Market Intelligence Report — IA-980

Iowa City, IA

Monthly housing intelligence, market trends, and trusted local expertise.

Ref. No: 2026-IA-05
As of the latest 2026 data
Accelerated

Median Listing

$358K
+0.6% YoY

Pending Ratio

0.70
+25.9% YoY

Active Inventory

779
-6.3% YoY

Median DOM

64 Days
+39.1% YoY

Primary Intelligence Tool — Sold Score™

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The Iowa City market currently presents an Accelerated condition. With a pending ratio of 0.70, demand is demonstrably exceeding the pace of new inventory, despite a modest increase in the median listing price of 0.6% year-over-year.

Local Market Signals

Source: FRED (St. Louis Fed)

Local economic trends can influence how quickly homes sell and how much competition sellers may face.

Local economic indicators are not yet available for this metro. Check back soon.
Market Analysis

What's moving the Iowa City market right now.

Active listings have contracted by 6.3% year-over-year, while new listings saw a slight increase of 1.5%. The pending ratio has increased significantly by 25.9% year-over-year, indicating a notable acceleration in demand absorption. Median days on market have also expanded by 39.1% year-over-year, suggesting properties are taking longer to move despite the strong demand.

Monica Hayes
Monica Hayes
Independent

Local pricing and inventory dynamics across Iowa City shift block by block — happy to walk through what's actually closing.

Historical Analysis

Market Trends

Median Price

$358K+2.6% MoM

Active Inventory

779-6.3% YoY

Days on Market

64+39.1% YoY

Sold Score™

72+25.9% YoY

Sold Score™ Over Time

Market liquidity index • 36 months

72
Jun 23May 26

Price & Days on Market

Median listing vs market velocity

Price DOM
Jun 23May 26

Inventory Dynamics

Total active listings vs new monthly supply

Active New listings
Jun 23Jan 24Aug 24Mar 25Oct 25May 26

Sourced from Realtor.com RDC Inventory Core Metrics, supplemented by the Primpted research desk. Updated As of the latest 2026 data.

Market Signals & Indicators

Negotiating Leverage

The escalating pending ratio indicates a market where demand dynamics are exerting upward pressure on transaction pace. Buyers may find a more constrained selection, necessitating prompt action on desirable listings. This environment generally supports sellers in maintaining price discipline.

Luxury Segment

The average listing price has declined by 5.0% year-over-year, while the median listing price increased by 0.6% and median $/sqft rose by 6.6%. This divergence suggests a recalibration within the higher-priced segments of the market, where pricing power may be softening despite overall market acceleration.

Supply Dynamics

779 active listings represent the current floor, with new supply arriving at roughly 272 per month.

Pricing Pressure
7.1%

of active listings carry a price reduction, -4.4% from prior period.

$/Sq Ft
$0K

Median price per square foot has moved +6.6% year-over-year.

Absorption
0.70

Pending-to-active ratio — Accelerated.

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Metro Demographics

Metro Area
Iowa City, IA
CBSA Code
26980
State
IA

Vetted Local Practitioners

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Analysis FAQ
  • What is the current market condition in Iowa City?+

    As of the latest 2026 data, the Iowa City metro is classified as Accelerated. Pending ratio is 0.70 with median days on market at 64.

  • Are home prices dropping in Iowa City?+

    Median listing price is $358K, +0.6% year over year. 7.1% of active listings carry a price reduction.

  • How fast are homes selling in Iowa City?+

    The typical listing sits 64 days on market, a +39.1% change YoY. New listings are arriving at 272 per month.

  • What's happening in the Iowa City luxury market?+

    The average listing price has declined by 5.0% year-over-year, while the median listing price increased by 0.6% and median $/sqft rose by 6.6%. This divergence suggests a recalibration within the higher-priced segments of the market, where pricing power may be softening despite overall market acceleration.

  • Where can I find a trusted Iowa City real estate expert?+

    Primpted maintains a vetted registry of Iowa City agents with verified credentials, Google reviews, and neighborhood specialization. See the Featured Experts section above.

Data & Methodology

Primary data sourced via Realtor.com's RDC Inventory Core Metrics (CBSA-level), supplemented by editorial analysis and the Primpted local expert registry. Historical trends calculated on a rolling 12-month basis. Past direction is not a forecast.

As of the latest 2026 data · CBSA 26980 · 36mo history