Five US College Towns See Fastest Home Price Growth in 2026

A Redfin analysis of over 200 US college towns (defined as places with at least 10% of population enrolled at a four-year university and located 30+ miles from a big metro area) found that five inland markets posted double-digit annual home price growth through May 2026, far outpacing the national average of about 2%. Morgantown, West Virginia led with a 12.9% increase to a median of $275,000, driven by West Virginia University's 22,400 students and $3 billion economic impact. Syracuse, New York saw 12.5% growth to $180,000, with 55.3% of homes selling above asking despite a 16.7% sales drop. Tuscaloosa, Alabama and State College, Pennsylvania tied at 10.6% growth, with medians of $301,450 and $459,050 respectively; Tuscaloosa saw inventory jump 37.6% while State College homes sell in just five days. Logan, Utah posted 9% growth to $425,000, supported by Utah State University's 20,000+ students and $2.2 billion economic output. The data covers the three months ending May 2026. Buyers priced out of larger coastal metros are turning to these stable university towns, where steady job bases and rental demand from faculty and students keep markets resilient even as mortgage rates remain elevated.