the market may have found its equilibrium point. At $67,844 in 2025, Eldorado offers extraordinary affordability for permanent residents, though the historical pattern suggests approaching this market primarily for lifestyle rather than investment reasons. The price stabilization, however, could potentially signal a foundation for future recovery.
3. Tilton Home Prices Chart
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $65,465
- 2020 Home Value: $44,976
- 2015 Home Value: $41,758
- 2010 Home Value: $31,847
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 45.56%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 56.77%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 105.56%
About Tilton
No town on this list challenges conventional wisdom about affordable housing markets more dramatically than Tilton. This small village near Danville has delivered extraordinary 105.56% appreciation since 2010 – effectively doubling home values in just 15 years. Even more remarkable is the consistent acceleration, with the most recent five-year period showing explosive 45.56% growth. Despite this chart-topping performance, Tilton remains astonishingly affordable at $65,465 in 2025. You’ll find few Illinois markets at any price point that can match Tilton’s combination of ultra-low entry prices and exceptional percentage returns – making it particularly worthy of attention if maximizing growth potential within an affordable budget is your priority.
2. Meredosia Home Prices Chart
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $54,510
- 2020 Home Value: $51,587
- 2015 Home Value: $46,179
- 2010 Home Value: $36,873
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 5.67%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 18.04%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 47.83%
About Meredosia
Nestled alongside the Illinois River, Meredosia offers you truly exceptional affordability as the second-least expensive town in our analysis. This small riverfront community has demonstrated impressive resilience with 47.83% total appreciation since 2010, though growth has moderated to a more sustainable 5.67% in the most recent five years. At an astonishing $54,510 in 2025 – roughly one-fifth the national average home price – Meredosia represents one of Illinois’ most accessible entry points into homeownership. The combination of riverfront location, ultra-low price point, and solid historical performance makes this small community particularly worth exploring if maximum affordability tops your priority list.
1. Madison Home Prices Chart
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $51,715
- 2020 Home Value: $32,495
- 2015 Home Value: $25,447
- 2010 Home Value: $30,465
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 59.15%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 103.22%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 69.75%
About Madison
As Illinois’ most affordable community in our analysis, Madison defies every stereotype about low-priced housing markets. Despite rock-bottom prices, this town near St. Louis has delivered explosive growth, with values more than doubling since 2015 – an extraordinary 103.22% appreciation in just a decade. After initially declining from 2010 to 2015, the market has roared back with stunning 59.15% growth in just the past five years. At an almost unbelievable $51,715 in 2025 – less than one-sixth the national average – Madison represents perhaps the ultimate opportunity to enter homeownership at minimal cost. The combination of metropolitan access, unmatched affordability, and chart-topping recent appreciation creates a truly unique value proposition in today’s housing market.
