Real Estate Market

Last updated: September 2026

📈 12-Month Price Trend — Duval

Median home price over the last 12 months. Source: Zillow Research.

📋 Market Summary

🏘️ Housing Profile

Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.

🗺️ Nearby County Comparison

🏠 Buying a Home in Duval

Duval, Florida offers homebuyers a relatively accessible entry point into the Sunshine State's real estate market, with a median home price of $294,579. Compared to many of Florida's more tourist-heavy or coastal markets, this price point represents meaningful value for buyers seeking to establish roots in a county with genuine economic substance and urban infrastructure. Whether you're a first-time buyer stretching your budget or a move-up buyer looking for space and community, Duval's median price sits within reach for households earning near or above the county's median household income of $65,579 — particularly with competitive mortgage products and down payment assistance programs available to Florida residents. The current market in Duval is showing signs of stability, with month-over-month price change holding steady at 0.0%. This kind of price plateau can be a double-edged sword for buyers: on one hand, it suggests the frenzied bidding wars of recent years may have cooled, giving purchasers more time to evaluate properties and negotiate terms. On the other hand, flat pricing can also signal a period of uncertainty, where sellers are reluctant to drop prices significantly and buyers are cautious about overcommitting. For savvy buyers, this equilibrium moment can actually be an ideal window to enter the market before any upward movement resumes. When buying in Duval, preparation is everything. Start by getting fully pre-approved — not just pre-qualified — so that when you find the right property, you can act decisively. Work with a local Duval-area real estate agent who understands the nuances between neighborhoods like Jacksonville's Riverside, San Marco, Southside, and the beaches communities that fall within the county's broad geographic footprint. Pay close attention to flood zone designations and insurance costs, as these can significantly affect your true monthly housing expense. Additionally, factor in Duval County's property tax rates and homestead exemption eligibility, which can provide meaningful long-term savings for primary residents. What makes Duval particularly attractive is its scale and diversity of lifestyle options all contained within a single county. As the home of the City of Jacksonville — one of the largest cities by land area in the contiguous United States — Duval County offers everything from urban loft living near the St. Johns River to quiet suburban subdivisions and waterfront properties along the Intracoastal. The county benefits from no state income tax, a relatively lower cost of living compared to South Florida, and ongoing infrastructure investment. Its proximity to world-class beaches, a growing healthcare and financial sector, and a strong military presence through Naval Station Mayport and NAS Jacksonville make it a well-rounded destination for buyers from all walks of life.

🏢 Renting in Duval

Duval County's rental market offers a compelling combination of affordability and variety, with a median monthly rent of $1,293. This figure is notably accessible when measured against Florida's broader rental landscape, where coastal markets in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Pinellas counties routinely push renters well past $2,000 per month for comparable units. In Duval, that $1,293 median can translate into a range of living situations — from studio and one-bedroom apartments in walkable Jacksonville neighborhoods like Springfield or Five Points, to larger two- and three-bedroom units in suburban areas like Mandarin, Baymeadows, or the Northside. Renters in Duval generally find that their dollar stretches further here than in many other major Florida metros, making it a popular landing spot for transplants, young professionals, and military families on assignment. What exactly does rent get you in Duval? At or near the median price of $1,293 per month, renters can reasonably expect a one-bedroom or smaller two-bedroom apartment with standard amenities in most parts of the county. Many apartment complexes in the suburban corridors offer community pools, fitness centers, and in-unit laundry at this price point, reflecting the competitive nature of the local rental market. Renters seeking more space — particularly three-bedroom single-family homes in desirable school districts — may find themselves pushing toward the $1,600 to $1,900 range. Duval's rental inventory spans everything from large professionally managed apartment communities to privately owned homes and townhouses, giving renters a genuinely diverse set of options across different price tiers and neighborhood aesthetics. When evaluating whether to rent or buy in Duval, the math deserves careful attention. With a median home price of $294,579, a buyer putting 10% down on a 30-year mortgage at current rates would likely face a monthly principal and interest payment in the range of $1,700 to $1,900 — and that's before factoring in property taxes, homeowner's insurance, HOA fees where applicable, and maintenance costs. Against a median rent of $1,293, renting can offer significant short-term financial flexibility, particularly for those who are new to the area and still learning which neighborhoods best suit their lifestyle. However, for residents who plan to stay in Duval for five or more years, buying begins to make considerable long-term sense, especially given the homeownership equity benefits and Florida's homestead protections. Your decision should ultimately hinge on job stability, length of intended stay, and how much liquidity you want to maintain.

📖 Duval Real Estate Market History

Duval County's real estate history is deeply intertwined with Jacksonville's rise as an economic and military hub along Florida's northeastern Atlantic coast. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Jacksonville served as a gateway city for goods and people moving through the South, and real estate development followed the railroads and river commerce that defined the era. The devastating fire of 1901, which destroyed much of downtown Jacksonville, paradoxically accelerated the city's modern development as ambitious rebuilding efforts reshaped the urban landscape with brick construction and planned streets. Throughout the mid-20th century, the establishment and expansion of major military installations — including Naval Air Station Jacksonville and the nearby Mayport Naval Station — injected a steady and reliable economic engine into the county that directly fueled demand for housing across all price ranges and tenure types. The economic drivers that shaped Duval's real estate market are varied and resilient. Beyond the military, Jacksonville grew into a major financial and insurance hub, home to the headquarters and regional offices of companies like Fidelity National Financial, EverBank (now TIAA Bank), and CSX Transportation. The healthcare sector, anchored by institutions like Mayo Clinic's southeastern campus, Baptist Health, and UF Health Jacksonville, has consistently generated well-paying jobs that support homeownership demand across the county. The Port of Jacksonville (JAXPORT) adds another layer of economic activity, contributing to the blue-collar and trade workforce that rounds out Duval's diverse employment base. Together, these sectors have historically buffered Duval's real estate market from the extreme boom-bust cycles seen in more tourism-dependent Florida counties. Duval's real estate market has evolved considerably over the past two decades, shaped by the broader forces of post-recession recovery, pandemic-era migration, and ongoing Florida population growth. In the years following the 2008 financial crisis, Jacksonville's market experienced significant distress, with foreclosures climbing and prices dropping sharply — a painful but ultimately temporary correction. Recovery gained momentum through the 2010s, and by the time the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a dramatic influx of remote workers fleeing high-cost Northern cities, Duval was well-positioned to absorb demand. Home prices in the county surged between 2020 and 2022 before beginning to stabilize. The current median of $294,579 with flat month-over-month growth reflects a market that has matured past its post-pandemic peak and is seeking a new equilibrium — one that still represents strong long-term fundamentals for both homeowners and investors.

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Data sourced from Zillow Research and Redfin Data Center. Updated monthly.