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15-county MORPC region · Franklin anchored
Pioneer Data Analytics
Issue 04 · April 2026

CENTRAL
OHIO

Market Velocity Report

Across the 15 MORPC counties the typical home lists near $374,900 and goes to contract in about 37 days. Fairfield County is the tightest market; Hocking County gives buyers the most room.

DelawareFairfieldFayetteFranklinHockingKnoxLickingLoganMadisonMarionMorrowPerryPickawayRossUnion
15
Counties
$374,900
Median list
37
Days on market
6.49%
30-yr mortgage
Tightest market  Fairfield County Most buyer choice  Hocking County 505 peer counties · 8 factors
Zillow · Realtor.com · Census · BLS · NCES  |  flip with ← / → · press C for contents · Print for PDF

Contents

Regional overview, then one page per MORPC county. April 2026.

MORPC Region
Central Ohio housing, county by county.
Snapshot. Across the 15 MORPC counties the typical home lists near $374,900 and goes to contract in about 37 days. Fairfield County is the tightest market; Hocking County gives buyers the most room.

RRegion at a Glance

Median list price
$374,900

across 15 counties

Median days on market
37

typical time to contract

Total active listings
3,787

homes for sale region-wide

★County Comparison

CountyMedian priceDOMActivePrice YoY
Delaware County$549,95036378-5.9%
Fairfield County$389,94533216-4.3%
Fayette County$247,4003664-1.3%
Franklin County$312,450341,854-4.4%
Hocking County$515,60049133+0.5%
Knox County$368,8393797-4.7%
Licking County$397,95040278-0.3%
Logan County$264,45048136-0.2%
Madison County$374,9503757-0.0%
Marion County$187,45039112-8.6%
Morrow County$452,7003457+20.6%
Perry County$315,5504057+14.8%
Pickaway County$374,90040122-3.2%
Ross County$272,4503683-0.5%
Union County$565,24836143-0.3%

Tightest market: Fairfield County · Slowest: Hocking County. Sources: Zillow ZHVI, Realtor.com inventory, Census ACS income.

The Forecast
What's next, and how we did.
Our approach. Each month we publish a forecast for the next month, then grade ourselves against it when the data arrives. No cherry-picking: the prior call is shown in full, every time.

1How Last Month's Call Held Up predicted vs actual

Last month we projected the region's median price within 6.2% of where it landed.

Median list price
within 6.2%

across 15 counties

Days on market
within 19.8%

days-on-market swings a lot month to month, so we track the direction

Active listings
within 7.1%

across 15 counties

2Our Call for May 2026 regional medians, graded next month

Median list price

$374,900

Days on market

36

Active listings

122
Market Velocity Report · April 2026

Delaware County

Delaware · MORPC Region
StableInvestor StableResident ↘ DilutionCycle phase
Delaware County
$549,950
Median list price
36
Days on market
378
Active listings
6.33%
30-yr mortgage
“The Buyer's Market. Supply is flooding in (+24.1%) while prices soften (+0.4%).Dilution market

For investors · Stable. Negotiate hard. Target stale listings over 90 days for concessions.
To live here · Stable. A stretch but workable on local wages; values are holding steady.

01

Affordability can locals buy here

drags the grade

At a 6.33% 30-year mortgage, the monthly payment on a typical $521,595 home runs about 22.2% of a local paycheck. That is near the bottom of the region, behind 85% of peers, so affordability weighs on the grade. There is genuine headroom for local incomes to absorb higher prices.

25% ceiling22.2%
02

Schools & Education what families weigh first

lifts the grade

County schools average 84% proficiency across reading and math (enrollment-weighted across every district), and 58% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. On the combined education signal that is top-tier, ahead of 100% of the 505-county peer set, which lifts the resident grade. School data reflects the latest reliable state testing (around 2018); county figures are enrollment-weighted, so a large urban district can pull the average down even where strong suburban districts exist.

03

Property Taxes the carrying cost

drags the grade

The effective property-tax rate here is about 1.64% of value, roughly $8,574 a year on a typical home. Against peers that is near the bottom of the region, behind 97% of peers, so the tax bill weighs on affordability for an owner-occupant.

04

Jobs & Economy economic vitality

lifts the grade

Unemployment is 2.5% (BLS, latest month), and the job base is +0.5% year over year; typical worker earnings run $64,964. On economic vitality that is above average, ahead of 72% of peers, which lifts both grades.

05

Market Liquidity who holds the leverage

drags the grade

18% of active listings have cut their price and homes are taking about 36 days to go under contract. Fewer cuts mean sellers hold pricing power; more cuts hand leverage to buyers. For an investor this market is below average, behind most peers (the 30th percentile). For someone buying a home, the same softness is good news: more room to negotiate.

17.8%
06

Price Momentum & Value where it is heading

lifts the grade

Prices are running +0.4% year over year while inventory is +24.1%, which places Delaware County in the ↘ Dilution quadrant of the regional matrix. List prices sit +5.4% versus the ZHVI value index; against peers that gap is top-tier, ahead of 84% of the 505-county peer set. A wide positive gap flags appraisal risk for investors, but in a desirable or lifestyle market it often just reflects what buyers will pay to be here.

+5.4%undervaluedaligneddelusional↗ Expansion↖ Scarcity↘ Dilution↙ Stagnationinventory velocity →↑ price velocityDelaware County
07

How the Grades Are Built

Every factor is scored by where this county ranks among 505 peer counties (Ohio plus the five bordering states), then weighted. Higher percentile is better.

Investor / Stability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability35%15th pct
Liquidity & pricing discipline30%30th pct
Reality gap (list vs value)20%84th pct
Jobs & economy15%72th pct

Resident / Livability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability30%15th pct
Schools & education20%100th pct
Buyer leverage15%70th pct
Property taxes15%3th pct
Jobs & economy10%72th pct
Equity / appreciation10%26th pct

Delaware County grades C on the investor lens. Its strongest factor is reality gap (list vs value) (84th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is affordability (15th percentile). Delaware County grades C+ on the resident lens. Its strongest factor is schools & education (100th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is property taxes (3th percentile).

Market Velocity Report · April 2026

Fairfield County

Lancaster · MORPC Region
StableInvestor StableResident ↘ DilutionCycle phase
Fairfield County
$389,945
Median list price
33
Days on market
216
Active listings
6.33%
30-yr mortgage
“The Buyer's Market. Supply is flooding in (+24.2%) while prices soften (+1.5%).Dilution market

For investors · Stable. Negotiate hard. Target stale listings over 90 days for concessions.
To live here · Stable. A stretch but workable on local wages; values are holding steady.

01

Affordability can locals buy here

drags the grade

At a 6.33% 30-year mortgage, the monthly payment on a typical $368,867 home runs about 23.5% of a local paycheck. That is near the bottom of the region, behind 90% of peers, so affordability weighs on the grade. There is genuine headroom for local incomes to absorb higher prices.

25% ceiling23.5%
02

Schools & Education what families weigh first

lifts the grade

County schools average 70% proficiency across reading and math (enrollment-weighted across every district), and 32% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. On the combined education signal that is top-tier, ahead of 95% of the 505-county peer set, which lifts the resident grade. School data reflects the latest reliable state testing (around 2018); county figures are enrollment-weighted, so a large urban district can pull the average down even where strong suburban districts exist.

03

Property Taxes the carrying cost

drags the grade

The effective property-tax rate here is about 1.15% of value, roughly $4,232 a year on a typical home. Against peers that is below average, behind most peers (the 24th percentile), so the tax bill weighs on affordability for an owner-occupant.

04

Jobs & Economy economic vitality

lifts the grade

Unemployment is 2.8% (BLS, latest month), and the job base is +0.5% year over year; typical worker earnings run $48,012. On economic vitality that is above average, ahead of 70% of peers, which lifts both grades.

05

Market Liquidity who holds the leverage

drags the grade

20% of active listings have cut their price and homes are taking about 33 days to go under contract. Fewer cuts mean sellers hold pricing power; more cuts hand leverage to buyers. For an investor this market is below average, behind most peers (the 20th percentile). For someone buying a home, the same softness is good news: more room to negotiate.

20.4%
06

Price Momentum & Value where it is heading

lifts the grade

Prices are running +1.5% year over year while inventory is +24.2%, which places Fairfield County in the ↘ Dilution quadrant of the regional matrix. List prices sit +5.7% versus the ZHVI value index; against peers that gap is top-tier, ahead of 82% of the 505-county peer set. A wide positive gap flags appraisal risk for investors, but in a desirable or lifestyle market it often just reflects what buyers will pay to be here.

+5.7%undervaluedaligneddelusional↗ Expansion↖ Scarcity↘ Dilution↙ Stagnationinventory velocity →↑ price velocityFairfield County
07

How the Grades Are Built

Every factor is scored by where this county ranks among 505 peer counties (Ohio plus the five bordering states), then weighted. Higher percentile is better.

Investor / Stability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability35%10th pct
Liquidity & pricing discipline30%20th pct
Reality gap (list vs value)20%82th pct
Jobs & economy15%70th pct

Resident / Livability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability30%10th pct
Schools & education20%90th pct
Buyer leverage15%80th pct
Property taxes15%24th pct
Jobs & economy10%70th pct
Equity / appreciation10%33th pct

Fairfield County grades C on the investor lens. Its strongest factor is reality gap (list vs value) (82th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is affordability (10th percentile). Fairfield County grades C+ on the resident lens. Its strongest factor is schools & education (90th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is affordability (10th percentile).

Market Velocity Report · April 2026

Fayette County

Washington Court House · MORPC Region
StableInvestor StableResident ↘ DilutionCycle phase
Fayette County
$247,400
Median list price
36
Days on market
64
Active listings
6.33%
30-yr mortgage
“The Buyer's Market. Supply is flooding in (+42.7%) while prices soften (+2.1%).Dilution market

For investors · Stable. Negotiate hard. Target stale listings over 90 days for concessions.
To live here · Stable. A stretch but workable on local wages; values are holding steady.

01

Affordability can locals buy here

drags the grade

At a 6.33% 30-year mortgage, the monthly payment on a typical $239,958 home runs about 22.1% of a local paycheck. That is near the bottom of the region, behind 84% of peers, so affordability weighs on the grade. There is genuine headroom for local incomes to absorb higher prices.

25% ceiling22.1%
02

Schools & Education what families weigh first

lifts the grade

County schools average 69% proficiency across reading and math (enrollment-weighted across every district), and 14% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. On the combined education signal that is top-tier, ahead of 93% of the 505-county peer set, which lifts the resident grade. School data reflects the latest reliable state testing (around 2018); county figures are enrollment-weighted, so a large urban district can pull the average down even where strong suburban districts exist.

03

Property Taxes the carrying cost

roughly neutral

The effective property-tax rate here is about 0.96% of value, roughly $2,309 a year on a typical home. Against peers that is middle of the pack, around the 42th percentile of peers, so the tax bill is neutral to affordability for an owner-occupant.

04

Jobs & Economy economic vitality

lifts the grade

Unemployment is 3.2% (BLS, latest month), and the job base is +2.8% year over year; typical worker earnings run $39,426. On economic vitality that is top-tier, ahead of 83% of the 505-county peer set, which lifts both grades.

05

Market Liquidity who holds the leverage

drags the grade

18% of active listings have cut their price and homes are taking about 36 days to go under contract. Fewer cuts mean sellers hold pricing power; more cuts hand leverage to buyers. For an investor this market is below average, behind most peers (the 26th percentile). For someone buying a home, the same softness is good news: more room to negotiate.

18.5%
06

Price Momentum & Value where it is heading

lifts the grade

Prices are running +2.1% year over year while inventory is +42.7%, which places Fayette County in the ↘ Dilution quadrant of the regional matrix. List prices sit +3.1% versus the ZHVI value index; against peers that gap is top-tier, ahead of 87% of the 505-county peer set. A wide positive gap flags appraisal risk for investors, but in a desirable or lifestyle market it often just reflects what buyers will pay to be here.

+3.1%undervaluedaligneddelusional↗ Expansion↖ Scarcity↘ Dilution↙ Stagnationinventory velocity →↑ price velocityFayette County
07

How the Grades Are Built

Every factor is scored by where this county ranks among 505 peer counties (Ohio plus the five bordering states), then weighted. Higher percentile is better.

Investor / Stability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability35%16th pct
Liquidity & pricing discipline30%26th pct
Reality gap (list vs value)20%87th pct
Jobs & economy15%83th pct

Resident / Livability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability30%16th pct
Schools & education20%53th pct
Buyer leverage15%73th pct
Property taxes15%42th pct
Jobs & economy10%83th pct
Equity / appreciation10%39th pct

Fayette County grades C+ on the investor lens. Its strongest factor is reality gap (list vs value) (87th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is affordability (16th percentile). Fayette County grades C+ on the resident lens. Its strongest factor is jobs & economy (83th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is affordability (16th percentile).

Market Velocity Report · April 2026

Franklin County

Columbus · MORPC Region
StableInvestor StableResident ↙ StagnationCycle phase
Franklin County
$312,450
Median list price
34
Days on market
1,854
Active listings
6.33%
30-yr mortgage
“The Ghost Town. Both prices (+0.2%) and supply (+10.8%) are contracting.Stagnation market

For investors · Stable. Low liquidity. Confirm it is not a new-build or luxury bifurcation before acting.
To live here · Stable. A stretch but workable on local wages; values are holding steady.

01

Affordability can locals buy here

drags the grade

At a 6.33% 30-year mortgage, the monthly payment on a typical $301,357 home runs about 22.6% of a local paycheck. That is near the bottom of the region, behind 87% of peers, so affordability weighs on the grade. There is genuine headroom for local incomes to absorb higher prices.

25% ceiling22.6%
02

Schools & Education what families weigh first

lifts the grade

County schools average 58% proficiency across reading and math (enrollment-weighted across every district), and 42% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. On the combined education signal that is above average, ahead of 76% of peers, which lifts the resident grade. School data reflects the latest reliable state testing (around 2018); county figures are enrollment-weighted, so a large urban district can pull the average down even where strong suburban districts exist.

03

Property Taxes the carrying cost

drags the grade

The effective property-tax rate here is about 1.55% of value, roughly $4,662 a year on a typical home. Against peers that is near the bottom of the region, behind 95% of peers, so the tax bill weighs on affordability for an owner-occupant.

04

Jobs & Economy economic vitality

lifts the grade

Unemployment is 2.9% (BLS, latest month), and the job base is +0.5% year over year; typical worker earnings run $45,288. On economic vitality that is above average, ahead of 67% of peers, which lifts both grades.

05

Market Liquidity who holds the leverage

roughly neutral

16% of active listings have cut their price and homes are taking about 34 days to go under contract. Fewer cuts mean sellers hold pricing power; more cuts hand leverage to buyers. For an investor this market is middle of the pack, around the 40th percentile of peers. For someone buying a home, the same softness is good news: more room to negotiate.

16.2%
06

Price Momentum & Value where it is heading

lifts the grade

Prices are running +0.2% year over year while inventory is +10.8%, which places Franklin County in the ↙ Stagnation quadrant of the regional matrix. List prices sit +3.7% versus the ZHVI value index; against peers that gap is top-tier, ahead of 86% of the 505-county peer set. A wide positive gap flags appraisal risk for investors, but in a desirable or lifestyle market it often just reflects what buyers will pay to be here.

+3.7%undervaluedaligneddelusional↗ Expansion↖ Scarcity↘ Dilution↙ Stagnationinventory velocity →↑ price velocityFranklin County
07

How the Grades Are Built

Every factor is scored by where this county ranks among 505 peer counties (Ohio plus the five bordering states), then weighted. Higher percentile is better.

Investor / Stability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability35%13th pct
Liquidity & pricing discipline30%40th pct
Reality gap (list vs value)20%86th pct
Jobs & economy15%67th pct

Resident / Livability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability30%13th pct
Schools & education20%86th pct
Buyer leverage15%59th pct
Property taxes15%5th pct
Jobs & economy10%67th pct
Equity / appreciation10%25th pct

Franklin County grades C+ on the investor lens. Its strongest factor is reality gap (list vs value) (86th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is affordability (13th percentile). Franklin County grades C on the resident lens. Its strongest factor is schools & education (86th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is property taxes (5th percentile).

Market Velocity Report · April 2026

Hocking County

Logan · MORPC Region
CoolingInvestor StableResident ↗ ExpansionCycle phase
Hocking County
$515,600
Median list price
49
Days on market
133
Active listings
6.33%
30-yr mortgage
“The Boom Town. Supply is rising (+67.3%) and prices are still climbing (+4.3%).Expansion market

For investors · Cooling. Ride the wave, but make sure your exit price is realistic given the supply flood.
To live here · Stable. A stretch but workable on local wages; values are rising, which builds equity over time; list prices run well above the index, the signature of a desirable or lifestyle market where buyers pay for the place, not the spreadsheet.

01

Affordability can locals buy here

drags the grade

At a 6.33% 30-year mortgage, the monthly payment on a typical $284,354 home runs about 25.7% of a local paycheck. That is near the bottom of the region, behind 96% of peers, so affordability weighs on the grade. With wages stretched this thin, price gains from here are capped until incomes or rates move.

25% ceiling25.7%
02

Schools & Education what families weigh first

lifts the grade

County schools average 70% proficiency across reading and math (enrollment-weighted across every district), and 14% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. On the combined education signal that is top-tier, ahead of 95% of the 505-county peer set, which lifts the resident grade. School data reflects the latest reliable state testing (around 2018); county figures are enrollment-weighted, so a large urban district can pull the average down even where strong suburban districts exist.

03

Property Taxes the carrying cost

drags the grade

The effective property-tax rate here is about 1.01% of value, roughly $2,885 a year on a typical home. Against peers that is below average, behind most peers (the 36th percentile), so the tax bill weighs on affordability for an owner-occupant.

04

Jobs & Economy economic vitality

roughly neutral

Unemployment is 3.6% (BLS, latest month), and the job base is +0.5% year over year; typical worker earnings run $38,111. On economic vitality that is middle of the pack, around the 58th percentile of peers, which is neutral to both grades.

05

Market Liquidity who holds the leverage

drags the grade

25% of active listings have cut their price and homes are taking about 49 days to go under contract. Fewer cuts mean sellers hold pricing power; more cuts hand leverage to buyers. For an investor this market is near the bottom of the region, behind 94% of peers. For someone buying a home, the same softness is good news: more room to negotiate.

25.0%
06

Price Momentum & Value where it is heading

drags the grade

Prices are running +4.3% year over year while inventory is +67.3%, which places Hocking County in the ↗ Expansion quadrant of the regional matrix. List prices sit +81.3% versus the ZHVI value index; against peers that gap is near the bottom of the region, behind 94% of peers. A wide positive gap flags appraisal risk for investors, but in a desirable or lifestyle market it often just reflects what buyers will pay to be here.

+81.3%undervaluedaligneddelusional↗ Expansion↖ Scarcity↘ Dilution↙ Stagnationinventory velocity →↑ price velocityHocking County
07

How the Grades Are Built

Every factor is scored by where this county ranks among 505 peer counties (Ohio plus the five bordering states), then weighted. Higher percentile is better.

Investor / Stability · Cooling

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability35%4th pct
Liquidity & pricing discipline30%6th pct
Reality gap (list vs value)20%6th pct
Jobs & economy15%58th pct

Resident / Livability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability30%4th pct
Schools & education20%56th pct
Buyer leverage15%94th pct
Property taxes15%36th pct
Jobs & economy10%58th pct
Equity / appreciation10%66th pct

Hocking County grades D- on the investor lens. Its strongest factor is jobs & economy (58th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is affordability (4th percentile). Hocking County grades C+ on the resident lens. Its strongest factor is buyer leverage (94th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is affordability (4th percentile).

Market Velocity Report · April 2026

Knox County

Mount Vernon · MORPC Region
StableInvestor StableResident ↖ ScarcityCycle phase
Knox County
$368,839
Median list price
37
Days on market
97
Active listings
6.33%
30-yr mortgage
“The Seller's Market. Inventory is tightening (-27.1%) and pushing prices up (+5.6%).Scarcity market

For investors · Stable. Move fast and expect competition. Full-ask offers are common.
To live here · Stable. A stretch but workable on local wages; values are rising, which builds equity over time; list prices run well above the index, the signature of a desirable or lifestyle market where buyers pay for the place, not the spreadsheet.

01

Affordability can locals buy here

drags the grade

At a 6.33% 30-year mortgage, the monthly payment on a typical $288,538 home runs about 21.6% of a local paycheck. That is below average, behind most peers (the 22th percentile), so affordability weighs on the grade. There is genuine headroom for local incomes to absorb higher prices.

25% ceiling21.6%
02

Schools & Education what families weigh first

lifts the grade

County schools average 70% proficiency across reading and math (enrollment-weighted across every district), and 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. On the combined education signal that is top-tier, ahead of 95% of the 505-county peer set, which lifts the resident grade. School data reflects the latest reliable state testing (around 2018); county figures are enrollment-weighted, so a large urban district can pull the average down even where strong suburban districts exist.

03

Property Taxes the carrying cost

drags the grade

The effective property-tax rate here is about 1.07% of value, roughly $3,100 a year on a typical home. Against peers that is below average, behind most peers (the 30th percentile), so the tax bill weighs on affordability for an owner-occupant.

04

Jobs & Economy economic vitality

lifts the grade

Unemployment is 2.8% (BLS, latest month), and the job base is +1.5% year over year; typical worker earnings run $40,571. On economic vitality that is above average, ahead of 79% of peers, which lifts both grades.

05

Market Liquidity who holds the leverage

lifts the grade

12% of active listings have cut their price and homes are taking about 37 days to go under contract. Fewer cuts mean sellers hold pricing power; more cuts hand leverage to buyers. For an investor this market is above average, ahead of 70% of peers. For someone buying a home, the same softness is good news: more room to negotiate.

12.2%
06

Price Momentum & Value where it is heading

drags the grade

Prices are running +5.6% year over year while inventory is -27.1%, which places Knox County in the ↖ Scarcity quadrant of the regional matrix. List prices sit +27.8% versus the ZHVI value index; against peers that gap is below average, behind most peers (the 39th percentile). A wide positive gap flags appraisal risk for investors, but in a desirable or lifestyle market it often just reflects what buyers will pay to be here.

+27.8%undervaluedaligneddelusional↗ Expansion↖ Scarcity↘ Dilution↙ Stagnationinventory velocity →↑ price velocityKnox County
07

How the Grades Are Built

Every factor is scored by where this county ranks among 505 peer counties (Ohio plus the five bordering states), then weighted. Higher percentile is better.

Investor / Stability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability35%22th pct
Liquidity & pricing discipline30%70th pct
Reality gap (list vs value)20%39th pct
Jobs & economy15%79th pct

Resident / Livability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability30%22th pct
Schools & education20%84th pct
Buyer leverage15%30th pct
Property taxes15%30th pct
Jobs & economy10%79th pct
Equity / appreciation10%79th pct

Knox County grades C+ on the investor lens. Its strongest factor is jobs & economy (79th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is affordability (22th percentile). Knox County grades C+ on the resident lens. Its strongest factor is schools & education (84th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is affordability (22th percentile).

Market Velocity Report · April 2026

Licking County

Newark · MORPC Region
StableInvestor StableResident ↖ ScarcityCycle phase
Licking County
$397,950
Median list price
40
Days on market
278
Active listings
6.33%
30-yr mortgage
“The Seller's Market. Inventory is tightening (-6.6%) and pushing prices up (+3.3%).Scarcity market

For investors · Stable. Move fast and expect competition. Full-ask offers are common.
To live here · Stable. A stretch but workable on local wages; values are rising, which builds equity over time.

01

Affordability can locals buy here

drags the grade

At a 6.33% 30-year mortgage, the monthly payment on a typical $341,031 home runs about 23.3% of a local paycheck. That is near the bottom of the region, behind 90% of peers, so affordability weighs on the grade. There is genuine headroom for local incomes to absorb higher prices.

25% ceiling23.3%
02

Schools & Education what families weigh first

lifts the grade

County schools average 67% proficiency across reading and math (enrollment-weighted across every district), and 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. On the combined education signal that is top-tier, ahead of 91% of the 505-county peer set, which lifts the resident grade. School data reflects the latest reliable state testing (around 2018); county figures are enrollment-weighted, so a large urban district can pull the average down even where strong suburban districts exist.

03

Property Taxes the carrying cost

drags the grade

The effective property-tax rate here is about 1.26% of value, roughly $4,285 a year on a typical home. Against peers that is near the bottom of the region, behind 82% of peers, so the tax bill weighs on affordability for an owner-occupant.

04

Jobs & Economy economic vitality

lifts the grade

Unemployment is 2.9% (BLS, latest month), and the job base is +0.6% year over year; typical worker earnings run $46,457. On economic vitality that is above average, ahead of 69% of peers, which lifts both grades.

05

Market Liquidity who holds the leverage

roughly neutral

16% of active listings have cut their price and homes are taking about 40 days to go under contract. Fewer cuts mean sellers hold pricing power; more cuts hand leverage to buyers. For an investor this market is middle of the pack, around the 44th percentile of peers. For someone buying a home, the same softness is good news: more room to negotiate.

15.6%
06

Price Momentum & Value where it is heading

lifts the grade

Prices are running +3.3% year over year while inventory is -6.6%, which places Licking County in the ↖ Scarcity quadrant of the regional matrix. List prices sit +16.7% versus the ZHVI value index; against peers that gap is above average, ahead of 60% of peers. A wide positive gap flags appraisal risk for investors, but in a desirable or lifestyle market it often just reflects what buyers will pay to be here.

+16.7%undervaluedaligneddelusional↗ Expansion↖ Scarcity↘ Dilution↙ Stagnationinventory velocity →↑ price velocityLicking County
07

How the Grades Are Built

Every factor is scored by where this county ranks among 505 peer counties (Ohio plus the five bordering states), then weighted. Higher percentile is better.

Investor / Stability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability35%10th pct
Liquidity & pricing discipline30%44th pct
Reality gap (list vs value)20%60th pct
Jobs & economy15%69th pct

Resident / Livability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability30%10th pct
Schools & education20%87th pct
Buyer leverage15%56th pct
Property taxes15%18th pct
Jobs & economy10%69th pct
Equity / appreciation10%50th pct

Licking County grades C on the investor lens. Its strongest factor is jobs & economy (69th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is affordability (10th percentile). Licking County grades C+ on the resident lens. Its strongest factor is schools & education (87th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is affordability (10th percentile).

Market Velocity Report · April 2026

Logan County

Bellefontaine · MORPC Region
StableInvestor StrongResident ↗ ExpansionCycle phase
Logan County
$264,450
Median list price
48
Days on market
136
Active listings
6.33%
30-yr mortgage
“The Boom Town. Supply is rising (+40.4%) and prices are still climbing (+4.0%).Expansion market

For investors · Stable. Ride the wave, but make sure your exit price is realistic given the supply flood.
To live here · Strong. A stretch but workable on local wages; values are rising, which builds equity over time.

01

Affordability can locals buy here

drags the grade

At a 6.33% 30-year mortgage, the monthly payment on a typical $254,331 home runs about 20.4% of a local paycheck. That is below average, behind most peers (the 36th percentile), so affordability weighs on the grade. There is genuine headroom for local incomes to absorb higher prices.

25% ceiling20.4%
02

Schools & Education what families weigh first

lifts the grade

County schools average 68% proficiency across reading and math (enrollment-weighted across every district), and 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. On the combined education signal that is top-tier, ahead of 92% of the 505-county peer set, which lifts the resident grade. School data reflects the latest reliable state testing (around 2018); county figures are enrollment-weighted, so a large urban district can pull the average down even where strong suburban districts exist.

03

Property Taxes the carrying cost

drags the grade

The effective property-tax rate here is about 1.05% of value, roughly $2,659 a year on a typical home. Against peers that is below average, behind most peers (the 33th percentile), so the tax bill weighs on affordability for an owner-occupant.

04

Jobs & Economy economic vitality

lifts the grade

Unemployment is 2.9% (BLS, latest month), and the job base is +0.6% year over year; typical worker earnings run $42,611. On economic vitality that is above average, ahead of 70% of peers, which lifts both grades.

05

Market Liquidity who holds the leverage

drags the grade

22% of active listings have cut their price and homes are taking about 48 days to go under contract. Fewer cuts mean sellers hold pricing power; more cuts hand leverage to buyers. For an investor this market is near the bottom of the region, behind 84% of peers. For someone buying a home, the same softness is good news: more room to negotiate.

21.5%
06

Price Momentum & Value where it is heading

lifts the grade

Prices are running +4.0% year over year while inventory is +40.4%, which places Logan County in the ↗ Expansion quadrant of the regional matrix. List prices sit +4.0% versus the ZHVI value index; against peers that gap is top-tier, ahead of 86% of the 505-county peer set. A wide positive gap flags appraisal risk for investors, but in a desirable or lifestyle market it often just reflects what buyers will pay to be here.

+4.0%undervaluedaligneddelusional↗ Expansion↖ Scarcity↘ Dilution↙ Stagnationinventory velocity →↑ price velocityLogan County
07

How the Grades Are Built

Every factor is scored by where this county ranks among 505 peer counties (Ohio plus the five bordering states), then weighted. Higher percentile is better.

Investor / Stability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability35%36th pct
Liquidity & pricing discipline30%16th pct
Reality gap (list vs value)20%86th pct
Jobs & economy15%70th pct

Resident / Livability · Strong

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability30%36th pct
Schools & education20%67th pct
Buyer leverage15%84th pct
Property taxes15%33th pct
Jobs & economy10%70th pct
Equity / appreciation10%60th pct

Logan County grades C+ on the investor lens. Its strongest factor is reality gap (list vs value) (86th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is liquidity & pricing discipline (16th percentile). Logan County grades B- on the resident lens. Its strongest factor is buyer leverage (84th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is property taxes (33th percentile).

Market Velocity Report · April 2026

Madison County

London · MORPC Region
StrongInvestor StableResident ↙ StagnationCycle phase
Madison County
$374,950
Median list price
37
Days on market
57
Active listings
6.33%
30-yr mortgage
“The Ghost Town. Both prices (+1.4%) and supply (+0.9%) are contracting.Stagnation market

For investors · Strong. Low liquidity. Confirm it is not a new-build or luxury bifurcation before acting.
To live here · Stable. A stretch but workable on local wages; values are holding steady.

01

Affordability can locals buy here

drags the grade

At a 6.33% 30-year mortgage, the monthly payment on a typical $321,097 home runs about 21.4% of a local paycheck. That is below average, behind most peers (the 25th percentile), so affordability weighs on the grade. There is genuine headroom for local incomes to absorb higher prices.

25% ceiling21.4%
02

Schools & Education what families weigh first

lifts the grade

County schools average 70% proficiency across reading and math (enrollment-weighted across every district), and 22% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. On the combined education signal that is top-tier, ahead of 94% of the 505-county peer set, which lifts the resident grade. School data reflects the latest reliable state testing (around 2018); county figures are enrollment-weighted, so a large urban district can pull the average down even where strong suburban districts exist.

03

Property Taxes the carrying cost

drags the grade

The effective property-tax rate here is about 1.05% of value, roughly $3,382 a year on a typical home. Against peers that is below average, behind most peers (the 32th percentile), so the tax bill weighs on affordability for an owner-occupant.

04

Jobs & Economy economic vitality

lifts the grade

Unemployment is 2.6% (BLS, latest month), and the job base is +0.8% year over year; typical worker earnings run $45,993. On economic vitality that is above average, ahead of 76% of peers, which lifts both grades.

05

Market Liquidity who holds the leverage

lifts the grade

13% of active listings have cut their price and homes are taking about 37 days to go under contract. Fewer cuts mean sellers hold pricing power; more cuts hand leverage to buyers. For an investor this market is above average, ahead of 64% of peers. For someone buying a home, the same softness is good news: more room to negotiate.

13.2%
06

Price Momentum & Value where it is heading

roughly neutral

Prices are running +1.4% year over year while inventory is +0.9%, which places Madison County in the ↙ Stagnation quadrant of the regional matrix. List prices sit +16.8% versus the ZHVI value index; against peers that gap is middle of the pack, around the 59th percentile of peers. A wide positive gap flags appraisal risk for investors, but in a desirable or lifestyle market it often just reflects what buyers will pay to be here.

+16.8%undervaluedaligneddelusional↗ Expansion↖ Scarcity↘ Dilution↙ Stagnationinventory velocity →↑ price velocityMadison County
07

How the Grades Are Built

Every factor is scored by where this county ranks among 505 peer counties (Ohio plus the five bordering states), then weighted. Higher percentile is better.

Investor / Stability · Strong

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability35%25th pct
Liquidity & pricing discipline30%64th pct
Reality gap (list vs value)20%59th pct
Jobs & economy15%76th pct

Resident / Livability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability30%25th pct
Schools & education20%81th pct
Buyer leverage15%35th pct
Property taxes15%32th pct
Jobs & economy10%76th pct
Equity / appreciation10%33th pct

Madison County grades B- on the investor lens. Its strongest factor is jobs & economy (76th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is affordability (25th percentile). Madison County grades C+ on the resident lens. Its strongest factor is schools & education (81th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is affordability (25th percentile).

Market Velocity Report · April 2026

Marion County

Marion · MORPC Region
StrongInvestor StrongResident ↗ ExpansionCycle phase
Marion County
$187,450
Median list price
39
Days on market
112
Active listings
6.33%
30-yr mortgage
“The Boom Town. Supply is rising (+30.2%) and prices are still climbing (+6.9%).Expansion market

For investors · Strong. Ride the wave, but make sure your exit price is realistic given the supply flood.
To live here · Strong. Comfortably within reach of local incomes; values are rising, which builds equity over time.

01

Affordability can locals buy here

lifts the grade

At a 6.33% 30-year mortgage, the monthly payment on a typical $182,133 home runs about 17.6% of a local paycheck. That is above average, ahead of 65% of peers, so affordability helps the grade. There is genuine headroom for local incomes to absorb higher prices.

25% ceiling17.6%
02

Schools & Education what families weigh first

roughly neutral

County schools average 48% proficiency across reading and math (enrollment-weighted across every district), and 14% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. On the combined education signal that is middle of the pack, around the 45th percentile of peers, which is neutral to the resident grade. School data reflects the latest reliable state testing (around 2018); county figures are enrollment-weighted, so a large urban district can pull the average down even where strong suburban districts exist.

03

Property Taxes the carrying cost

drags the grade

The effective property-tax rate here is about 0.98% of value, roughly $1,784 a year on a typical home. Against peers that is below average, behind most peers (the 39th percentile), so the tax bill weighs on affordability for an owner-occupant.

04

Jobs & Economy economic vitality

roughly neutral

Unemployment is 3.2% (BLS, latest month), and the job base is -0.3% year over year; typical worker earnings run $37,641. On economic vitality that is middle of the pack, around the 55th percentile of peers, which is neutral to both grades.

05

Market Liquidity who holds the leverage

drags the grade

23% of active listings have cut their price and homes are taking about 39 days to go under contract. Fewer cuts mean sellers hold pricing power; more cuts hand leverage to buyers. For an investor this market is near the bottom of the region, behind 89% of peers. For someone buying a home, the same softness is good news: more room to negotiate.

22.8%
06

Price Momentum & Value where it is heading

lifts the grade

Prices are running +6.9% year over year while inventory is +30.2%, which places Marion County in the ↗ Expansion quadrant of the regional matrix. List prices sit +2.9% versus the ZHVI value index; against peers that gap is top-tier, ahead of 87% of the 505-county peer set. A wide positive gap flags appraisal risk for investors, but in a desirable or lifestyle market it often just reflects what buyers will pay to be here.

+2.9%undervaluedaligneddelusional↗ Expansion↖ Scarcity↘ Dilution↙ Stagnationinventory velocity →↑ price velocityMarion County
07

How the Grades Are Built

Every factor is scored by where this county ranks among 505 peer counties (Ohio plus the five bordering states), then weighted. Higher percentile is better.

Investor / Stability · Strong

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability35%65th pct
Liquidity & pricing discipline30%11th pct
Reality gap (list vs value)20%87th pct
Jobs & economy15%55th pct

Resident / Livability · Strong

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability30%65th pct
Schools & education20%29th pct
Buyer leverage15%89th pct
Property taxes15%39th pct
Jobs & economy10%55th pct
Equity / appreciation10%88th pct

Marion County grades B- on the investor lens. Its strongest factor is reality gap (list vs value) (87th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is liquidity & pricing discipline (11th percentile). Marion County grades B on the resident lens. Its strongest factor is buyer leverage (89th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is schools & education (29th percentile).

Market Velocity Report · April 2026

Morrow County

Mount Gilead · MORPC Region
StableInvestor StableResident ↖ ScarcityCycle phase
Morrow County
$452,700
Median list price
34
Days on market
57
Active listings
6.33%
30-yr mortgage
“The Seller's Market. Inventory is tightening (-3.4%) and pushing prices up (+2.8%).Scarcity market

For investors · Stable. Move fast and expect competition. Full-ask offers are common.
To live here · Stable. A stretch but workable on local wages; values are holding steady; list prices run well above the index, the signature of a desirable or lifestyle market where buyers pay for the place, not the spreadsheet.

01

Affordability can locals buy here

drags the grade

At a 6.33% 30-year mortgage, the monthly payment on a typical $280,617 home runs about 21.9% of a local paycheck. That is near the bottom of the region, behind 80% of peers, so affordability weighs on the grade. There is genuine headroom for local incomes to absorb higher prices.

25% ceiling21.9%
02

Schools & Education what families weigh first

lifts the grade

County schools average 60% proficiency across reading and math (enrollment-weighted across every district), and 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. On the combined education signal that is top-tier, ahead of 80% of the 505-county peer set, which lifts the resident grade. School data reflects the latest reliable state testing (around 2018); county figures are enrollment-weighted, so a large urban district can pull the average down even where strong suburban districts exist.

03

Property Taxes the carrying cost

drags the grade

The effective property-tax rate here is about 1.10% of value, roughly $3,086 a year on a typical home. Against peers that is below average, behind most peers (the 28th percentile), so the tax bill weighs on affordability for an owner-occupant.

04

Jobs & Economy economic vitality

lifts the grade

Unemployment is 3.1% (BLS, latest month), and the job base is +0.7% year over year; typical worker earnings run $41,545. On economic vitality that is above average, ahead of 69% of peers, which lifts both grades.

05

Market Liquidity who holds the leverage

roughly neutral

14% of active listings have cut their price and homes are taking about 34 days to go under contract. Fewer cuts mean sellers hold pricing power; more cuts hand leverage to buyers. For an investor this market is middle of the pack, around the 56th percentile of peers. For someone buying a home, the same softness is good news: more room to negotiate.

14.1%
06

Price Momentum & Value where it is heading

drags the grade

Prices are running +2.8% year over year while inventory is -3.4%, which places Morrow County in the ↖ Scarcity quadrant of the regional matrix. List prices sit +61.3% versus the ZHVI value index; against peers that gap is near the bottom of the region, behind 87% of peers. A wide positive gap flags appraisal risk for investors, but in a desirable or lifestyle market it often just reflects what buyers will pay to be here.

+61.3%undervaluedaligneddelusional↗ Expansion↖ Scarcity↘ Dilution↙ Stagnationinventory velocity →↑ price velocityMorrow County
07

How the Grades Are Built

Every factor is scored by where this county ranks among 505 peer counties (Ohio plus the five bordering states), then weighted. Higher percentile is better.

Investor / Stability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability35%20th pct
Liquidity & pricing discipline30%56th pct
Reality gap (list vs value)20%13th pct
Jobs & economy15%69th pct

Resident / Livability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability30%20th pct
Schools & education20%61th pct
Buyer leverage15%44th pct
Property taxes15%28th pct
Jobs & economy10%69th pct
Equity / appreciation10%45th pct

Morrow County grades C on the investor lens. Its strongest factor is jobs & economy (69th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is reality gap (list vs value) (13th percentile). Morrow County grades C on the resident lens. Its strongest factor is jobs & economy (69th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is affordability (20th percentile).

Market Velocity Report · April 2026

Perry County

New Lexington · MORPC Region
StableInvestor StableResident ↙ StagnationCycle phase
Perry County
$315,550
Median list price
40
Days on market
57
Active listings
6.33%
30-yr mortgage
“The Ghost Town. Both prices (-0.4%) and supply (-16.9%) are contracting.Stagnation market

For investors · Stable. Low liquidity. Confirm it is not a new-build or luxury bifurcation before acting.
To live here · Stable. Comfortably within reach of local incomes; values are holding steady; list prices run well above the index, the signature of a desirable or lifestyle market where buyers pay for the place, not the spreadsheet.

01

Affordability can locals buy here

roughly neutral

At a 6.33% 30-year mortgage, the monthly payment on a typical $223,483 home runs about 19.1% of a local paycheck. That is middle of the pack, around the 50th percentile of peers, so affordability is neutral to the grade. There is genuine headroom for local incomes to absorb higher prices.

25% ceiling19.1%
02

Schools & Education what families weigh first

lifts the grade

County schools average 63% proficiency across reading and math (enrollment-weighted across every district), and 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. On the combined education signal that is top-tier, ahead of 84% of the 505-county peer set, which lifts the resident grade. School data reflects the latest reliable state testing (around 2018); county figures are enrollment-weighted, so a large urban district can pull the average down even where strong suburban districts exist.

03

Property Taxes the carrying cost

roughly neutral

The effective property-tax rate here is about 0.93% of value, roughly $2,076 a year on a typical home. Against peers that is middle of the pack, around the 45th percentile of peers, so the tax bill is neutral to affordability for an owner-occupant.

04

Jobs & Economy economic vitality

roughly neutral

Unemployment is 3.5% (BLS, latest month), and the job base is +0.6% year over year; typical worker earnings run $41,151. On economic vitality that is middle of the pack, around the 60th percentile of peers, which is neutral to both grades.

05

Market Liquidity who holds the leverage

roughly neutral

16% of active listings have cut their price and homes are taking about 40 days to go under contract. Fewer cuts mean sellers hold pricing power; more cuts hand leverage to buyers. For an investor this market is middle of the pack, around the 45th percentile of peers. For someone buying a home, the same softness is good news: more room to negotiate.

15.5%
06

Price Momentum & Value where it is heading

drags the grade

Prices are running -0.4% year over year while inventory is -16.9%, which places Perry County in the ↙ Stagnation quadrant of the regional matrix. List prices sit +41.2% versus the ZHVI value index; against peers that gap is below average, behind most peers (the 26th percentile). A wide positive gap flags appraisal risk for investors, but in a desirable or lifestyle market it often just reflects what buyers will pay to be here.

+41.2%undervaluedaligneddelusional↗ Expansion↖ Scarcity↘ Dilution↙ Stagnationinventory velocity →↑ price velocityPerry County
07

How the Grades Are Built

Every factor is scored by where this county ranks among 505 peer counties (Ohio plus the five bordering states), then weighted. Higher percentile is better.

Investor / Stability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability35%50th pct
Liquidity & pricing discipline30%45th pct
Reality gap (list vs value)20%26th pct
Jobs & economy15%60th pct

Resident / Livability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability30%50th pct
Schools & education20%52th pct
Buyer leverage15%55th pct
Property taxes15%45th pct
Jobs & economy10%60th pct
Equity / appreciation10%22th pct

Perry County grades C+ on the investor lens. Its strongest factor is jobs & economy (60th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is reality gap (list vs value) (26th percentile). Perry County grades C+ on the resident lens. Its strongest factor is jobs & economy (60th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is equity / appreciation (22th percentile).

Market Velocity Report · April 2026

Pickaway County

Circleville · MORPC Region
StableInvestor StableResident ↗ ExpansionCycle phase
Pickaway County
$374,900
Median list price
40
Days on market
122
Active listings
6.33%
30-yr mortgage
“The Boom Town. Supply is rising (+15.2%) and prices are still climbing (+4.0%).Expansion market

For investors · Stable. Ride the wave, but make sure your exit price is realistic given the supply flood.
To live here · Stable. A stretch but workable on local wages; values are rising, which builds equity over time.

01

Affordability can locals buy here

drags the grade

At a 6.33% 30-year mortgage, the monthly payment on a typical $332,528 home runs about 25.2% of a local paycheck. That is near the bottom of the region, behind 95% of peers, so affordability weighs on the grade. With wages stretched this thin, price gains from here are capped until incomes or rates move.

25% ceiling25.2%
02

Schools & Education what families weigh first

lifts the grade

County schools average 70% proficiency across reading and math (enrollment-weighted across every district), and 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. On the combined education signal that is top-tier, ahead of 95% of the 505-county peer set, which lifts the resident grade. School data reflects the latest reliable state testing (around 2018); county figures are enrollment-weighted, so a large urban district can pull the average down even where strong suburban districts exist.

03

Property Taxes the carrying cost

drags the grade

The effective property-tax rate here is about 1.03% of value, roughly $3,440 a year on a typical home. Against peers that is below average, behind most peers (the 34th percentile), so the tax bill weighs on affordability for an owner-occupant.

04

Jobs & Economy economic vitality

lifts the grade

Unemployment is 3.0% (BLS, latest month), and the job base is +0.8% year over year; typical worker earnings run $45,037. On economic vitality that is above average, ahead of 71% of peers, which lifts both grades.

05

Market Liquidity who holds the leverage

drags the grade

22% of active listings have cut their price and homes are taking about 40 days to go under contract. Fewer cuts mean sellers hold pricing power; more cuts hand leverage to buyers. For an investor this market is near the bottom of the region, behind 88% of peers. For someone buying a home, the same softness is good news: more room to negotiate.

22.2%
06

Price Momentum & Value where it is heading

lifts the grade

Prices are running +4.0% year over year while inventory is +15.2%, which places Pickaway County in the ↗ Expansion quadrant of the regional matrix. List prices sit +12.7% versus the ZHVI value index; against peers that gap is above average, ahead of 69% of peers. A wide positive gap flags appraisal risk for investors, but in a desirable or lifestyle market it often just reflects what buyers will pay to be here.

+12.7%undervaluedaligneddelusional↗ Expansion↖ Scarcity↘ Dilution↙ Stagnationinventory velocity →↑ price velocityPickaway County
07

How the Grades Are Built

Every factor is scored by where this county ranks among 505 peer counties (Ohio plus the five bordering states), then weighted. Higher percentile is better.

Investor / Stability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability35%5th pct
Liquidity & pricing discipline30%12th pct
Reality gap (list vs value)20%69th pct
Jobs & economy15%71th pct

Resident / Livability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability30%5th pct
Schools & education20%78th pct
Buyer leverage15%88th pct
Property taxes15%34th pct
Jobs & economy10%71th pct
Equity / appreciation10%60th pct

Pickaway County grades C- on the investor lens. Its strongest factor is jobs & economy (71th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is affordability (5th percentile). Pickaway County grades C+ on the resident lens. Its strongest factor is buyer leverage (88th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is affordability (5th percentile).

Market Velocity Report · April 2026

Ross County

Chillicothe · MORPC Region
StableInvestor StableResident ↖ ScarcityCycle phase
Ross County
$272,450
Median list price
36
Days on market
83
Active listings
6.33%
30-yr mortgage
“The Seller's Market. Inventory is tightening (-8.3%) and pushing prices up (+2.4%).Scarcity market

For investors · Stable. Move fast and expect competition. Full-ask offers are common.
To live here · Stable. Comfortably within reach of local incomes; values are holding steady; list prices run well above the index, the signature of a desirable or lifestyle market where buyers pay for the place, not the spreadsheet.

01

Affordability can locals buy here

roughly neutral

At a 6.33% 30-year mortgage, the monthly payment on a typical $205,253 home runs about 19.0% of a local paycheck. That is middle of the pack, around the 51th percentile of peers, so affordability is neutral to the grade. There is genuine headroom for local incomes to absorb higher prices.

25% ceiling19.0%
02

Schools & Education what families weigh first

lifts the grade

County schools average 58% proficiency across reading and math (enrollment-weighted across every district), and 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. On the combined education signal that is above average, ahead of 75% of peers, which lifts the resident grade. School data reflects the latest reliable state testing (around 2018); county figures are enrollment-weighted, so a large urban district can pull the average down even where strong suburban districts exist.

03

Property Taxes the carrying cost

drags the grade

The effective property-tax rate here is about 0.99% of value, roughly $2,042 a year on a typical home. Against peers that is below average, behind most peers (the 38th percentile), so the tax bill weighs on affordability for an owner-occupant.

04

Jobs & Economy economic vitality

drags the grade

Unemployment is 4.0% (BLS, latest month), and the job base is -1.7% year over year; typical worker earnings run $40,787. On economic vitality that is below average, behind most peers (the 31th percentile), which drags both grades.

05

Market Liquidity who holds the leverage

drags the grade

18% of active listings have cut their price and homes are taking about 36 days to go under contract. Fewer cuts mean sellers hold pricing power; more cuts hand leverage to buyers. For an investor this market is below average, behind most peers (the 30th percentile). For someone buying a home, the same softness is good news: more room to negotiate.

17.8%
06

Price Momentum & Value where it is heading

drags the grade

Prices are running +2.4% year over year while inventory is -8.3%, which places Ross County in the ↖ Scarcity quadrant of the regional matrix. List prices sit +32.7% versus the ZHVI value index; against peers that gap is below average, behind most peers (the 33th percentile). A wide positive gap flags appraisal risk for investors, but in a desirable or lifestyle market it often just reflects what buyers will pay to be here.

+32.7%undervaluedaligneddelusional↗ Expansion↖ Scarcity↘ Dilution↙ Stagnationinventory velocity →↑ price velocityRoss County
07

How the Grades Are Built

Every factor is scored by where this county ranks among 505 peer counties (Ohio plus the five bordering states), then weighted. Higher percentile is better.

Investor / Stability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability35%51th pct
Liquidity & pricing discipline30%30th pct
Reality gap (list vs value)20%33th pct
Jobs & economy15%31th pct

Resident / Livability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability30%51th pct
Schools & education20%54th pct
Buyer leverage15%70th pct
Property taxes15%38th pct
Jobs & economy10%31th pct
Equity / appreciation10%41th pct

Ross County grades C on the investor lens. Its strongest factor is affordability (51th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is liquidity & pricing discipline (30th percentile). Ross County grades C+ on the resident lens. Its strongest factor is buyer leverage (70th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is jobs & economy (31th percentile).

Market Velocity Report · April 2026

Union County

Marysville · MORPC Region
StableInvestor StrongResident ↘ DilutionCycle phase
Union County
$565,248
Median list price
36
Days on market
143
Active listings
6.33%
30-yr mortgage
“The Buyer's Market. Supply is flooding in (+19.2%) while prices soften (+1.3%).Dilution market

For investors · Stable. Negotiate hard. Target stale listings over 90 days for concessions.
To live here · Strong. A stretch but workable on local wages; values are holding steady; list prices run well above the index, the signature of a desirable or lifestyle market where buyers pay for the place, not the spreadsheet.

01

Affordability can locals buy here

drags the grade

At a 6.33% 30-year mortgage, the monthly payment on a typical $413,544 home runs about 20.9% of a local paycheck. That is below average, behind most peers (the 29th percentile), so affordability weighs on the grade. There is genuine headroom for local incomes to absorb higher prices.

25% ceiling20.9%
02

Schools & Education what families weigh first

lifts the grade

County schools average 77% proficiency across reading and math (enrollment-weighted across every district), and 39% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. On the combined education signal that is top-tier, ahead of 99% of the 505-county peer set, which lifts the resident grade. School data reflects the latest reliable state testing (around 2018); county figures are enrollment-weighted, so a large urban district can pull the average down even where strong suburban districts exist.

03

Property Taxes the carrying cost

drags the grade

The effective property-tax rate here is about 1.25% of value, roughly $5,189 a year on a typical home. Against peers that is near the bottom of the region, behind 82% of peers, so the tax bill weighs on affordability for an owner-occupant.

04

Jobs & Economy economic vitality

lifts the grade

Unemployment is 2.4% (BLS, latest month), and the job base is +0.7% year over year; typical worker earnings run $55,678. On economic vitality that is above average, ahead of 79% of peers, which lifts both grades.

05

Market Liquidity who holds the leverage

drags the grade

16% of active listings have cut their price and homes are taking about 36 days to go under contract. Fewer cuts mean sellers hold pricing power; more cuts hand leverage to buyers. For an investor this market is below average, behind most peers (the 39th percentile). For someone buying a home, the same softness is good news: more room to negotiate.

16.4%
06

Price Momentum & Value where it is heading

drags the grade

Prices are running +1.3% year over year while inventory is +19.2%, which places Union County in the ↘ Dilution quadrant of the regional matrix. List prices sit +36.7% versus the ZHVI value index; against peers that gap is below average, behind most peers (the 30th percentile). A wide positive gap flags appraisal risk for investors, but in a desirable or lifestyle market it often just reflects what buyers will pay to be here.

+36.7%undervaluedaligneddelusional↗ Expansion↖ Scarcity↘ Dilution↙ Stagnationinventory velocity →↑ price velocityUnion County
07

How the Grades Are Built

Every factor is scored by where this county ranks among 505 peer counties (Ohio plus the five bordering states), then weighted. Higher percentile is better.

Investor / Stability · Stable

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability35%29th pct
Liquidity & pricing discipline30%39th pct
Reality gap (list vs value)20%30th pct
Jobs & economy15%79th pct

Resident / Livability · Strong

FactorWeightThis county vs peers
Affordability30%29th pct
Schools & education20%96th pct
Buyer leverage15%60th pct
Property taxes15%18th pct
Jobs & economy10%79th pct
Equity / appreciation10%31th pct

Union County grades C on the investor lens. Its strongest factor is jobs & economy (79th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is affordability (29th percentile). Union County grades B- on the resident lens. Its strongest factor is schools & education (96th percentile of peers); its biggest drag is property taxes (18th percentile).

Pioneer AI & Data · Network Compass · Generated 2026-06-29