Recent data from the Zillow Home Value Index reveals that investor activity is reshaping the housing landscape across Arkansas. In these 15 towns, home prices have surged far beyond historical norms — not because of local demand, but because of outside investment pressure. The result is what experts call a full-blown investor feeding frenzy, where recent price spikes outpace long-term averages by 50% or more.
In some of these markets, the acceleration is so extreme it signals serious affordability strain, especially for local families. This ranking shows which Arkansas communities are seeing the biggest distortions, and just how fast speculative buying is transforming once-accessible towns into investor-driven hot zones.
15. Tumbling Shoals – Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor 1.90% (July 2025)
- Historical annual growth rate (2012–2022): 4.36%
- Recent annual growth rate (2022–2025): 4.44%
- Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor: 1.90%
- Current 2025 price: $251,849.43
Tumbling Shoals shows minimal investor feeding frenzy activity with only a slight acceleration in recent price growth. The town maintains relatively stable market conditions, with recent growth rates barely exceeding historical patterns. At $251,849, home prices reflect the area’s desirability without the dramatic speculation seen elsewhere in Arkansas.
Tumbling Shoals – Steady Growth Amid Statewide Speculation
Located in Cleburne County along the Little Red River, Tumbling Shoals represents one of Arkansas’s most stable housing markets despite commanding the highest median price on this list. The community’s proximity to Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River has long attracted retirees and second-home buyers, creating steady demand that supports consistent price appreciation without speculative bubbles. The town’s limited housing stock and scenic riverfront properties naturally maintain higher values, but the modest 1.90% feeding frenzy factor indicates prices remain tied to genuine local demand rather than investor manipulation.
The area’s reputation as a premier trout fishing destination and its established vacation rental market provide economic fundamentals that support the $251,849 median price point. Unlike communities experiencing rapid speculation, Tumbling Shoals benefits from long-term residents and regular visitors who understand local market conditions, preventing the price distortions that plague investor-heavy markets elsewhere in the state.
14. Booneville – Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor 2.40% (July 2025)
- Historical annual growth rate (2012–2022): 6.58%
- Recent annual growth rate (2022–2025): 6.73%
- Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor: 2.40%
- Current 2025 price: $118,395.17
Booneville demonstrates remarkably consistent growth patterns with minimal investor disruption. The town’s strong historical appreciation rate of 6.58% has continued steadily into recent years, suggesting a healthy local market driven by genuine demand rather than speculation. At $118,395, homes remain among the most affordable on this list while maintaining steady value growth.
Booneville – Mountain Town Stability in Logan County
This Logan County seat nestled in the Arkansas River Valley has maintained consistent housing demand through its role as a regional service center and its proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities in the Ouachita Mountains. Booneville’s economy benefits from its position along Interstate 40 and the presence of several manufacturing facilities, providing stable employment that supports local housing demand. The town’s historical growth rate of 6.58% reflects genuine economic fundamentals rather than speculative investment, with recent slight acceleration to 6.73% indicating healthy market conditions…