As the seat of Kansas government, the Shawnee County housing market remains a primary destination for those seeking a balance of stable public-sector employment and exceptional Midwest affordability. Anchored by Topeka, this market is increasingly attractive to first-time buyers and remote workers who prioritize a lower cost of living without sacrificing urban amenities. This report dives into the latest trends and data shaping the 2026 outlook for Shawnee County.
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Key Market Statistics (November 2025)
- Median Home Price: $223,950 in Shawnee County (up 6.7% year-over-year).
- Active Inventory: 553 units in the Sunflower MLS (a 17.2% increase compared to November 2024).
- Days on Market: 23 days on average, up slightly from 21 days last year but still highly competitive.
- Monthly Sales: 164 homes sold in November (down 6.8% YoY), reflecting a slight cooling in volume.
Price Trends by Zip Code & Neighborhood:
- West Topeka (66610): $365,000 median (popular for larger family homes).
- Westboro: $247,500 median.
- College Hill: $220,000 median (highly sought-after historic district).
- Central Topeka: $149,900 median (ideal for investment and entry-level buyers).
- Oakland/Highland Crest: $99,000 median (among the county’s most affordable entry points).
Market Trends
- Government-Backed Stability: The heavy concentration of state government and healthcare jobs provides a stable floor for Shawnee County property values, which have risen steadily despite national sluggishness.
- Inventory Recovery: Sunflower MLS listings grew from 472 to 553 units at the end of 2025, providing a 1.8-month supply of homes—the best leverage for buyers in over two years.
- Top-Rated School Demand: Demand remains highest in the Auburn-Washburn Unified School District, currently ranked as the #1 Best School District in Shawnee County for 2026.
- Investment Resilience: While home sales dropped slightly, the median list price jumped significantly to $230,000 by year-end, signaling high confidence among sellers.
Factors Driving the Shawnee County Housing Market
Several economic levers are influencing Topeka’s real estate trajectory for 2026:
- Job Market Strength: Major employers in the Topeka MSA continue to support a stable 3.9% unemployment rate.
- National Affordability Rankings: Topeka home prices remain approximately 45% lower than the national average, attracting relocating professionals.
- Interest Rate Impact: As of early January 2026, Kansas 30-year fixed rates are averaging around 6.13%. Check current mortgage rates to plan your purchase.
Tips for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors
Home Buyers
- Expect Rising Competition: Homes that do sell are going pending in just 17 days on average—be ready with a pre-approval.
- Loan Limits: The 2026 Conforming Loan Limit for Shawnee County is $832,750, offering plenty of headroom for local buyers.
- First-Time Programs: Explore the Kansas First-Time Homebuyer Program for down payment assistance.
Home Sellers
- High List-to-Sale Ratio: Homes sold in late 2025 achieved 98.7% of their list price—accurate pricing is yielding high returns.
- Strategic Speed: Median days on market jumped from 21 to 23 days; while still fast, sellers should focus on professional staging to beat the competition.
- Stage Well: Check staging tips on HGTV to maximize appeal.
For Investors
- Consistent Rental Demand: The average rent for all property types in Topeka has reached $1,010, a year-over-year increase of $60.
- Yield Potential: 3-bedroom houses for rent are averaging **$1,195**, offering strong cash-flow opportunities in Central and East Topeka.
- Target High-Quality Neighborhoods: College Hill and Southwest Topeka remain top picks for long-term rental appreciation.
Looking Ahead: Shawnee County in 2026
The 2026 outlook is one of “healthy normalization.” While we don’t expect the extreme appreciation of previous years, the stable inventory and government-backed economy make it a resilient market. To explore your options in the Topeka metro or get a custom rate quote, reach out to our Kansas Mortgage Team today.