Emporia, KS Housing Market

Market Overview

Emporia’s PropertyIQ score of 76 out of 100 positions it as a moderately strong market. The main score drivers are home value momentum of 8.79% over 12 months, 2.99% over 3 months, median days on market of 56, and a 25.8% share of listings with a price cut. These metrics indicate price growth with a measured sales pace and some seller price adjustments.

Compared with state benchmarks, Emporia is more affordable. The median home value is $192,376, below the state average of $249,603. The rent index is $784, below the state rent index of $1,029. Median household income is $58,788, below the state average of $72,639. Unemployment matches the state at 3.8%. This lower-cost profile supports affordability but also reflects a smaller income base.

Overall, Emporia is a moderate market with positive momentum, not overheated, and anchored by below-state home values and rents.

Key Trends

Home values are rising. The 12-month home value momentum of 8.79% and the 3-month momentum of 2.99% are top score drivers, showing appreciation that is slower in the most recent quarter than the annual pace. The dataset also lists a year-over-year home value change of $28, which appears limited without additional context, but the momentum metrics point to upward price movement.

Affordability is a core feature. With a median home value of $192,376 and median household income of $58,788, Emporia has a lower price-to-income burden than the state, where the median home value is $249,603 and median household income is $72,639. The lower rent index of $784 versus $1,029 in the state reinforces that housing costs are below state norms.

The market pace is balanced but requires seller flexibility. Median days on market is 56, and there are 76 homes for sale. A 25.8% share of listings with a price cut means buyers have some negotiating power, but the inventory level is not excessive.

The rental market is affordable but lower-yielding. Emporia’s rent index of $784 is well below the state average of $1,029, which may limit investor cash flow compared with higher-rent areas.

Who Is This Market For

Emporia is best suited to first-time buyers and budget-conscious households. A median home value of $192,376, well under the state average of $249,603, creates a lower purchase barrier. The median household income of $58,788 supports a manageable price-to-income ratio, and the unemployment rate of 3.8% matches the state average, indicating stable employment conditions.

Investors may find lower entry prices attractive, but the rent index of $784 versus the state average of $1,029 means rental income is modest. With 25.8% of listings taking price cuts and 56 days on market, negotiation is possible. However, population growth data is not available, so longer-term renter demand is uncertain.

Move-up buyers may be limited by the smaller income base and 76 homes for sale, but the market can still serve local owners seeking more space at a lower cost than state averages.

Outlook

The outlook is steady, moderate growth. The 12-month momentum of 8.79% and 3-month momentum of 2.99% indicate continued but cooling appreciation. Median days on market of 56 and a price-cut share of 25.8% suggest sellers should price competitively. Inventory at 76 homes is modest, and unemployment at 3.8% supports local demand. Lower median household income of $58,788 and missing population growth data limit the case for rapid acceleration. Emporia is likely to remain a stable, affordability-driven market.