In an era where housing affordability dominates national conversations, Zillow Home Value Index data reveals a remarkable subset of American cities where homeownership remains surprisingly accessible. As of November 2024, just 22 cities across the United States maintain median home values under $100,000, offering a stark contrast to the nation’s soaring housing costs.
These ultra-affordable markets range dramatically in value, from Clarksdale, Mississippi at $39,416 to Galesburg, Illinois at $98,407, revealing significant variations even within this most affordable category. The geographical distribution of these affordable markets tells its own story, with Mississippi and Arkansas emerging as the dominant states for accessible housing. Together, these two states account for nearly half of America’s sub-$100,000 markets, with Mississippi hosting five cities and Arkansas contributing four. The concentration of these affordable markets in the South underscores regional economic disparities, though notable exceptions exist in Illinois, Kansas, and other Midwest states.
Particularly interesting is the presence of several college towns among these affordable markets, with cities like Macomb (Western Illinois University), Galesburg (Knox College), and Pine Bluff (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) offering rare combinations of academic presence and housing affordability. The markets show divergent trajectories since June 2020, with some cities like Parsons, Kansas seeing dramatic appreciation of over 40%, while others like Greenville, Mississippi experienced significant value declines of more than 25%.
#22. Galesburg, Illinois
Located in western Illinois, Galesburg stands as an example of Midwest affordability while maintaining steady appreciation. With a current median home value of $98,407 as of November 2024, the town has seen an 8.1% increase from its June 2020 value of $91,059. This growth demonstrates the market’s resilience while maintaining its position as one of America’s most affordable cities.
Where is it?
Galesburg sits approximately 50 miles northwest of Peoria in Knox County, Illinois. The city is historically significant as the site of the fifth Lincoln-Douglas debate and the birthplace of poet Carl Sandburg. It serves as a regional transportation hub, with BNSF Railway maintaining a major presence in the community. The town is also home to Knox College, a private liberal arts institution that adds a collegiate atmosphere to this affordable market.
#21. Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Pine Bluff represents one of Arkansas’ larger markets among the sub-$100,000 cities, with its November 2024 median home value reaching $96,703. The city has shown impressive growth with a 19.5% increase from its June 2020 value of $80,907, demonstrating strong market momentum while maintaining relative affordability.
Where is it?
Located about 45 miles south of Little Rock on the Arkansas River, Pine Bluff is the seat of Jefferson County. The city is home to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a historically black college that plays a significant role in the community. The town’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture and industrial development, with a growing focus on healthcare and education sectors.
#20. Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina
Among the most dynamic markets in the sub-$100,000 category, Roanoke Rapids has shown remarkable appreciation. The current median home value of $95,861 represents a dramatic 37.4% increase from its June 2020 value of $69,748, making it one of the strongest performing markets while still maintaining accessibility for buyers.
Where is it?
Situated in northeastern North Carolina near the Virginia border, Roanoke Rapids lies along Interstate 95 and the Roanoke River. The city serves as a regional commercial hub for Halifax County and surrounding areas. Its location along a major interstate corridor has helped maintain its economic vitality while keeping housing costs accessible.
#19. Camden, Arkansas
Camden exemplifies the steady growth pattern seen in many small Southern markets. With a current median home value of $95,692, the market has shown healthy appreciation with a 14.7% increase from its June 2020 value of $83,436, demonstrating sustained growth while maintaining its affordable status.
Where is it?
Located in south-central Arkansas, Camden sits along the Ouachita River, approximately 100 miles south of Little Rock. The city has a rich industrial history, particularly in the defense sector, and continues to maintain a diverse manufacturing base. Its position as the county seat of Ouachita County helps maintain its status as a regional administrative and commercial center.
#18. Pampa, Texas
As one of Texas’ representatives in the sub-$100,000 market, Pampa shows strong market momentum. The current median home value of $95,094 reflects a solid 17.8% increase from its June 2020 value of $80,707, indicating growing market strength while remaining accessible to buyers.
Where is it?
Located in the Texas Panhandle region, Pampa serves as the county seat of Gray County. The city lies approximately 55 miles northeast of Amarillo in the heart of the Texas oil and gas country. Its economy is diversified between energy production, agriculture, and manufacturing, providing a stable base for its housing market.
#17. Macomb, Illinois
Macomb represents another Midwest market that has maintained affordability while showing healthy appreciation. The November 2024 median home value of $94,161 represents a 15.6% increase from its June 2020 value of $81,468, demonstrating the region’s ability to balance growth with accessibility.
Where is it?
Macomb is located in western Illinois, approximately 75 miles southwest of Peoria. The city is home to Western Illinois University, making it a significant educational center for the region. This college town atmosphere combines with its agricultural surroundings to create a diverse economic base while maintaining affordable housing options.
#16. McComb, Mississippi
Unlike many markets in the sub-$100,000 category, McComb has experienced some value adjustment. With a current median home value of $93,209, the market has seen a 3.9% decrease from its June 2020 value of $96,975, making it increasingly accessible for potential buyers.
Where is it?
McComb is situated in southwestern Mississippi, approximately 80 miles south of Jackson near the Louisiana border. The city has historical significance as a railroad town and continues to serve as a regional transportation hub. Its location along the Illinois Central Railroad line has shaped its development and economy throughout its history.
#15. Vernon, Texas
Vernon has shown moderate but consistent growth in recent years. Its current median home value of $93,016 represents a 7.2% increase from the June 2020 value of $86,809, demonstrating stable appreciation while maintaining its position as one of Texas’ most affordable markets.
Where is it?
Located in north Texas near the Oklahoma border, Vernon serves as the county seat of Wilbarger County. The city lies approximately 50 miles northwest of Wichita Falls. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture and ranching, with some manufacturing presence, providing a stable foundation for its housing market.
#14. Lamesa, Texas
Lamesa represents one of the markets that has seen some value adjustment since 2020. With a current median home value of $90,565, the market has experienced a 7.5% decrease from its June 2020 value of $97,902, creating increased opportunities for potential buyers in this Texas market.
Where is it?
Lamesa is located in west Texas, serving as the county seat of Dawson County. Situated approximately 60 miles south of Lubbock, the city lies in the heart of the state’s cotton-growing region. Its agricultural heritage and position as a regional center help maintain its economic stability despite fluctuating housing values.
#13. Blytheville, Arkansas
Blytheville has demonstrated steady growth in recent years, with its current median home value of $89,561 showing an 8.5% increase from its June 2020 value of $82,577. This growth pattern shows the market’s strength while maintaining its position as an accessible option for buyers.
Where is it?
Located in northeastern Arkansas near the Missouri border, Blytheville sits in Mississippi County along the Mississippi River. The city has a strong industrial heritage and continues to serve as a significant agricultural and steel production center for the region.
#12. Greenwood, Mississippi
Greenwood has shown remarkable stability in its housing market. With a current median home value of $88,657, the market has remained almost unchanged with just a 0.1% increase from its June 2020 value of $88,584, demonstrating consistent affordability in the Mississippi Delta region.
Where is it?
Situated in the Mississippi Delta region, Greenwood serves as the county seat of Leflore County. The city lies approximately 96 miles north of Jackson and is known for its historical significance in the cotton industry and civil rights movement. Its economy combines agriculture, healthcare, and small industry.
#11. Parsons, Kansas
Parsons stands out as one of the strongest performing markets in terms of appreciation. Its current median home value of $86,999 represents a remarkable 43.5% increase from its June 2020 value of $60,637, showing significant growth while maintaining sub-$90,000 prices.
Where is it?
Located in southeastern Kansas, Parsons sits in Labette County, approximately 35 miles west of Joplin, Missouri. The city has a diverse economic base including manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation services, contributing to its strong market performance.
#10. Coffeyville, Kansas
Similar to its Kansas neighbor Parsons, Coffeyville has shown impressive market strength. The current median home value of $86,910 represents a substantial 39.3% increase from its June 2020 value of $62,405, while still maintaining its position as a highly affordable market.
Where is it?
Coffeyville is situated in southeastern Kansas near the Oklahoma border in Montgomery County. The city has a strong industrial heritage, particularly in oil refining and manufacturing, which continues to influence its economy and housing market.
#9. Indianola, Mississippi
Indianola has experienced some market adjustment since 2020. With a current median home value of $85,970, the market has seen a 2.7% decrease from its June 2020 value of $88,365, maintaining its position as one of Mississippi’s more affordable markets.
Where is it?
Located in the Mississippi Delta region, Indianola serves as the county seat of Sunflower County. The city is notable as the hometown of B.B. King and hosts a museum dedicated to his legacy. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture and related industries.
#8. Middlesborough, Kentucky
Middlesborough has maintained remarkable market stability. Its current median home value of $84,267 represents just a 0.4% increase from its June 2020 value of $83,924, demonstrating consistent affordability in the Kentucky market.
Where is it?
Situated in southeastern Kentucky near the Tennessee and Virginia borders, Middlesborough lies in a unique geological feature – a meteor crater. The city serves as a gateway to the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and maintains an economy based on tourism, healthcare, and retail services.
#7. Danville, Illinois
Danville has shown strong market momentum in recent years. Its current median home value of $83,327 represents an impressive 28.7% increase from its June 2020 value of $64,730, demonstrating significant growth while maintaining its affordable market status.
Where is it?
Located in east-central Illinois near the Indiana border, Danville serves as the county seat of Vermilion County. The city lies approximately 35 miles east of Champaign-Urbana and maintains a diverse economy including healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation services.
#6. Kennett, Missouri
Kennett has maintained steady but modest growth in recent years. Its current median home value of $80,256 shows a 2.1% increase from its June 2020 value of $78,605, exemplifying the stability found in many small Midwest markets.
Where is it?
Located in southeastern Missouri’s Bootheel region, Kennett serves as the county seat of Dunklin County. The city lies in a primarily agricultural area, with farming and related industries forming the backbone of its economy.
#5. Selma, Alabama
Selma represents one of Alabama’s most affordable markets, with modest but steady appreciation. Its current median home value of $75,920 reflects a 4.6% increase from its June 2020 value of $72,574, maintaining its position as a highly accessible market.
Where is it?
Located in central Alabama, Selma sits on the banks of the Alabama River and serves as the county seat of Dallas County. The city is historically significant for its role in the civil rights movement, particularly the Selma to Montgomery marches. Its economy combines historical tourism, manufacturing, and agricultural services.
#4. Forrest City, Arkansas
Forrest City has maintained remarkable market stability. Its current median home value of $74,527 represents a minimal 1.0% increase from its June 2020 value of $73,804, offering consistent affordability in the Arkansas market.
Where is it?
Located in eastern Arkansas, Forrest City serves as the county seat of St. Francis County. The city lies approximately 45 miles west of Memphis, Tennessee, along Interstate 40. Its strategic location and agricultural base contribute to its economic stability.
#3. Greenville, Mississippi
Greenville has experienced the most significant market adjustment among these affordable markets. Its current median home value of $54,036 represents a 26.5% decrease from its June 2020 value of $73,506, making it increasingly accessible for potential buyers.
Where is it?
Situated in the Mississippi Delta region, Greenville serves as the county seat of Washington County and lies along the Mississippi River. The city is the largest in the Delta region and maintains an economy based on agriculture, manufacturing, and river commerce.
#2. Helena, Arkansas
Helena has seen significant market adjustment since 2020. With a current median home value of $46,547, the market has experienced a 17.9% decrease from its June 2020 value of $56,720, making it one of the most affordable markets in the country.
Where is it?
Located in eastern Arkansas along the Mississippi River, Helena is part of Helena-West Helena and serves as the county seat of Phillips County. The city is known for its rich blues heritage and hosts the renowned King Biscuit Blues Festival. Its economy centers on agriculture, tourism, and small industry.
#1. Clarksdale, Mississippi
Clarksdale stands as the most affordable housing market in this analysis. Its current median home value of $39,416 represents a 15.0% decrease from its June 2020 value of $46,368, making it the most accessible market for potential buyers.
Where is it?
Located in the Mississippi Delta region, Clarksdale serves as the county seat of Coahoma County. The city is internationally known as the “Crossroads of the Blues,” referring both to its blues heritage and the legendary crossroads of Highways 61 and 49. Its economy combines agriculture, tourism centered on blues music, and small-scale manufacturing.
