Indiana remains one of the most affordable places to buy a home in 2025. According to the latest data from the Zillow Home Value Index, these 17 towns are leading the way when it comes to low housing costs. In many, homes are still priced under $130,000, sometimes by a wide margin. From small river towns to quiet farming communities, these places offer more than just cheap real estate. They offer room to breathe, a slower pace of life, and enough stability to feel like a smart long-term investment. Whether you’re looking to downsize, relocate, or just stretch your budget, these towns prove that affordable living is still alive and well in Indiana.
17. Elnora – 109% Home Price Increase Since 2012
- 2010: N/A
- 2011: N/A
- 2012: $61,040
- 2013: $60,674 (-$366, -0.60% from previous year)
- 2014: $59,577 (-$1,097, -1.81% from previous year)
- 2015: $60,487 (+$909, +1.53% from previous year)
- 2016: $61,698 (+$1,211, +2.00% from previous year)
- 2017: $65,016 (+$3,318, +5.38% from previous year)
- 2018: $71,229 (+$6,213, +9.56% from previous year)
- 2019: $76,049 (+$4,820, +6.77% from previous year)
- 2020: $82,052 (+$6,003, +7.89% from previous year)
- 2021: $99,953 (+$17,901, +21.82% from previous year)
- 2022: $112,701 (+$12,749, +12.75% from previous year)
- 2023: $122,737 (+$10,036, +8.91% from previous year)
- 2024: $123,673 (+$936, +0.76% from previous year)
- 2025: $127,617 (+$3,943, +3.19% from previous year)
Since 2012, Elnora’s home values have more than doubled, rising 109% from just over $61,000 to nearly $128,000. The early years showed modest, even negative growth, but starting in 2017, the town entered a period of steady appreciation. Particularly between 2020 and 2022, price jumps were steep, reflecting rising demand. While recent growth has slowed, the overall trajectory is clear: Elnora has quietly become one of Indiana’s fastest-appreciating affordable towns.
Elnora – Steady Growth in a Rural Setting
Located in Daviess County in southwestern Indiana, Elnora is a rural town with fewer than 700 residents. Its appeal lies in simplicity—open land, close community ties, and a low cost of living. It’s a place where agriculture and small-town life dominate the local economy, with few frills but plenty of stability. What Elnora lacks in commercial attractions it makes up for with peaceful surroundings and deeply rooted families. Buyers here are often seeking affordability and calm rather than convenience.
Its price growth likely reflects broader shifts seen across rural America, where remote work and high city costs have pushed buyers to explore new geographies. Though home inventory remains tight, the available properties tend to be single-family homes with ample yard space. With prices still under $130,000, Elnora remains a strong candidate for buyers who value space, privacy, and small-town values without the high price tag.
16. Clinton – 125% Home Price Increase Since 2012
- 2010: N/A
- 2011: N/A
- 2012: $56,440
- 2013: $56,463 (+$23, +0.04% from previous year)
- 2014: $63,858 (+$7,395, +13.10% from previous year)
- 2015: $62,250 (-$1,608, -2.52% from previous year)
- 2016: $62,695 (+$445, +0.72% from previous year)
- 2017: $64,524 (+$1,829, +2.92% from previous year)
- 2018: $71,154 (+$6,630, +10.27% from previous year)
- 2019: $81,114 (+$9,960, +14.00% from previous year)
- 2020: $84,045 (+$2,931, +3.61% from previous year)
- 2021: $101,921 (+$17,876, +21.27% from previous year)
- 2022: $121,022 (+$19,101, +18.74% from previous year)
- 2023: $121,185 (+$163, +0.13% from previous year)
- 2024: $121,045 (-$140, -0.12% from previous year)
- 2025: $127,143 (+$6,098, +5.04% from previous year)
Clinton’s home values have risen an impressive 125% since 2012, driven by a surge in demand over the last six years. Price growth was relatively mild during the early 2010s, but starting in 2018, the market gained serious momentum. Prices jumped more than $20,000 between 2020 and 2022 alone, and while growth slowed temporarily in 2023–2024, 2025 marked a return to upward movement. Still priced under $130,000, Clinton remains a clear standout in Indiana’s affordability landscape.
Clinton – Historic Charm Near the Wabash River
Clinton sits on the Wabash River in Vermillion County, just north of Terre Haute and near the Illinois state line. The town has a rich Italian-American heritage and is known regionally for hosting the Little Italy Festival each year. This cultural flavor is reflected in its architecture and civic pride. Clinton offers a walkable downtown, local schools, and a relatively strong infrastructure for a town of under 5,000 residents. It’s a practical choice for commuters to Terre Haute or anyone looking for small-town life with a bit of history and vibrancy.
Clinton’s housing stock includes older homes with generous lot sizes, many of which have seen modest renovations. The local economy is steady, with jobs in healthcare, education, and logistics nearby. With home prices still affordable and appreciation trending upward again, the town offers both value and momentum for those seeking an Indiana home that won’t break the bank.
15. Union City – 144% Home Price Increase Since 2012
- 2010: N/A
- 2011: N/A
- 2012: $51,824
- 2013: $53,309 (+$1,485, +2.87% from previous year)
- 2014: $52,989 (-$320, -0.60% from previous year)
- 2015: $56,516 (+$3,527, +6.66% from previous year)
- 2016: $55,939 (-$577, -1.02% from previous year)
- 2017: $61,057 (+$5,118, +9.15% from previous year)
- 2018: $67,303 (+$6,246, +10.23% from previous year)
- 2019: $76,627 (+$9,324, +13.85% from previous year)
- 2020: $79,616 (+$2,989, +3.90% from previous year)
- 2021: $93,028 (+$13,412, +16.85% from previous year)
- 2022: $106,480 (+$13,451, +14.46% from previous year)
- 2023: $112,428 (+$5,948, +5.59% from previous year)
- 2024: $117,333 (+$4,905, +4.36% from previous year)
- 2025: $126,460 (+$9,127, +7.78% from previous year)
Union City has seen one of the sharpest rises in home values among Indiana’s affordable towns. Prices have soared 144% since 2012, moving from just over $51,000 to more than $126,000 in 2025. After a few early fluctuations, the housing market took off in 2017 and hasn’t looked back. Annual growth has consistently hovered around 5–15%, with especially strong gains in the post-2020 years. Even with that rise, homes here remain within reach for many buyers.
Union City – Cross-Border Value With Small-Town Convenience
Union City is uniquely positioned on the Indiana-Ohio state line, forming a twin town with its neighbor of the same name across the border. This location gives residents access to two school districts, two local governments, and dual-state amenities. Despite its relatively small size, Union City has a strong sense of community and an active arts and business scene for a rural area. It offers modest homes, quiet neighborhoods, and the conveniences of small-town living without feeling too remote…