Lexington recently ranked No. 7 in the nation for the increase in typical home values from 2025 to 2026, according to a new report.
Financial company SmartAsset said in its April 9 report, “Where Home Prices Increased Most – 2026 Study,” that Lexington’s typical home value climbed 3.12% between February 2025 and February 2026.
Louisville also made the top 10, coming in at No. 9 nationwide after recording a 2.5% year-over-year increase in typical home value.
To create the report, SmartAsset analyzed data from the Zillow Home Value Index, comparing price growth across 100 of the largest cities in the U.S. The study included home value data for single-family homes, condos, and co-ops.
Using Zillow data, SmartAsset found Lexington’s typical home value rose from $312,974 in 2025 to $322,743 in 2026. The report also noted that Lexington home values increased 41.15% over the past five years and surged 64.61% since before the pandemic.
Louisville’s typical home value stood at $252,809 in 2025 and increased to $259,139 in 2026, according to the report. The city recorded a 28.5% increase over five years and a 49.2% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Lexington rent prices are also rising
Home values are not the only part of Lexington’s housing market becoming less affordable. The city also ranked among the top 10 nationwide in another recent report focused on rising rent prices.
Still, Lexington’s growth in home values did not reflect what happened across most large U.S. cities.
“Between 2025 and 2026, the typical home value in large U.S. cities actually declined by 1.04%, with values dropping in 70% of cities,” SmartAsset’s report stated.
Across the country, including areas outside major cities, Zillow reported a 0.3% increase in typical home values from December 2025 to December 2026.
Real estate company Redfin said Lexington’s median home sale price reached $348,000 in March, marking a 7.1% increase from the previous year.
Although home prices continue climbing in Lexington, Redfin noted that homes are spending more time on the market. On average, properties sold after 48 days on the market, compared to 34 days in 2025.
Where did U.S. home values increase the most?
Here’s how the top 10 U.S. cities ranked for increases in typical home values, according to SmartAsset:
- Toledo, Ohio: 5.6% increase in typical home value from February 2025 to February 2026
- Lincoln, Nebraska: 4.11%
- San Francisco: 4.04%
- New York City: 3.97%
- Milwaukee: 3.69%
- Buffalo, New York: 3.65%
- Lexington, Kentucky: 3.12%
- Tulsa, Oklahoma: 2.86%
- Louisville, Kentucky: 2.5%
- Virginia Beach, Virginia: 2.5%
SmartAsset also reported that the five U.S. cities with the steepest declines in typical home values were Oakland, California; Saint Petersburg, Florida; Naples, Florida; Austin, Texas; and Plano, Texas.
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