Real Estate Market

Last updated: September 2026

📈 12-Month Price Trend — Moultrie

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 Moultrie

Moultrie, Illinois offers a refreshingly affordable entry point into homeownership compared to much of the state. With a median home price of $187,441, buyers in Moultrie can access quality housing stock without the financial strain that comes with purchasing in larger Illinois metros like Chicago or Springfield. That median price sits well within reach for the area's median household income of $72,833, suggesting a healthy price-to-income ratio that allows residents to build equity without overextending their budgets. For first-time buyers especially, Moultrie represents the kind of market where a modest down payment and solid credit score can unlock genuine opportunities in a real community with deep roots. Market conditions in Moultrie reflect a stable and modestly appreciating environment. The median home price has ticked up 0.2% compared to last month, a sign of steady demand rather than volatile speculation. This measured pace of appreciation is actually a hallmark of small-town Illinois real estate markets, where prices tend to move gradually and predictably rather than in dramatic swings. Buyers benefit from a calmer atmosphere than what they might encounter in competitive suburban markets, meaning there's generally less pressure to waive contingencies or submit far-above-asking offers just to secure a property. When preparing to buy in Moultrie, it pays to work with a local real estate agent who understands the nuances of Moultrie County's housing inventory. Because the community is relatively small, off-market listings and word-of-mouth deals can be common, and a well-connected local professional may surface opportunities before they ever hit major listing platforms. Buyers should also be prepared to act with some decisiveness when well-priced properties appear, as the most desirable homes in smaller markets can move quickly once listed. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage before beginning your search is essential and signals to sellers that you are a serious, capable buyer. What makes Moultrie especially attractive to homebuyers is the combination of affordability, community character, and central Illinois living. The town offers a quieter pace of life with access to local amenities, agricultural heritage, and a tight-knit social fabric that is increasingly rare and increasingly valued. With a homeownership rate of 78.0%, far above the national average, it's clear that residents who land in Moultrie tend to stay and put down roots. For buyers seeking long-term stability, a strong sense of community, and a home that doesn't consume their entire income, Moultrie, Illinois deserves serious consideration.

🏢 Renting in Moultrie

The rental market in Moultrie, Illinois is notably affordable, with a median monthly rent of $767. That figure is significantly below state and national medians, making Moultrie an attractive option for renters who prioritize keeping housing costs low while enjoying a quieter, small-town Illinois lifestyle. Whether you're a young professional new to the workforce, a retiree looking to downsize without financial pressure, or a family saving toward eventual homeownership, the rental landscape here offers genuine value. Renters can typically expect to find single-family homes, duplexes, and modest apartment units available throughout the community, with the inventory reflecting the area's predominantly residential character. At $767 per month, renters in Moultrie are getting considerably more space and comfort than that same dollar amount would buy in urban Illinois markets. It's reasonable to expect that a rental at or near the median price point could include multiple bedrooms, a yard or outdoor space, and off-street parking — amenities that would cost dramatically more in cities like Peoria, Champaign, or Chicago. The rental housing stock in Moultrie tends toward older, well-established homes with character, reflecting the town's history and development patterns. While ultra-modern apartment complexes may be limited, renters who appreciate authentic housing and a residential neighborhood feel will find plenty to like. When weighing whether to rent or buy in Moultrie, the math increasingly favors buying for those who plan to stay in the area for several years. A median monthly rent of $767 compared to a median home price of $187,441 suggests that a mortgage payment at current interest rates could potentially land in a similar or comparable monthly range, particularly with a solid down payment. The community's high homeownership rate of 78.0% tells its own story — most residents who can buy, do buy. Renting makes the most sense for those who are new to the area and want to get to know the community before committing, or for individuals who value flexibility over equity-building for the time being.

📖 Moultrie Real Estate Market History

Moultrie, Illinois, like much of rural central Illinois, was built on an agricultural foundation that has shaped its real estate market for generations. The fertile farmland surrounding the community made it a natural hub for farming families and the businesses that served them throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As agriculture mechanized and farms consolidated over the decades, the local population stabilized rather than boomed, which helped preserve a housing stock that is older, modestly sized, and deeply affordable. The land itself — flat, productive, and tied to corn and soybean cultivation — remains one of the defining economic and cultural forces in the region, influencing everything from local employment patterns to the values residents place on stability and stewardship. The economic drivers of Moultrie and its surrounding county have historically included agriculture-related industries, small retail and service businesses, and public sector employment through schools and local government. While the town lacks the large industrial employers found in some Illinois communities, its economic base has provided enough steady employment to sustain homeownership at impressively high rates. The median household income of $72,833 reflects a workforce that is largely employed in practical, skilled, and service-oriented fields that align well with the cost of living in the area. Over time, proximity to larger regional centers has also meant that some residents commute for work while choosing to live in Moultrie for its affordability and quality of life. The real estate market in Moultrie has evolved gradually and without the dramatic boom-and-bust cycles that have defined housing in larger Illinois metros. Prices have historically appreciated slowly and steadily, preserving affordability while still rewarding long-term homeowners who have built equity over years and decades. The current median home price of $187,441, with modest month-over-month appreciation of 0.2%, fits neatly into that long historical pattern of measured, reliable growth. As remote work has expanded the geographic options available to workers across the country, small communities like Moultrie have seen modest renewed interest from buyers seeking value and simplicity — a trend that may gradually shape the market in the years ahead without fundamentally altering the community's welcoming, affordable character.

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