I’ve analyzed data from the Zillow Home Value Index to bring you insights into Iowa’s most valuable real estate markets. What surprised me most was seeing just how dramatically some of these towns have appreciated – with several showing over 100% growth in just 15 years.
The financial performance of Iowa’s premium markets reveals an interesting pattern: lakefront communities and Des Moines suburbs dominate the high-value landscape. These towns represent excellent investment opportunities with appreciation rates that rival much larger metropolitan areas nationwide.
Looking at the numbers, I found that Iowa’s top-performing markets have maintained remarkable stability even through economic fluctuations. The median home values in these communities often reflect their strategic positions near economic centers, quality school districts, and lifestyle amenities that continue drawing financially stable residents.
Here’s the full breakdown, ranked from the 18th most expensive up to the number 1 most expensive town.
18. Toddville
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $398,654
- 2020 Home Value: $280,406
- 2015 Home Value: $235,453
- 2010 Home Value: $nan
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 42.17%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 69.31%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: nan%
About Toddville
In Toddville, the median home price of $398,654 represents a significant investment opportunity. This town’s real estate market combines steady appreciation with growing demand, making it a standout performer in Iowa’s housing landscape. The consistent growth trajectory suggests smart development policies and an economically vibrant community that continues to attract buyers.
17. Polk City
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $403,604
- 2020 Home Value: $301,070
- 2015 Home Value: $228,071
- 2010 Home Value: $198,616
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 34.06%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 76.96%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 103.21%
About Polk City
Polk City’s housing market showcases a median value of $403,604, reflecting its position as a financial stronghold in Iowa’s real estate scene. The town has demonstrated reliable property appreciation that outpaces many larger markets. Financial stability combined with strategic location advantages has cultivated a premium real estate environment that investors and homeowners find increasingly attractive.
16. Van Meter
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $407,751
- 2020 Home Value: $281,817
- 2015 Home Value: $227,547
- 2010 Home Value: $205,561
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 44.69%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 79.19%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 98.36%
About Van Meter
With a median home price of $407,751, Van Meter presents a compelling value proposition in Iowa’s upper-tier housing market. The town’s property values reflect careful growth management and economic resilience, with price appreciation that indicates sustained investor confidence. The market here balances premium pricing with tangible quality-of-life assets that justify the investment.
15. Peosta
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $409,187
- 2020 Home Value: $299,387
- 2015 Home Value: $245,917
- 2010 Home Value: $222,300
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 36.68%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 66.39%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 84.07%
About Peosta
Peosta’s property market commands a median price of $409,187, positioning it among Iowa’s premier real estate investments. This town combines appreciation potential with stable growth metrics that appeal to financially savvy buyers. The premium pricing reflects both current amenities and confidence in future economic development, making it a benchmark for Iowa’s luxury market.
14. Clive
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $414,621
- 2020 Home Value: $308,954
- 2015 Home Value: $266,018
- 2010 Home Value: $238,810
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 34.20%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 55.86%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 73.62%
About Clive
In Clive, the median home price of $414,621 represents a significant investment opportunity. This town’s real estate market combines steady appreciation with growing demand, making it a standout performer in Iowa’s housing landscape. The consistent growth trajectory suggests smart development policies and an economically vibrant community that continues to attract buyers.
13. Runnells
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $416,140
- 2020 Home Value: $278,773
- 2015 Home Value: $207,432
- 2010 Home Value: $194,193
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 49.28%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 100.61%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 114.29%
About Runnells
Runnells’ housing market showcases a median value of $416,140, reflecting its position as a financial stronghold in Iowa’s real estate scene. The town has demonstrated reliable property appreciation that outpaces many larger markets. Financial stability combined with strategic location advantages has cultivated a premium real estate environment that investors and homeowners find increasingly attractive.
12. Solon
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $421,501
- 2020 Home Value: $317,697
- 2015 Home Value: $255,572
- 2010 Home Value: $224,198
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 32.67%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 64.92%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 88.00%
About Solon
With a median home price of $421,501, Solon presents a compelling value proposition in Iowa’s upper-tier housing market. The town’s property values reflect careful growth management and economic resilience, with price appreciation that indicates sustained investor confidence. The market here balances premium pricing with tangible quality-of-life assets that justify the investment.
11. Ackworth
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $422,113
- 2020 Home Value: $281,333
- 2015 Home Value: $nan
- 2010 Home Value: $nan
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 50.04%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: nan%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: nan%
About Ackworth
Ackworth’s property market commands a median price of $422,113, positioning it among Iowa’s premier real estate investments. This town combines appreciation potential with stable growth metrics that appeal to financially savvy buyers. The premium pricing reflects both current amenities and confidence in future economic development, making it a benchmark for Iowa’s luxury market.
10. Swisher
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $430,218
- 2020 Home Value: $340,662
- 2015 Home Value: $277,510
- 2010 Home Value: $266,353
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 26.29%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 55.03%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 61.52%
About Swisher
In Swisher, the median home price of $430,218 represents a significant investment opportunity. This town’s real estate market combines steady appreciation with growing demand, making it a standout performer in Iowa’s housing landscape. The consistent growth trajectory suggests smart development policies and an economically vibrant community that continues to attract buyers.
9. Honey Creek
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $432,556
- 2020 Home Value: $262,664
- 2015 Home Value: $200,304
- 2010 Home Value: $nan
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 64.68%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 115.95%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: nan%
About Honey Creek
Honey Creek’s housing market showcases a median value of $432,556, reflecting its position as a financial stronghold in Iowa’s real estate scene. The town has demonstrated reliable property appreciation that outpaces many larger markets. Financial stability combined with strategic location advantages has cultivated a premium real estate environment that investors and homeowners find increasingly attractive.
8. Arnolds Park
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $435,656
- 2020 Home Value: $288,497
- 2015 Home Value: $228,473
- 2010 Home Value: $181,829
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 51.01%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 90.68%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 139.60%
About Arnolds Park
With a median home price of $435,656, Arnolds Park presents a compelling value proposition in Iowa’s upper-tier housing market. The town’s property values reflect careful growth management and economic resilience, with price appreciation that indicates sustained investor confidence. The market here balances premium pricing with tangible quality-of-life assets that justify the investment.
7. Okoboji
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $455,655
- 2020 Home Value: $312,083
- 2015 Home Value: $250,162
- 2010 Home Value: $209,305
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 46.00%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 82.14%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 117.70%
About Okoboji
Okoboji’s property market commands a median price of $455,655, positioning it among Iowa’s premier real estate investments. This town combines appreciation potential with stable growth metrics that appeal to financially savvy buyers. The premium pricing reflects both current amenities and confidence in future economic development, making it a benchmark for Iowa’s luxury market.
6. Panora
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $456,545
- 2020 Home Value: $339,017
- 2015 Home Value: $278,832
- 2010 Home Value: $182,435
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 34.67%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 63.73%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 150.25%
About Panora
In Panora, the median home price of $456,545 represents a significant investment opportunity. This town’s real estate market combines steady appreciation with growing demand, making it a standout performer in Iowa’s housing landscape. The consistent growth trajectory suggests smart development policies and an economically vibrant community that continues to attract buyers.
5. Shueyville
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $510,250
- 2020 Home Value: $394,906
- 2015 Home Value: $331,594
- 2010 Home Value: $306,845
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 29.21%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 53.88%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 66.29%
About Shueyville
Shueyville’s housing market showcases a median value of $510,250, reflecting its position as a financial stronghold in Iowa’s real estate scene. The town has demonstrated reliable property appreciation that outpaces many larger markets. Financial stability combined with strategic location advantages has cultivated a premium real estate environment that investors and homeowners find increasingly attractive.
4. Cumming
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $524,348
- 2020 Home Value: $379,396
- 2015 Home Value: $294,737
- 2010 Home Value: $237,544
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 38.21%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 77.90%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 120.74%
About Cumming
With a median home price of $524,348, Cumming presents a compelling value proposition in Iowa’s upper-tier housing market. The town’s property values reflect careful growth management and economic resilience, with price appreciation that indicates sustained investor confidence. The market here balances premium pricing with tangible quality-of-life assets that justify the investment.
3. Wahpeton
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $566,419
- 2020 Home Value: $366,881
- 2015 Home Value: $nan
- 2010 Home Value: $nan
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 54.39%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: nan%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: nan%
About Wahpeton
Wahpeton’s property market commands a median price of $566,419, positioning it among Iowa’s premier real estate investments. This town combines appreciation potential with stable growth metrics that appeal to financially savvy buyers. The premium pricing reflects both current amenities and confidence in future economic development, making it a benchmark for Iowa’s luxury market.
2. Orleans
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $679,148
- 2020 Home Value: $422,528
- 2015 Home Value: $362,105
- 2010 Home Value: $194,689
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 60.73%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 87.56%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 248.84%
About Orleans
In Orleans, the median home price of $679,148 represents a significant investment opportunity. This town’s real estate market combines steady appreciation with growing demand, making it a standout performer in Iowa’s housing landscape. The consistent growth trajectory suggests smart development policies and an economically vibrant community that continues to attract buyers.
1. West Okoboji
Historic prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $897,009
- 2020 Home Value: $588,822
- 2015 Home Value: $nan
- 2010 Home Value: $nan
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 52.34%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: nan%
- % Change 2010 to 2025: nan%
About West Okoboji
West Okoboji’s housing market showcases a median value of $897,009, reflecting its position as a financial stronghold in Iowa’s real estate scene. The town has demonstrated reliable property appreciation that outpaces many larger markets. Financial stability combined with strategic location advantages has cultivated a premium real estate environment that investors and homeowners find increasingly attractive.
