Boone County Housing Market Update for 2026

Home to the University of Missouri and a thriving regional economy, the Boone County housing market is a 2026 hotspot, recognized for its stability and consistent growth. Centered around the vibrant city of Columbia and growing communities like Ashland and Centralia, it offers a unique blend of academic energy, healthcare job growth, and Midwestern affordability. This post dives into the full 2025 trends, data, and tips for buyers, sellers, and investors looking ahead to 2026.

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Key Market Statistics (Full Year 2025)

  • Median Sales Price: $325,000 for the year (up 4.1% YoY). Median home prices in Boone County have seen steady appreciation, particularly in South Columbia and Ashland. Rising equity has made a Boone County mortgage refinance a popular choice for homeowners looking to renovate or consolidate debt.
  • Average Sales Price: $359,420 for the year (up 5.8% YoY).
  • Inventory of Homes: 725 available as of December (up 18.5% YoY).
  • Days on Market: 38 days (Annual average).
  • Closed Sales: 2,642 homes sold in 2025 (up 3.1% YoY).
  • Pending Sales: 2,598 for the year (up 2.4% YoY).

Market Trends

  1. Sustained Appreciation: The median sales price climbed 4.1% in 2025, reaching $325,000, while the average price saw a stronger jump of 5.8% due to high demand for luxury and new construction homes.
  2. Shifting Pace: While still fast-paced, homes averaged 38 days on the market in 2025—a slight increase from the hyper-speed of previous years, giving buyers a bit more breathing room.
  3. Inventory Recovery: Inventory levels rose significantly by 18.5% to 725 units, bringing the months’ supply to approximately 1.9 months, though entry-level inventory remains tight.
  4. Resilient Demand: Despite national fluctuations, year-end sales in Boone County remained strong, with December activity outpacing 2024 levels.

Factors Driving the Boone County Housing Market

Several factors fuel Boone County’s market heading into 2026:

  • Economic Stability: The presence of the University of Missouri, major healthcare systems (MU Health, Boone Health), and Veterans United provides a stable employment base.
  • New Construction Focus: Developers are active in Ashland and Southwest Columbia, providing necessary inventory as resale supply struggles to keep up.
  • Interest Rates: As rates stabilize, buyer confidence is returning. For the most precise rates, check current Boone County mortgage rates.
  • Educational Draw: Families and professionals continue to flock to the Columbia Public School district, keeping demand high for single-family homes.

Tips for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors

Home Buyers

  • Be Prepared: With under 2 months of supply, the market still favors sellers. Secure your pre-approval and investigate first-time homebuyer programs early.
  • Focus on Location: Prices in South Columbia (65203) often command a premium; consider looking in growing areas like Hallsville or Ashland for more value.
  • Financing Options: Many rural parts of Boone County qualify for USDA loans, offering 0% down options for eligible buyers.

Home Sellers

  • Strategic Pricing: “Days on Market” has crept up slightly. Use a home valuation tool to ensure you aren’t overpricing in a more discerning market.
  • Stand Out: With inventory up nearly 19%, your home needs to shine. Focus on “curb appeal” and minor interior updates to attract multiple offers.
  • Stage Effectively: Check staging tips on HGTV.

For Investors

  • Rental Demand: The student and healthcare professional populations ensure a constant demand for rentals, with average rents in Columbia seeing a 6-7% YoY increase.
  • Appreciation Potential: Long-term growth remains robust; Boone County property values have consistently outperformed many other Missouri regions over the last decade.
  • Local Management: Partner with Mid-Missouri real estate managers to maintain high occupancy rates.

Looking Ahead: Boone County Housing Market in 2026

To navigate the Boone County market and find the best financing for your next move, connect with our team of mortgage brokers in Columbia MO today.

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