Home prices in America’s heartland towns tell a story of economic transformation and resilience amid changing fortunes. While most U.S. cities saw significant home value increases from 2019 to 2024, a select group of nineteen communities experienced notable declines, with decreases ranging from 1.4% to a striking 36% courtesy of Zillow Home Value Index. These price drops paint a picture of towns grappling with industrial shifts, natural disasters, and economic transitions.
The cities on this list share compelling commonalities: many are energy sector hubs adjusting to oil and gas industry volatility, historic river ports adapting to changing trade patterns, or small industrial centers working to diversify their economies. From Greenville, Mississippi’s dramatic 36% decline to Kennett, Missouri’s modest 1.4% decrease, each town’s story reflects broader economic and demographic trends reshaping America’s smaller cities. Notably, several Louisiana and Texas communities made the list, many impacted by hurricane recovery efforts and energy sector fluctuations, while Mississippi Delta towns feature prominently, highlighting ongoing economic challenges in this historically significant region. The order is smallest decrease to largest decrease in home prices.
#19 Kennett, MO
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Kennett, located in Missouri’s Bootheel region, experienced a modest 1.4% decrease in home values from June 2019 to November 2024, with prices declining from $81,375 to $80,256. This agricultural community serves as a vital hub for cotton production and food processing, with a rich history dating back to its establishment as a railroad town in the late 1800s. The city is known for being the hometown of singer Sheryl Crow and maintains its small-town charm while providing essential services to the surrounding farming communities. Despite the slight decrease in home values, Kennett continues to play a crucial role in the region’s agricultural economy while offering some of the most affordable housing prices in our study.
Where is it?
Kennett is situated in the southeastern corner of Missouri, in what’s known as the “Bootheel” region, approximately 20 miles west of the Mississippi River and 90 miles north of Memphis, Tennessee. The city serves as the county seat of Dunklin County and sits in the heart of a rich agricultural area characterized by flat, fertile farmland ideal for cotton and other crop production. This strategic location places Kennett at the intersection of several agricultural communities while providing convenient access to larger metropolitan areas in Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee.
#18 Natchitoches, LA
Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory, experienced a slight 1.7% decrease in home values from June 2019 to November 2024, with prices falling from $164,919 to $162,116. This historic town, founded in 1714, maintains a rich cultural heritage and is famous for its National Historic Landmark District featuring French Creole architecture. The town gained widespread recognition as the filming location for the movie “Steel Magnolias” and continues to attract tourists with its charming brick-paved Front Street and annual Christmas Festival. Despite the modest decrease in home values, Natchitoches maintains its appeal as a cultural destination and educational center, home to Northwestern State University.
Where is it?
Natchitoches is located in central Louisiana, approximately 70 miles southeast of Shreveport and 230 miles northwest of New Orleans. The town sits along the banks of the Cane River Lake, a 33-mile long oxbow lake that was once part of the Red River, creating a picturesque setting for its historic district. This strategic location along historic trading routes helped establish Natchitoches as an important commercial center, and today it serves as the parish seat of Natchitoches Parish.
#17 Houma, LA
Houma, the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun Country, saw a 2.8% decrease in home values from June 2019 to November 2024, with prices declining from $179,075 to $174,080. Known as “Louisiana’s Bayou Country,” this vibrant city serves as a crucial hub for the Gulf Coast’s oil and gas industry while maintaining its rich Cajun cultural heritage. The city has shown remarkable resilience despite facing multiple hurricanes in recent years, including significant impacts from Hurricane Ida in 2021. Houma’s economy remains diversified between energy sector jobs, commercial fishing, and tourism, with attractions including the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum and numerous historic buildings.
Where is it?
Houma is situated in southern Louisiana, approximately 57 miles southwest of New Orleans in Terrebonne Parish. The city lies at the intersection of six navigable waterways, including Bayou Terrebonne and the Intracoastal Waterway, providing crucial access to the Gulf of Mexico. This strategic location has historically made Houma an important center for both commercial fishing and offshore oil industries, while its proximity to the wetlands and Gulf Coast provides residents with abundant recreational opportunities.
#16 Raymondville, TX
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Raymondville experienced a 3.1% decrease in home values from June 2019 to November 2024, with prices dropping from $120,202 to $116,510. Known as the “Gateway to the Rio Grande Valley,” this agricultural community serves as the county seat of Willacy County and has historically been an important center for cotton and grain production. The town has embraced economic diversification in recent years, particularly through wind energy development with several wind farms in the surrounding area. Despite the modest decline in home values, Raymondville maintains its appeal through affordable living costs and proximity to South Padre Island’s beaches.
Where is it?
Raymondville is located in the southern tip of Texas, approximately 50 miles north of the Mexican border and 25 miles north of Harlingen. The city sits at the intersection of U.S. Highway 77 and State Highway 186, providing easy access to both the Gulf Coast and the Rio Grande Valley region. This strategic location places Raymondville within comfortable driving distance of popular coastal destinations while maintaining the charm and pace of a small agricultural community.
#15 Bogalusa, LA
Bogalusa saw a 3.3% decrease in home values from June 2019 to November 2024, with prices falling from $128,383 to $124,191. Founded in 1906 by the Great Southern Lumber Company, the city was once home to the world’s largest sawmill and earned the nickname “The Magic City” due to its rapid early growth. Today, while the paper mill remains a significant employer, Bogalusa has diversified its economy and maintains its cultural heritage through events like the annual Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival. Despite economic challenges, the city continues to offer affordable housing options and maintains a strong sense of community.
Where is it?
Bogalusa is situated in eastern Louisiana, just two miles from the Mississippi state border and approximately 70 miles north of New Orleans. The city lies along the Bogue Lusa Creek, a tributary of the Pearl River, which forms the border between Louisiana and Mississippi. This location in Washington Parish places Bogalusa within easy reach of both the Gulf Coast and the cultural attractions of New Orleans while maintaining its distinct small-town character.
#14 McComb, MS
McComb experienced a 4.1% decrease in home values from June 2019 to November 2024, with prices declining from $97,177 to $93,209. Founded in 1872 as a railroad town by Colonel Henry Simpson McComb, the city maintains its historical significance as a major rail hub and remains an important stop on the Amtrak City of New Orleans line. McComb played a notable role in the Civil Rights Movement and today preserves this history while maintaining its reputation as the “Camellia City of America.” The town combines its industrial heritage with small-town charm, offering residents an affordable lifestyle and strong community ties.
Where is it?
McComb is located in southwestern Mississippi, approximately 80 miles south of Jackson and 100 miles north of New Orleans. The city sits at the intersection of Interstate 55 and U.S. Highway 98, making it a convenient stopover point between major Southern cities. Its position in Pike County places it within easy reach of both the Gulf Coast and multiple major metropolitan areas while maintaining its small-town atmosphere.
#13 Zapata, TX
Zapata experienced a 4.7% decrease in home values from June 2019 to November 2024, with prices falling from $138,246 to $131,737. Named after local rancher Antonio Zapata, this border town has a rich Hispanic heritage and serves as the county seat of Zapata County. The current town was relocated in the 1950s when the original site was flooded during the creation of Falcon International Reservoir, giving it a unique planned community layout. Zapata is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities on Falcon Lake and maintains strong ties to both its ranching heritage and modern recreational tourism.
Where is it?
Zapata is situated along the Rio Grande in southern Texas, directly across from Mexico and approximately 50 miles southeast of Laredo. The town sits on the shores of Falcon International Reservoir, a man-made lake that serves as both a recreational destination and an international border. This strategic location makes Zapata a gateway between the United States and Mexico while providing residents with abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.
#12 Sweetwater, TX
Sweetwater saw a 4.9% decrease in home values from June 2019 to November 2024, with prices declining from $116,282 to $110,591. The city, which serves as the county seat of Nolan County, is famous for its annual World’s Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up and has emerged as a leader in wind energy production. Originally established as a railroad town in the 1880s, Sweetwater has successfully diversified its economy from traditional ranching and oil to embrace renewable energy development. Despite the decrease in home values, the city maintains its western heritage while positioning itself as a hub for clean energy innovation.
Where is it?
Sweetwater is located in west-central Texas, approximately 40 miles west of Abilene along Interstate 20. The city sits at the intersection of several major transportation routes, including U.S. Highways 84 and 70. Its position in the Texas Plains region provides the perfect conditions for both its traditional agricultural economy and its growing wind energy sector.
#11 Big Spring, TX
Big Spring experienced a 5.5% decrease in home values from June 2019 to November 2024, with prices falling from $145,511 to $137,551. Named for the natural spring that served as a landmark for Native Americans and early settlers, the city serves as the county seat of Howard County. Originally a stopover point on the Texas and Pacific Railway, Big Spring evolved into a significant center for oil production and medical services. Despite the decline in home values, the city maintains a diverse economy supported by healthcare, agriculture, and the nearby federal prison camp, while its historic downtown district continues to undergo revitalization.
Where is it?
Big Spring is situated in western Texas, at the intersection of Interstate 20 and U.S. Highway 87, approximately 40 miles east of Midland. The city is positioned at the crossroads of West Texas, serving as a regional hub between Midland-Odessa and Abilene. This strategic location in Howard County places Big Spring at the edge of the Permian Basin oil-producing region while maintaining easy access to major transportation routes.
#10 Clarksdale, MS
Clarksdale experienced a significant 9.7% decrease in home values from June 2019 to November 2024, with prices falling from $43,636 to $39,416. Known worldwide as the “Birthplace of the Blues,” this historic Delta town holds a special place in American music history as the legendary crossroads where Robert Johnson allegedly sold his soul to the devil. The city maintains its strong musical heritage through venues like Ground Zero Blues Club and the Delta Blues Museum. Despite having the lowest median home prices in our study, Clarksdale continues to attract visitors and artists drawn to its authentic blues culture and rich history.
Where is it?
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Clarksdale is located in the Mississippi Delta region, approximately 75 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee. The city sits at the intersection of Highways 61 and 49 (the famous “Crossroads”) in Coahoma County. This location in the heart of the Delta places Clarksdale in one of the most culturally rich regions of the American South, surrounded by fertile farmland and steeped in blues history.
#9 DeRidder, LA
DeRidder experienced a 10.7% decrease in home values from June 2019 to November 2024, with prices falling from $174,607 to $155,945. The city, serving as the parish seat of Beauregard Parish, is known for its historic Gothic Revival courthouse and the notable DeRidder Gothic Jail, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally a lumber town, DeRidder has maintained its small-town charm while developing a diverse economy supported by nearby Fort Polk military base. The community takes pride in its designation as one of the best small towns in America by Norman Crampton’s book “The 100 Best Small Towns in America.”
Where is it?
DeRidder is located in western Louisiana, approximately 40 miles north of Lake Charles and 85 miles west of Lafayette. The city sits at the intersection of U.S. Highways 171 and 190, providing easy access to larger metropolitan areas while maintaining its small-town atmosphere. Its strategic location near the Texas border and proximity to Fort Polk makes it an important regional center for both military and civilian activities.
#8 Alice, TX
Alice saw an 11.1% decrease in home values from June 2019 to November 2024, with prices falling from $136,369 to $121,269. Known as “The Hub City of South Texas,” Alice has historically been a center of the Texas oil and gas industry since the early 1900s, when oil discovery transformed it from a cattle-ranching town to an energy sector hub. The city has worked to diversify its economy while maintaining its connection to both the energy industry and its ranching heritage. Despite the significant decrease in home values, Alice continues to serve as an important regional center for commerce and industry in Jim Wells County.
Where is it?
Alice is located in South Texas, approximately 45 miles west of Corpus Christi and 120 miles south of San Antonio. The city sits at the intersection of U.S. Highways 281 and 44, making it a natural transportation hub for the region. This strategic location in Jim Wells County places Alice within easy reach of the Gulf Coast while maintaining its identity as a South Texas crossroads community.
#7 Lake Charles, LA
Lake Charles experienced an 11.8% decrease in home values from June 2019 to November 2024, with prices falling from $205,626 to $181,336. As the fifth-largest city in Louisiana, Lake Charles serves as a major cultural and industrial center, known for its petrochemical refineries, casinos, and vibrant Cajun culture. The city has shown remarkable resilience despite facing multiple natural disasters in recent years, including Hurricanes Laura and Delta in 2020. Despite the significant decrease in home values, Lake Charles maintains its position as a crucial port city and continues to attract investment in its industrial sector.
Where is it?
Lake Charles is located in southwestern Louisiana, approximately 30 miles east of the Texas border and 60 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. The city sits along the Calcasieu River and Interstate 10, positioning it as a major industrial and transportation hub. This location in Calcasieu Parish makes Lake Charles a vital link between the Gulf Coast energy corridor and the inland United States.
#6 Opelousas, LA
Opelousas experienced a 13.0% decrease in home values from June 2019 to November 2024, with prices falling from $139,369 to $121,272. As the third-oldest city in Louisiana, Opelousas is rich in history and is known as the “Spice Capital of the World” due to its famous Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning company. The city serves as the parish seat of St. Landry Parish and maintains strong ties to its Creole and Cajun heritage. Despite the substantial decrease in home values, Opelousas continues to attract visitors with its unique culture, music festivals, and authentic Louisiana cuisine.
Where is it?
Opelousas is located in south-central Louisiana, approximately 20 miles north of Lafayette and 60 miles west of Baton Rouge. The city sits at the intersection of Interstate 49 and U.S. Highway 190, making it easily accessible from major metropolitan areas. This location in St. Landry Parish places Opelousas in the heart of Cajun and Creole country, while still providing convenient access to larger cities and cultural centers throughout southern Louisiana.
#5 Pecos, TX
Pecos experienced a substantial 15.2% decrease in home values from June 2019 to November 2024, with prices falling from $170,290 to $144,392. Known as the “Home of the World’s First Rodeo,” this historic West Texas town has deep roots in ranching culture and has more recently become a significant player in the region’s oil and gas industry. The city serves as the county seat of Reeves County and has seen dramatic economic shifts with the boom-and-bust cycles of the energy sector. Despite the significant decrease in home values, Pecos maintains its importance as a regional center for both agriculture and energy production.
Where is it?
Pecos is located in West Texas, approximately 200 miles east of El Paso and 100 miles southwest of Midland-Odessa. The city sits at the intersection of Interstate 20 and U.S. Highway 285, serving as a gateway to the Trans-Pecos region. This location in Reeves County places Pecos at the heart of the Delaware Basin’s oil and gas development while maintaining its historic role as a crossroads of West Texas.
#4 Helena, AR
Helena experienced a significant 17.2% decrease in home values from June 2019 to November 2024, with prices falling from $56,183 to $46,547. This historic Mississippi River port city, once a thriving cotton center, is now known for hosting the renowned King Biscuit Blues Festival, one of the nation’s most important blues music events. The city retains much of its historic architecture and Victorian-era charm, particularly in its Cherry Street Historic District. Despite having some of the most affordable housing prices in our study, Helena continues to work on economic revitalization while celebrating its rich musical and cultural heritage.
Where is it?
Helena is situated on the Mississippi River in eastern Arkansas, approximately 70 miles southwest of Memphis, Tennessee. The city, which is part of the Helena-West Helena consolidation, serves as the county seat of Phillips County. This strategic location on the Mississippi River has historically made Helena an important transportation hub, while its position in the Delta region contributes to its rich cultural heritage.
#3 Hobbs, NM
Hobbs saw a substantial 20.2% decrease in home values from June 2019 to November 2024, with prices declining from $209,244 to $167,071. Known as the “Gateway to New Mexico,” this oil-focused city has experienced the typical boom-and-bust cycles associated with energy-dependent economies. The city serves as a major hub for the oil and gas industry in the Permian Basin region and hosts the New Mexico Junior College. Despite the significant decrease in home values, Hobbs continues to maintain its role as an important energy sector center while working to diversify its economic base.
Where is it?
Hobbs is located in southeastern New Mexico, just a few miles west of the Texas border and approximately 100 miles north of Midland-Odessa. The city serves as the county seat of Lea County and sits at the heart of the Permian Basin oil-producing region. This location makes Hobbs a crucial center for energy production while providing easy access to larger markets in both New Mexico and Texas.
#2 Cleveland, MS
Cleveland experienced a dramatic 20.9% decrease in home values from June 2019 to November 2024, with prices falling from $155,108 to $122,692. Home to Delta State University, Cleveland has earned recognition as one of the “100 Best Small Towns in America” and serves as a cultural hub in the Mississippi Delta region. The city is known for its GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, the first GRAMMY Museum outside of Los Angeles, and its vibrant downtown area. Despite the significant decrease in home values, Cleveland maintains its reputation as an educational and cultural center with a strong emphasis on music heritage and arts.
Where is it?
Cleveland is located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, approximately 45 miles south of Clarksdale and 110 miles north of Jackson. The city sits along Highway 61 (the “Blues Highway”) in Bolivar County, placing it in one of the most historically and culturally rich regions of Mississippi. This location makes Cleveland an important educational and cultural center while providing easy access to both Memphis and Jackson.
#1 Greenville, MS
Greenville experienced the most dramatic decrease in home values in our study, with a 36.0% decline from June 2019 to November 2024, seeing prices fall from $84,493 to $54,036. As the largest city in the Mississippi Delta region, Greenville has historically been an important cultural and economic center, known for its literary heritage as home to writers like William Alexander Percy and Shelby Foote. The city maintains its position as a regional hub for healthcare and retail while working to address economic challenges. Despite the significant decrease in home values, Greenville continues to celebrate its rich cultural heritage through events like the Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival.
Where is it?
Greenville is located in western Mississippi along the Mississippi River, approximately 140 miles south of Memphis and 150 miles north of New Orleans. The city serves as the county seat of Washington County and sits near the Arkansas border, making it an important river port and regional center. This strategic location on the Mississippi River has historically made Greenville a crucial transportation hub while providing residents with scenic river views and recreational opportunities.
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