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Key Trends & Statistics (Updated February 2026)
The latest 2026 market data suggests a “Selective Market.” While inventory is rising, turnkey homes in desirable school districts continue to see multiple offers.
| Metric | St. Louis Metro (Feb 2026) | Trend vs. 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $265,800 – $273,800 | Up 1.4% – 2.4% ↑ |
| Inventory (Active Listings) | ~7,555 Homes | Up 8.9% ↑ |
| Median Days on Market | 15–49 Days | Market Normalizing |
| Sale-to-List Price Ratio | 98.1% | Stabilizing |
| Average Mortgage Rate | 5.94% – 6.2% | Easing ↓ |
1. Price Appreciation & Stability
St. Louis continues to outperform national averages regarding stability. Unlike the “boom-bust” cycles of the coasts, St. Louis offers a 22% lower cost of entry than the national average. If you are exploring the broader region, compare these figures with the Jackson County housing market to see how STL stacks up against Kansas City.
2. Inventory Recovery
Inventory has returned to roughly 2.6 to 3 months of supply. While still technically favoring sellers, the 9% year-over-year increase in listings means buyers no longer have to waive inspections. This trend is mirrored in nearby Platte County, where supply levels are also reaching pre-pandemic norms.
3. Days on Market (DOM)
Homes are staying on the market longer, averaging 40–50 days for standard listings, though high-demand pockets like Crestwood or Kirkwood see pendings in as little as 15 days. This “breathing room” allows for more deliberate decision-making for those moving to Missouri.
Market Dynamics: What’s Driving St. Louis?
- The “Affordability Magnet”: St. Louis’s diverse economy—anchored by healthcare (BJC, Centene) and tech—is attracting “equity migrants” moving from higher-cost metros.
- New Construction Incentives: Builders are offering mortgage rate buy-downs and concessions, particularly in St. Charles County.
- Rental Market Strength: St. Louis remains a top 15 metro for rent growth (up 3.6% YOY), maintaining strong property floors for investors.
Regional Differences: A Tale of Two Jurisdictions
- St. Louis City: Hotspots like Central West End and Tower Grove South remain competitive. Median prices in the CWE hover around $433,000.
- St. Louis County: Areas like Webster Groves and Clayton command premiums for school districts, while South County offers the best value.
2026 Outlook: What to Expect
- Steady Appreciation: Experts predict a 3–4% price growth through the remainder of 2026.
- Mortgage Easing: With the 30-year fixed rates hitting 5.94% in early February, buyer demand is expected to surge into the spring.
- Strategic Opportunity: For Sellers, professional staging is now mandatory to avoid “exposed” overpricing. For Buyers, 2026 represents the best window for negotiation since 2019.
Expert Tip: Watch the “Sale-to-List” ratio. In neighborhoods like Crestwood, homes are still selling at 103% of asking, while the broader metro average has dipped to 98%.