Looking at the Zillow Home Value Index, you’ll discover fascinating trends in Kentucky’s most affordable housing markets. These small towns offer a glimpse into real estate opportunities that are significantly below the national average.
What’s remarkable is the dramatic price appreciation many of these towns have experienced since 2020, with an average increase of 33.07% across the twenty most affordable markets. Evarts stands out with an astounding 97.56% growth over just five years, suggesting significant economic changes in these small communities.
Despite their affordability compared to larger markets, there’s still considerable variation even among these twenty towns. With prices ranging from $53,810 in Wayland to $68,075 in McDowell, you’ll find nearly 27% difference between the most and least expensive options in this affordable group.
20.McDowell
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $68,075
- 2020 Home Value: $54,286
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 25.40%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About McDowell
Nestled in the eastern part of Kentucky, McDowell offers you an affordable housing market that’s seen steady growth. This small community provides a quiet rural lifestyle with the benefit of home values that have increased by over 25% since 2020. The median home price of $68,075 makes it the most expensive among the twenty most affordable towns in Kentucky, yet still remarkably affordable compared to national averages. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to settle down that’s still showing healthy appreciation, McDowell might be worth your consideration.
19.Holmes Mill
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $65,614
- 2020 Home Value: $47,678
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 37.62%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Holmes Mill
You’ll find Holmes Mill tucked away in Harlan County, offering a compelling combination of affordability and growth potential. This small community has experienced an impressive 37.62% increase in home values since 2020, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers looking for appreciation. With a median home value of $65,614 in 2025, properties here are accessibly priced while still providing the benefits of Kentucky’s rural charm and natural beauty. The town’s history is deeply connected to coal mining, giving you a glimpse into an important aspect of Kentucky’s economic heritage.
18.Blackey
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $64,945
- 2020 Home Value: $66,459
- 2015 Home Value: $58,662
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: -2.28%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 10.71%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Blackey
In Blackey, you’ll discover one of the few towns on our list that’s experienced a slight decline in property values since 2020, with a 2.28% decrease. However, when looking at the longer 10-year trend, the town has still managed a respectable 10.71% growth since 2015. Located in Letcher County, this small community offers a median home price of $64,945, making it the third most expensive among Kentucky’s twenty most affordable towns. What makes Blackey unique is its picturesque setting along the North Fork of the Kentucky River, providing you with beautiful natural surroundings at an accessible price point.
17.Regina
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $64,658
- 2020 Home Value: $62,002
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 4.28%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Regina
Regina offers you a stable housing market with modest growth of 4.28% since 2020. This Pike County community presents a median home value of $64,658, positioning it as an accessible option for first-time homebuyers or those looking to downsize. When you consider the rural tranquility and tight-knit community feel, Regina provides excellent value despite its slower appreciation rate compared to some neighboring towns. The area’s connection to Kentucky’s coal heritage adds historical depth to this affordable small town experience.
16.Earlington
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $63,909
- 2020 Home Value: $61,993
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 3.09%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Earlington
You’ll find Earlington in Hopkins County offering a particularly stable housing market with just a 3.09% increase since 2020. With homes averaging $63,909, this small town provides exceptional affordability compared to national standards. What makes Earlington stand out is its proximity to Madisonville, giving you access to more amenities while maintaining the benefits of small-town living and affordable housing costs. The community’s rich coal mining history shapes its unique character, and the area’s natural beauty makes it an appealing option for budget-conscious homebuyers seeking Kentucky charm.
15.Evarts
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $63,848
- 2020 Home Value: $32,318
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 97.56%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Evarts
Evarts stands out as the champion of growth among Kentucky’s affordable towns, with an astonishing 97.56% appreciation since 2020. This Harlan County community offers you a median home value of $63,848, representing one of the most dramatic turnarounds in Kentucky’s housing market. Despite nearly doubling in value over five years, homes here remain remarkably affordable. The impressive growth suggests positive economic changes that might make this an opportune time to consider investing in Evarts. You’ll be surrounded by the natural beauty of Kentucky’s eastern region while potentially benefiting from continued appreciation.
14.Garrett
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $63,325
- 2020 Home Value: $49,331
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 28.37%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Garrett
When you visit Garrett in Floyd County, you’ll discover a community that’s experienced healthy growth of 28.37% since 2020. The median home value of $63,325 positions it as an accessible option that’s still showing promising appreciation. This small town offers you the authentic Kentucky experience with its rural setting and friendly community atmosphere. For those seeking affordability without sacrificing growth potential, Garrett represents an interesting opportunity in eastern Kentucky’s housing market.
13.Beaver
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $63,121
- 2020 Home Value: $63,884
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: -1.19%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Beaver
Beaver presents an interesting case as one of only two towns on our list that’s experienced a slight decline in home values, with a 1.19% decrease since 2020. Located in Floyd County, this small community offers you a median home price of $63,121, making it still quite affordable despite its minor negative trend. What makes Beaver worth considering is its authentic small-town Kentucky character and the potential for price stabilization or recovery in coming years. If you’re seeking maximum affordability with the possibility of future appreciation, Beaver’s current dip might represent a strategic entry point.
12.McRoberts
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $62,681
- 2020 Home Value: $38,294
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 63.69%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About McRoberts
You’ll find remarkable growth potential in McRoberts, which has experienced an impressive 63.69% increase in home values since 2020. This Letcher County community offers a median home price of $62,681, making it accessible while still showing strong signs of economic recovery. The substantial appreciation suggests positive momentum in this small town’s housing market. McRoberts’ combination of affordability and strong growth makes it particularly intriguing for investors or first-time homebuyers looking to benefit from continued appreciation while enjoying the authentic charm of rural Kentucky.
11.Hi Hat
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $62,570
- 2020 Home Value: $49,293
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 26.94%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Hi Hat
In Hi Hat, you’ll benefit from a strong housing market that’s seen nearly 27% growth since 2020. This Floyd County community offers median home values of $62,570, striking a balance between affordability and appreciation potential. The town’s location in eastern Kentucky provides you with scenic landscapes typical of the region, while its housing market demonstrates healthy growth without the extreme volatility seen in some neighboring communities. Hi Hat represents an opportunity to invest in a steadily appreciating market while enjoying the benefits of small-town Kentucky living.
10.Majestic
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $61,938
- 2020 Home Value: $54,502
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 13.64%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Majestic
Majestic lives up to its name by offering you a picturesque setting in Pike County with homes at accessible price points. With a median value of $61,938 and steady growth of 13.64% since 2020, this community provides stable appreciation without the dramatic swings seen elsewhere. Your investment in Majestic gives you access to Kentucky’s beautiful eastern region while benefiting from a housing market that’s showing consistent, moderate growth. The town’s name hints at the surrounding natural beauty, making it an appealing option for nature lovers seeking affordability.
9.Printer
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $60,056
- 2020 Home Value: $49,005
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 22.55%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Printer
You’ll find Printer offering a compelling combination of affordability and healthy appreciation. This Floyd County community has seen home values increase by 22.55% since 2020, reaching a median price of $60,056. Despite its small size, Printer’s housing market shows promising growth trends while remaining well below state and national averages. The community provides authentic small-town living with the benefit of steadily appreciating home values, making it worth considering for those seeking both affordability and potential investment returns in Kentucky’s housing market.
8.Weeksbury
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $59,503
- 2020 Home Value: $52,347
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 13.67%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Weeksbury
Weeksbury offers you steady, moderate growth in a highly affordable housing market. Located in Floyd County, this small community has seen home values increase by 13.67% since 2020, reaching a median price of $59,503. While this growth rate is lower than some neighboring towns, it represents stable appreciation without the volatility seen elsewhere. Your housing dollar stretches remarkably far in Weeksbury, providing an opportunity to own property at a fraction of national average costs while still enjoying modest but consistent growth.
7.Fleming-Neon
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $59,294
- 2020 Home Value: $51,343
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 15.49%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Fleming-Neon
Fleming-Neon presents you with a unique opportunity in Letcher County’s affordable housing market. With median home values at $59,294 and growth of 15.49% since 2020, this small town offers steady appreciation without dramatic price swings. The community’s coal mining heritage gives it historical significance, while its affordable housing makes it accessible to a wide range of buyers. When you consider the combination of reasonable growth and exceptionally low entry prices, Fleming-Neon emerges as an attractive option for those seeking value in Kentucky’s eastern region.
6.Fedscreek
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $59,033
- 2020 Home Value: $40,487
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 45.81%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Fedscreek
Fedscreek catches your attention with its impressive 45.81% growth since 2020, placing it among the top performers in Kentucky’s affordable housing markets. This Pike County community offers median home values of $59,033, combining exceptional affordability with strong appreciation potential. The substantial growth suggests positive economic movement in this small town, making it particularly interesting for investors or first-time buyers seeking value with upside potential. Fedscreek’s rural setting in eastern Kentucky provides you with scenic natural surroundings while offering housing at prices well below national averages.
5.Cumberland
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $58,387
- 2020 Home Value: $30,655
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 90.47%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Cumberland
You’ll be amazed by Cumberland’s extraordinary growth story, with home values skyrocketing 90.47% since 2020. This Harlan County town offers a median home price of just $58,387 despite nearly doubling in value over five years. Cumberland represents a remarkable turnaround, second only to Evarts in percentage growth among Kentucky’s most affordable towns. The dramatic appreciation suggests significant positive changes in this small community’s economic outlook. If you’re seeking exceptional growth potential combined with prices well below state and national averages, Cumberland deserves your attention as one of eastern Kentucky’s most promising affordable markets.
4.Stopover
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $58,230
- 2020 Home Value: $46,660
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 24.80%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Stopover
Stopover offers you a compelling combination of extreme affordability and healthy appreciation in Pike County. With median home values at $58,230 and growth of 24.80% since 2020, this small community provides excellent value while demonstrating positive market momentum. The town’s remote location contributes to its exceptional affordability, while its appreciation rate suggests improving economic conditions. If you’re seeking a truly budget-friendly option that’s still showing promising growth, Stopover presents an interesting opportunity in Kentucky’s eastern region.
3.Wheelwright
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $57,919
- 2020 Home Value: $34,387
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 68.44%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Wheelwright
Wheelwright stands out with its impressive 68.44% growth since 2020, placing it among the top performers in Kentucky’s affordable markets. Located in Floyd County, this small town offers median home values of just $57,919 despite its substantial appreciation. The dramatic growth suggests significant positive changes in Wheelwright’s economic outlook, making it particularly interesting for investors seeking value with strong upside potential. You’ll find the authentic character of rural Kentucky here, combined with housing costs that remain exceptionally affordable despite the town’s remarkable recent growth.
2.Jenkins
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $57,353
- 2020 Home Value: $42,175
- 2015 Home Value: $35,337
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 35.98%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 62.31%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Jenkins
Jenkins offers you a unique perspective on long-term growth, as one of the few towns on our list with data available back to 2015. This Letcher County community has seen impressive appreciation of 62.31% over the past decade, with 35.98% of that growth occurring just since 2020. With median home values at $57,353, Jenkins provides exceptional affordability combined with consistent long-term appreciation. The town’s coal mining heritage gives it historical significance, while its housing market demonstrates sustainable growth over time. If you’re seeking affordable property with a proven track record of steady appreciation, Jenkins presents a compelling opportunity.
1.Wayland
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $53,810
- 2020 Home Value: $36,571
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 47.14%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Wayland
Wayland claims the distinction of being Kentucky’s most affordable town in our analysis, with median home values of just $53,810. Despite this rock-bottom price point, the Floyd County community has experienced robust growth of 47.14% since 2020, indicating strong positive momentum. You’ll find unparalleled affordability here, combined with appreciation rates that suggest improving economic conditions. Wayland’s combination of the lowest entry price and healthy growth makes it particularly attractive for first-time homebuyers or investors seeking maximum value potential in Kentucky’s housing market.
