In contrast to Minnesota’s competitive urban housing markets, certain towns across the state offer residential properties at considerably more accessible price points. According to the Zillow Home Value Index, these municipalities provide exceptional value opportunities with median home prices ranging from 30% to 70% below the statewide average. You’ll find many of these hidden gems scattered throughout Minnesota’s rural counties, particularly in the western and northern regions where Saint Louis County dominates the list with several of the most affordable communities.
You might be surprised to discover that these 25 least expensive towns have seen remarkable growth over the past 15 years, with many locations experiencing substantial home value increases since 2010. This means that while these communities remain highly affordable, they’ve still provided excellent investment opportunities for homeowners who purchased properties years ago. Freeborn stands out with the most dramatic price increase, skyrocketing 259.9% over a decade while still maintaining affordability.
Ready to explore Minnesota’s most budget-friendly housing markets? Below you’ll find detailed information about each town, current home values, historical pricing, and growth trends. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, looking to downsize, or searching for an investment property, these communities offer compelling opportunities worth your consideration.
1. Virginia
- 2025 Home Value: $120,935
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $74,108
- 2010 Home Value: $69,828
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 73.2%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 63.2%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Seated in the serene environment of Saint Louis County, Virginia provides homebuyers with economical options in northern Minnesota. The home values in Virginia were $69,828 in 2010, $74,108 in 2015, and have reached $120,935 in 2025. This represents a 73.2% increase from 2010 to 2025, with a 63.2% growth from 2015 to 2025.
2. Northrop
- 2025 Home Value: $120,850
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Oriented within Martin County’s diverse landscape, Northrop attracts residents with its affordable housing market. The home values in Northrop have reached $120,850 in 2025, making it the 24th most affordable town in Minnesota. While historical data isn’t available for comparison, Northrop is part of the Fairmont metro area and represents another excellent option in southern Minnesota for those seeking affordable homeownership in a small community setting.
3. Tyler
- 2025 Home Value: $120,800
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $85,645
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 41.0%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Developed in the western section of Lincoln County, Tyler showcases Minnesota’s most affordable residential properties. The home values in Tyler were $85,645 in 2015 and have reached $120,800 in 2025. This represents a 41.0% increase from 2015 to 2025, a more modest growth rate compared to other affordable towns but still representing solid appreciation.
4. Freeborn
- 2025 Home Value: $119,463
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $33,191
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 259.9%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Situated in the southern part of Minnesota in Freeborn County, Freeborn offers exceptional housing value for prospective buyers. The home values in Freeborn were just $33,191 in 2015 and have skyrocketed to $119,463 in 2025. This represents an extraordinary 259.9% increase from 2015 to 2025, the highest growth rate among all the affordable towns on this list.
5. Hanley Falls
- 2025 Home Value: $119,229
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Established as a small community in Yellow Medicine County, Hanley Falls provides affordable living options in Minnesota’s western region. The home values in Hanley Falls have reached $119,229 in 2025, placing it twenty-first on the list of most affordable Minnesota towns.
6. Heron Lake
- 2025 Home Value: $115,101
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $45,174
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 154.8%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Settled in the quiet surroundings of Jackson County, Heron Lake offers incredible value for homebuyers. The home values in Heron Lake were $45,174 in 2015 and have reached $115,101 in 2025. This represents an impressive 154.8% increase from 2015 to 2025, one of the strongest growth rates among affordable Minnesota towns.
7. Nashwauk
- 2025 Home Value: $115,063
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $60,346
- 2010 Home Value: $53,998
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 113.1%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 90.7%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Positioned centrally within Itasca County, Nashwauk offers some of the state’s most accessible housing prices. The home values in Nashwauk were $53,998 in 2010, $60,346 in 2015, and have reached $115,063 in 2025. This represents a substantial 113.1% increase from 2010 to 2025, with a 90.7% growth from 2015 to 2025.
8. Hoyt Lakes
- 2025 Home Value: $114,441
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $57,010
- 2010 Home Value: $79,283
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 44.3%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 100.7%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Carved into the landscape of Saint Louis County, Hoyt Lakes represents exceptional value in Minnesota’s housing market. The home values in Hoyt Lakes were $79,283 in 2010, dropped to $57,010 in 2015, and have rebounded to reach $114,441 in 2025. This represents a 44.3% increase from 2010 to 2025, but a more impressive 100.7% growth from the 2015 low point.
9. Morgan
- 2025 Home Value: $114,006
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $53,071
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 114.8%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Sheltered within Redwood County’s boundaries, Morgan presents some of Minnesota’s most budget-friendly real estate. The home values in Morgan were $53,071 in 2015 and have reached $114,006 in 2025. This represents a significant 114.8% increase from 2015 to 2025, demonstrating strong appreciation while maintaining affordability.
10. Gilbert
- 2025 Home Value: $114,003
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $65,547
- 2010 Home Value: $65,254
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 74.7%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 73.9%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Found in the northern part of Saint Louis County, Gilbert offers exceptional housing value. The home values in Gilbert were $65,254 in 2010, $65,547 in 2015, and have reached $114,003 in 2025. This represents a 74.7% increase from 2010 to 2025, with a similar 73.9% growth from 2015 to 2025.
11. Buhl
- 2025 Home Value: $113,041
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $52,865
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 113.8%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Situated among the natural wonders of Saint Louis County, Buhl stands as a beacon of housing affordability. The home values in Buhl were $52,865 in 2015 and have reached $113,041 in 2025. This represents a substantial 113.8% increase from 2015 to 2025, showing strong appreciation while remaining affordable.
12. Wheaton
- 2025 Home Value: $112,645
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $69,888
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 61.2%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Located just a short drive from the South Dakota border in Traverse County, Wheaton offers exceptional housing value. The home values in Wheaton were $69,888 in 2015 and have reached $112,645 in 2025. This represents a 61.2% increase from 2015 to 2025, showing steady appreciation while maintaining affordable pricing.
13. Biwabik
- 2025 Home Value: $109,785
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $51,408
- 2010 Home Value: $46,653
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 135.3%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 113.6%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Based in Minnesota’s Saint Louis County region, Biwabik shines as an affordable housing destination. The home values in Biwabik were $46,653 in 2010, $51,408 in 2015, and have reached $109,785 in 2025. This represents an impressive 135.3% increase from 2010 to 2025, with a 113.6% growth from 2015 to 2025.
14. Soudan
- 2025 Home Value: $107,182
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $51,797
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 106.9%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Anchored in Saint Louis County’s landscape, Soudan presents remarkably affordable housing options for Minnesotans. The home values in Soudan were $51,797 in 2015 and have reached $107,182 in 2025. This represents a substantial 106.9% increase from 2015 to 2025, demonstrating strong appreciation in this northern Minnesota town.
15. Hanska
- 2025 Home Value: $105,744
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $58,886
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 79.6%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Resting in Brown County’s central region, Hanska attracts those seeking affordable homeownership opportunities. The home values in Hanska were $58,886 in 2015 and have reached $105,744 in 2025. This represents a 79.6% increase from 2015 to 2025, showing solid appreciation while maintaining affordable prices.
16. Butterfield
- 2025 Home Value: $102,300
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $37,098
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 175.8%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Situated along the southern section of Minnesota in Watonwan County, Butterfield stands out for its affordable real estate market. The home values in Butterfield were $37,098 in 2015 and have reached $102,300 in 2025. This represents a remarkable 175.8% increase from 2015 to 2025, one of the highest growth rates among affordable Minnesota towns.
17. Chisholm
- 2025 Home Value: $100,407
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $53,785
- 2010 Home Value: $52,974
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 89.5%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 86.7%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Bordered by the rolling hills of Saint Louis County, Chisholm provides budget-conscious buyers with attractive options. The home values in Chisholm were $52,974 in 2010, $53,785 in 2015, and have reached $100,407 in 2025. This represents an 89.5% increase from 2010 to 2025, with an 86.7% growth from 2015 to 2025.
18. Mapleview
- 2025 Home Value: $92,896
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $41,960
- 2010 Home Value: $48,711
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 90.7%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 121.4%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Established in Mower County and part of the Austin metro region, Mapleview offers remarkable affordability for prospective homeowners. The home values in Mapleview were $48,711 in 2010, decreased to $41,960 in 2015, and have since rebounded to reach $92,896 in 2025. This represents a 90.7% increase from 2010 to 2025, with an impressive 121.4% growth from the 2015 low point.
19. Ceylon
- 2025 Home Value: $91,465
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $44,592
- 2010 Home Value: $41,138
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 122.3%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 105.1%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Positioned in Martin County, Ceylon is a charming community with home values well below the state average. The home values in Ceylon were $41,138 in 2010, $44,592 in 2015, and have reached $91,465 in 2025. This represents a substantial 122.3% increase from 2010 to 2025, with a 105.1% growth from 2015 to 2025.
20. Kiester
- 2025 Home Value: $91,408
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Set against the backdrop of Faribault County’s natural beauty, Kiester presents exceptional value for homebuyers. The home values in Kiester have reached $91,408 in 2025. Historical data isn’t available for comparison, but Kiester represents another excellent option in Faribault County for those seeking affordable homeownership in a small, rural setting where your housing dollar stretches significantly further than in more populated areas.
21. Clarkfield
- 2025 Home Value: $90,077
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Tucked away in Yellow Medicine County, Clarkfield offers an affordable alternative to Minnesota’s more expensive metro areas. The home values in Clarkfield have reached $90,077 in 2025, making it an extremely affordable town in the state. While historical price data isn’t available, Clarkfield provides homebuyers with excellent value in a small community setting, with home prices well below the Minnesota average and significantly less than what you’d find in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
22. Balaton
- 2025 Home Value: $87,008
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $60,148
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 44.7%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Found in the scenic landscapes of Lyon County, Balaton stands out as one of Minnesota’s hidden gems for affordable housing. The home values in Balaton were $60,148 in 2015 and have reached $87,008 in 2025. This represents a 44.7% increase from 2015 to 2025, showing healthy but more moderate appreciation compared to some other affordable towns.
23. Lamberton
- 2025 Home Value: $79,589
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Located in Redwood County within the western region of Minnesota, Lamberton presents some of the state’s most budget-friendly housing options. The home values in Lamberton have reached $79,589 in 2025. While historical data is not available, Lamberton’s current pricing makes it an accessible option for those seeking affordable homeownership in a smaller, rural community with a lower cost of living than Minnesota’s more populous areas.
24. Appleton
- 2025 Home Value: $75,719
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $28,720
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 163.6%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Situated in the picturesque Swift County, Appleton is a small community with remarkable affordability. The home values in Appleton were $28,720 in 2015 and have reached $75,719 in 2025. This represents a 163.6% increase from 2015 to 2025, showing strong appreciation while maintaining incredibly low prices.
25. Elmore
- 2025 Home Value: $67,581
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- Change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
Nestled in the heart of Faribault County, Elmore offers the most affordable housing options in Minnesota. The home values in Elmore have reached $67,581 in 2025, making it exceptionally accessible for first-time homebuyers or those looking to downsize. While historical data for earlier years is unavailable, this small community presents an excellent entry point into the Minnesota real estate market with prices significantly below the state average.
