As the “Air Capital of the World,” the Wichita housing market remains a 2026 stability anchor, recognized for its exceptional affordability and resilient economic base. With thriving communities like Derby, Andover, and Bel Aire, Sedgwick County offers a unique blend of urban industry and suburban comfort. This post explores the latest data, local trends, and essential tips for buyers, sellers, and investors in South Central Kansas.
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Key Market Statistics (January 2026)
- Median Home Price: Approximately $245,000 for Sedgwick County and $268,500 specifically within Wichita city limits.
- Homes for Sale: 1,691 active listings in Wichita as of January 2026.
- Days on Market: Homes in Wichita sold after an average of 65 days in January 2026, compared to 59 days last year.
- Homes Sold: 1,216 total sales in Wichita in January 2026, an increase from 1,176 last year.
Price Trends by Area:
- Andover: $320,000+ median.
- Derby: $269,950 median.
- Bel Aire: $250,000 median.
- South Wichita (67216): $107,450 median.
Market Trends
- Balanced Price Growth: While prices fluctuate locally, Wichita remains a haven of affordability with median county prices significantly lower than neighboring regions like Johnson County.
- Expanding Selection: Active listings in Wichita grew by approximately 13.7% year-over-year at the end of 2025, providing buyers with more options than in previous years.
- Shifting Market Tempo: The typical home spent roughly 6 more days on the market in early 2026 compared to a year ago, signaling a nuanced slowdown in buyer urgency.
- Rental Market Demand: As of February 2026, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Wichita is approximately $833, roughly 49% lower than the national average.
Factors Driving the Wichita Housing Market
Several key factors define the 2026 Sedgwick County outlook:
- Employment Base: Industry heavyweights like Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation continue to support a stable job market, with a local unemployment rate of 3.8% reported recently.
- Education Rankings: Families continue to prioritize high-performing districts like the Sedgwick County R-1 schools.
- Interest Rates: National mortgage rates in early 2026 reached their lowest levels since 2022, hovering around 6.11% for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages.
- New Construction Stability: Steady permit filings in Wichita support a continuous pipeline of new housing inventory.
Tips for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors
Home Buyers
- Leverage Affordability: Wichita’s housing is roughly 35% less expensive than the national average, making it ideal for VA/FHA programs. Explore Kansas first-time homebuyer resources.
- County-Specific Limits: The 2026 Conforming Loan Limit for Sedgwick County is $832,750.
- Act on Market Speed: While the pace has slowed slightly, properties are still moving faster than pre-pandemic historical norms.
Home Sellers
- Strategic Pricing: Use local property insights to set a realistic list price, as some city-limit areas have seen median prices settle near $268,500.
- Stand Out with Staging: With days on market reaching 65 in January, professional staging and high-quality “mechanicals” (HVAC and roof) are vital.
- Stage Well: Check staging tips on HGTV to maximize appeal.
For Investors
- Strong Cash-Flow Potential: Wichita offers one of the best price-to-rent ratios in the Midwest, with median monthly rental prices averaging $972.
- Property Type Variety: Apartments average $825 per month, while houses for rent command around $1,295 on average.
- Target High-Value Hubs: Areas like Delano and Downtown offer premium yields for high-end units.
Looking Ahead: Wichita Housing Market in 2026
The Wichita market enters 2026 as a healthy seller’s market despite increased inventory. As mortgage rates stabilize at their lowest levels in years, buyer activity is expected to pick up. To secure your financing in one of the nation’s most resilient markets, connect with our Wichita Mortgage Team today.