Real Estate Market

Last updated: September 2026

📈 12-Month Price Trend — Scott

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 Scott

Scott, Illinois offers one of the most accessible entry points into homeownership in the entire state, with a median home price of just $90,375. For buyers coming from larger Illinois metros like Springfield, Peoria, or the Chicago suburbs, this figure represents a dramatic shift in purchasing power. A budget that might secure a modest condo or starter home in a city can stretch to cover a full-sized single-family home with a yard, garage, and room to grow in Scott. This affordability is especially compelling given that the median household income in the community sits at $70,500, meaning the typical resident is in a genuinely favorable position to pursue homeownership without overextending financially. The current market in Scott shows a slight softening, with median home prices dipping approximately 1.6% compared to the previous month. While any price decline can feel unsettling to sellers, it actually represents an opportunity for buyers who have been waiting for a more favorable entry point. Buyers in Scott today may find motivated sellers who are willing to negotiate on price, closing costs, or contingencies, giving purchasers more leverage than they might have experienced during tighter market conditions. It is worth noting, however, that markets in small rural Illinois communities can shift quickly, so buyers should be prepared to act when the right property becomes available. When preparing to buy in Scott, prospective homeowners should work with a lender familiar with rural Illinois financing options, including USDA Rural Development loans, which may be available to eligible buyers in communities like Scott. These programs can offer zero down payment options and competitive interest rates, making it even easier to achieve ownership at the community's already-affordable price points. Buyers should also budget carefully for inspections and potential updates, as older homes in small Illinois towns sometimes require attention to roofing, HVAC systems, or plumbing. Partnering with a local real estate agent who has direct experience in Morgan County and the surrounding area will be invaluable in navigating the nuances of the Scott housing market. What makes Scott truly attractive beyond its price tag is the quality of life it affords residents who value space, community, and a slower pace of living. Nestled in west-central Illinois, Scott offers a sense of belonging that is increasingly rare in more densely populated areas. With an exceptionally high homeownership rate of 82%, the community is clearly composed of long-term, invested residents who take pride in their properties and their neighborhood. Buyers who prioritize financial stability, low cost of living, and a tight-knit small-town environment will find Scott to be a genuinely rewarding place to put down roots and build long-term equity.

🏢 Renting in Scott

The rental market in Scott, Illinois reflects the same affordability that defines the broader housing landscape in this small west-central Illinois community. With a median monthly rent of just $619, renters in Scott can secure housing at a fraction of what comparable accommodations would cost in larger Illinois cities. This low rental cost means that residents can maintain a comfortable standard of living without dedicating an outsized portion of their income to housing, leaving more room in the budget for savings, transportation, and daily expenses. While rental inventory in small towns like Scott can be limited compared to urban markets, those who do find available units benefit significantly from the community's overall low cost structure. At $619 per month, renters in Scott can generally expect to find modest single-family homes, older apartment units, or duplex-style rentals that offer practical, livable space suited to individuals, couples, and small families alike. Unlike renters in larger metro areas who might spend that same amount on a studio apartment, Scott renters are more likely to access properties with multiple bedrooms, private outdoor space, and off-street parking. The rural character of the community means that rental properties often come with the kind of square footage and land that simply cannot be found at this price point elsewhere in Illinois. For those relocating to the area for work or family reasons, renting first is a smart way to get to know the community before committing to a purchase. When weighing the decision to rent versus buy in Scott, the financial math increasingly favors ownership for those who plan to stay in the community for several years. With a median home price of $90,375, a buyer putting 10% down would face a principal loan amount of just over $81,000, which at current interest rates could translate to a monthly mortgage payment that is competitive with or even lower than the $619 median rent. Renting does provide flexibility and freedom from maintenance responsibilities, which can be valuable for newcomers or those with uncertain long-term plans. However, given the community's 82% homeownership rate, it is clear that the vast majority of Scott residents have found that buying makes more financial sense, and prospective renters with stable income and plans to stay should strongly consider transitioning to ownership sooner rather than later.

📖 Scott Real Estate Market History

Scott, Illinois is a small incorporated village in Morgan County, an area whose economic and real estate history has been deeply shaped by the agricultural traditions of west-central Illinois. Like many rural communities across the Illinois heartland, Scott developed in close relationship with farming, with the surrounding land supporting grain production, livestock operations, and the networks of small businesses that served agricultural families throughout the region. Property values and housing development in Scott historically followed the rhythms of the farm economy, with periods of rural prosperity driving construction and community growth, while broader agricultural downturns and rural population shifts created long periods of market stability or modest decline. The community's housing stock reflects this history, with many homes dating back several decades and bearing the architectural character of mid-twentieth century rural Illinois construction. The broader Morgan County economy, anchored by the nearby city of Jacksonville, has served as an important stabilizing force for communities like Scott. Jacksonville supports a range of employers across healthcare, manufacturing, education, and social services sectors, including Passavant Area Hospital and several manufacturing firms that have maintained operations in the region over many decades. Residents of Scott have historically commuted to Jacksonville and other nearby employment centers, meaning the village functions in many ways as a residential community whose real estate fortunes are tied to the health of the surrounding regional economy. This relationship between Scott and its neighbors has helped sustain a steady base of residents even as many similarly sized rural Illinois communities experienced sharper population and housing market declines during the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Over time, Scott's real estate market has evolved into one defined by extreme affordability and high owner-occupancy rates rather than by rapid price appreciation or speculative activity. The 82% homeownership rate in the community speaks to a deeply rooted culture of ownership that has persisted across generations, with many properties passing within families or remaining in the hands of long-term community members. While Scott has not experienced the kind of dramatic home price escalation seen in Illinois's growth markets, it has also demonstrated a degree of resilience, maintaining its affordable character and its appeal to buyers who prioritize value and community stability over investment returns. The recent modest price adjustment of 1.6% month-over-month is consistent with the kind of gradual, low-volatility market behavior that has historically characterized real estate in small west-central Illinois communities like Scott.

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