Missouri’s most affordable housing markets don’t need skyscrapers or coasts to make headlines. They’ve got something better—value. According to the Zillow Home Value Index, the Show-Me State offers some remarkable opportunities for budget-conscious homebuyers in 2025. What’s particularly striking is how dramatically home values have increased since 2020 in many of these communities, with some towns seeing growth exceeding 90% in just five years.
From small towns near the Bootheel to quiet corners outside St. Louis, the 17 most affordable communities in 2025 still offer homes under $71K. The data reveals an interesting geographical pattern – many of the most affordable towns are clustered in southeastern Missouri or in the St. Louis metro area.
Perhaps most surprising is the substantial price appreciation in historically undervalued communities like Velda Village and Country Club Hills, where home values have nearly doubled since 2020 despite remaining among the state’s most affordable. This suggests these areas may be experiencing revitalization while still maintaining their affordability advantage compared to other Missouri communities.
17. Lilbourn
Historic home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $70,806
- 2020 Home Value: $48,099
- 2015 Home Value: $31,725
- 2010 Home Value: $31,190
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 47.21%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 123.19%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 127.01%
About Lilbourn
Tucked away in New Madrid County, Lilbourn offers you a quiet rural lifestyle with surprisingly affordable housing options. The town has seen substantial growth in home values over the past fifteen years, more than doubling since 2010. Despite this impressive growth, Lilbourn remains one of Missouri’s hidden gems for budget-conscious homebuyers, with housing costs significantly below the state average. The community’s agricultural heritage creates a relaxed atmosphere where your dollar stretches further than in many other parts of the state.
16. Velda Village
Historic home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $70,623
- 2020 Home Value: $36,238
- 2015 Home Value: $23,755
- 2010 Home Value: $52,093
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 94.89%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 197.29%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 35.57%
About Velda Village
When you choose Velda Village, you’re selecting a community with extraordinary price appreciation potential. Located in St. Louis County, this small village has experienced remarkable growth, with home values nearly doubling since 2020 and almost tripling since 2015. Interestingly, current values are only about 36% higher than they were in 2010, indicating a significant dip before the recent recovery. The village offers proximity to St. Louis amenities while maintaining housing costs that rank among the most affordable in Missouri.
15. Newburg
Historic home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $69,961
- 2020 Home Value: $36,300
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 92.73%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Newburg
Nestled along the Little Piney Creek in the Ozarks, Newburg offers you affordable small-town living with remarkable recent growth. Your real estate investment potential here is noteworthy, with home values nearly doubling over the five-year period from 2020 to 2025. The town’s proximity to the Mark Twain National Forest provides outdoor enthusiasts with abundant recreational opportunities while maintaining housing costs well below state averages. Although historical data before 2020 is limited, the recent appreciation trend suggests a community on the upswing.
14. Iron Mountain Lake
Historic home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $67,505
- 2020 Home Value: $44,183
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 52.78%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Iron Mountain Lake
If you’re seeking lakeside living without the premium price tag, Iron Mountain Lake might be your perfect destination. This southeastern Missouri community offers attractive waterfront opportunities at a fraction of what you’d pay in more well-known lake communities. Home values have increased by over 50% since 2020, demonstrating growing recognition of this area’s natural beauty and recreational potential. The town’s namesake lake provides fishing, boating, and water recreation opportunities right at your doorstep while maintaining housing costs that remain among Missouri’s most affordable.
13. Marston
Historic home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $67,195
- 2020 Home Value: $57,098
- 2015 Home Value: $34,159
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 17.68%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 96.71%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Marston
Located in Missouri’s Bootheel region, Marston presents you with a more gradual appreciation curve compared to other towns on this list. Your housing dollar stretches remarkably far here, with home values increasing by a moderate 17.68% since 2020. However, the longer-term trend is more impressive, with values nearly doubling since 2015. The agricultural surroundings and small-town atmosphere provide a peaceful lifestyle alternative with housing costs that remain approachable for even budget-conscious buyers. The slower recent growth rate might indicate an opportunity to enter a market before potential future appreciation.
12. Velda Village Hills
Historic home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $66,991
- 2020 Home Value: $35,092
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 90.90%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Velda Village Hills
Velda Village Hills offers you an intriguing investment opportunity in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Since 2020, property values have skyrocketed nearly 91%, making it one of the fastest-appreciating communities on our list. Despite this dramatic growth, the town remains remarkably affordable compared to neighboring communities. Your proximity to St. Louis amenities and employment opportunities provides urban convenience with housing costs significantly below regional averages. This combination of metropolitan location and affordability makes Velda Village Hills worth consideration for your housing search.
11. Risco
Historic home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $66,584
- 2020 Home Value: $52,461
- 2015 Home Value: $36,846
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 26.92%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 80.71%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Risco
Discover Risco, a hidden gem in the agricultural heartland of Missouri’s Bootheel region. Your homebuying dollars achieve maximum stretching power in this small community, where home values have increased at a steady pace over the last decade. The 26.92% appreciation since 2020 represents healthy growth without the dramatic spikes seen in some other communities. Looking back further reveals more impressive gains, with values increasing over 80% since 2015. The rural charm and agricultural surroundings provide a peaceful setting for those seeking a simpler lifestyle with exceptionally affordable housing costs.
10. Morehouse
Historic home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $66,510
- 2020 Home Value: $58,560
- 2015 Home Value: $50,834
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 13.58%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 30.84%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Morehouse
When exploring Morehouse in southeastern Missouri, you’ll find a community with the most stable and measured appreciation on our list. The modest 13.58% growth since 2020 and 30.84% since 2015 indicates a consistency that might appeal to risk-averse homebuyers. Your housing dollar goes remarkably far here, with median values remaining well below typical Missouri prices. The town’s agricultural roots and close-knit community offer a tranquil lifestyle option where affordability doesn’t come at the expense of stability. For those seeking predictable housing costs with gradual appreciation, Morehouse presents an attractive option.
9. Pagedale
Historic home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $66,239
- 2020 Home Value: $36,301
- 2015 Home Value: $25,135
- 2010 Home Value: $52,847
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 82.47%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 163.53%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 25.34%
About Pagedale
Just a stone’s throw from St. Louis, Pagedale offers you suburban convenience with astonishingly affordable housing options. The town has experienced remarkable revitalization, with home values increasing by over 82% in just five years. Even more impressive is the 163.53% increase since 2015, indicating a dramatic recovery from previous lows. Interestingly, today’s values are only about 25% higher than 2010 figures, suggesting a significant dip before the current upward trajectory. Your proximity to St. Louis employment centers and amenities makes Pagedale particularly attractive for budget-conscious homebuyers seeking metropolitan connections without the typical urban price tag.
8. Country Club Hills
Historic home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $62,912
- 2020 Home Value: $32,900
- 2015 Home Value: $22,134
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 91.22%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 184.24%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Country Club Hills
Contrary to what its name might suggest, Country Club Hills offers you remarkably affordable housing options while maintaining proximity to St. Louis. The community has experienced dramatic appreciation, with home values nearly doubling since 2020 and almost tripling since 2015. Your real estate investment potential here is substantial, with growth rates that outpace many higher-priced communities. Despite this impressive growth, Country Club Hills remains one of Missouri’s most accessible markets for first-time homebuyers.
7. Flordell Hills
Historic home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $60,608
- 2020 Home Value: $31,482
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 92.51%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Flordell Hills
Situated in St. Louis County, Flordell Hills represents an extraordinary opportunity to enter the housing market at a fraction of typical costs. Your potential for appreciation here is exceptional, with home values increasing by over 92% since 2020. Although historical data before 2020 is unavailable, the remarkable recent growth trajectory suggests a community experiencing significant revitalization. For budget-conscious homebuyers seeking metropolitan connections, Flordell Hills deserves serious consideration.
6. Pine Lawn
Historic home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $58,916
- 2020 Home Value: $33,263
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 77.12%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Pine Lawn
Exploring housing options in Pine Lawn reveals remarkable affordability with impressive growth potential. Located within the St. Louis metropolitan area, your home purchasing power stretches significantly further here than in surrounding communities. The 77.12% appreciation since 2020 demonstrates substantial momentum in this recovering market. Your proximity to urban conveniences and transportation corridors provides practical advantages while maintaining housing costs that fall well below regional norms. For first-time homebuyers or investors seeking value in the St. Louis region, Pine Lawn’s combination of affordability and appreciation trajectory makes it a community worth investigating.
5. Wellston
Historic home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $58,522
- 2020 Home Value: $31,420
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 86.26%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Wellston
Just minutes from downtown St. Louis, Wellston offers you housing options at price points that seem almost unbelievable for a metropolitan location. The community has experienced robust revitalization, with home values increasing by more than 86% in just five years. Despite the impressive recent growth, Wellston remains among Missouri’s most accessible markets for those with limited housing budgets. The combination of urban proximity and continuing affordability creates distinctive value in this evolving community.
4. Gideon
Historic home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $58,454
- 2020 Home Value: $46,140
- 2015 Home Value: $34,545
- 2010 Home Value: $30,151
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 26.69%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 69.21%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 93.87%
About Gideon
Nestled in Missouri’s Bootheel region, Gideon presents you with a complete historical perspective showing steady, measured growth over fifteen years. Your housing investment here would have almost doubled since 2010, showing consistent appreciation without the dramatic fluctuations seen in some communities. Unlike some towns on this list, Gideon’s growth rate of 26.69% since 2020 suggests a stable market without unsustainable spikes. For those seeking affordable rural living with demonstrated long-term stability, Gideon offers compelling value.
3. Arbyrd
Historic home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $55,447
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Arbyrd
Discover Arbyrd, a tiny agricultural community in Missouri’s Bootheel region where housing affordability reaches extraordinary levels. While historical data is limited, your current opportunities here include accessing one of the state’s most affordable real estate markets. Arbyrd’s small population and limited housing stock mean opportunities may be scarce, but when available, homes here represent some of Missouri’s most budget-friendly options. For those seeking maximum affordability in a rural setting, Arbyrd’s current median value of $55,447 makes it worthy of consideration.
2. Parma
Historic home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $54,780
- 2020 Home Value: $39,921
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 37.22%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Parma
When you explore Parma in southeastern Missouri, you’ll encounter housing values that rank among the state’s most affordable despite healthy recent appreciation. Your potential home investment here has grown a solid 37.22% since 2020, demonstrating market stability without the dramatic spikes seen in some other affordable communities. Parma’s small-town character and modest growth rate suggest a community where affordability isn’t likely to disappear overnight. For those prioritizing maximum housing value in a steady rural market, Parma’s extremely accessible price point deserves consideration.
1. Hillsdale
Historic home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $52,580
- 2020 Home Value: $28,596
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 83.88%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Hillsdale
Claiming the title of Missouri’s most affordable town in our analysis, Hillsdale offers you unprecedented housing value despite substantial recent appreciation. Located in St. Louis County, this small community provides suburban connectivity with remarkably accessible price points. Your potential investment here would have appreciated nearly 84% since 2020, demonstrating exceptional growth while still maintaining the state’s lowest median home value. The town’s proximity to St. Louis amenities and employment centers makes its continued affordability particularly notable. For first-time homebuyers with limited budgets or investors seeking value opportunities, Hillsdale’s combination of metropolitan location and extreme affordability creates distinctive appeal.
