Real Estate Market

Last updated: September 2026

📈 12-Month Price Trend — Yates

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 Yates

Buying a home in Yates, New York presents an appealing opportunity for those seeking a quieter, more affordable slice of Western New York living. The median home price in Yates currently sits at $328,917, a figure that reflects the area's growing desirability while still remaining accessible compared to larger metro markets across the state. This price point allows buyers to enter the market with more square footage and land than they might find in nearby urban centers, making Yates particularly attractive for families, retirees, and remote workers looking to stretch their housing budget without sacrificing quality of life. The modest month-over-month price increase of 0.6% suggests a market that is appreciating steadily rather than surging erratically, which is generally a healthy sign for long-term investment. Market conditions in Yates reflect a community where homeownership is deeply ingrained in the local culture. With a homeownership rate of 77.3%, the vast majority of residents have chosen to put down roots here, which speaks volumes about the community's stability and the confidence locals place in the local housing market as a long-term asset. This high ownership rate also means that inventory can be somewhat limited at times, as fewer residents are cycling in and out of the rental market or frequently listing their properties. Buyers should be prepared to act with focus and intention when a desirable property becomes available. When preparing to buy in Yates, prospective homeowners should consider working with a local real estate agent who has specific knowledge of Orleans County and the surrounding region. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage before beginning your search will give you a meaningful competitive advantage, especially in a community where well-priced homes attract genuine interest from buyers who understand the area's value. It is also wise to budget for property inspections, closing costs, and potential upgrades, as some of the older housing stock in rural Western New York communities may require attention to systems like roofing, heating, or insulation. Partnering with a lender familiar with rural or small-town New York financing options can also open doors to programs that reduce upfront costs. What makes Yates particularly attractive as a place to buy is the combination of community character, natural surroundings, and relative affordability within New York State. Situated in Orleans County, Yates is surrounded by farmland, open skies, and access to Lake Ontario to the north, offering a lifestyle that blends rural charm with reasonable proximity to larger towns like Medina and the broader Rochester metro area. The tight-knit nature of the community, combined with a housing market that rewards patient and well-prepared buyers, makes Yates a compelling choice for those who value stability, space, and a genuine sense of place. For buyers who are ready to commit to a community rather than simply a property, Yates has a great deal to offer.

🏢 Renting in Yates

The rental market in Yates, New York is modest in scale but offers genuine value for those not yet ready or willing to commit to homeownership. The median monthly rent of $773 is notably affordable, especially when compared to statewide averages and the costs renters face in larger New York cities. This price point reflects the rural and small-town character of the Yates community, where the cost of living remains grounded in the realities of a working-class and agricultural economy. For individuals, couples, or small families looking to establish themselves in the area before purchasing, renting in Yates can serve as a practical and financially sound first step. At $773 per month, renters in Yates can generally expect to find options that include more living space and outdoor access than one might find at a similar price in an urban setting. Single-family homes, duplexes, and small apartment units are the most common rental configurations in communities like this throughout Orleans County. Many rentals come with yards, garages, or proximity to agricultural land, offering a lifestyle experience that urban renters rarely encounter at this price. Utilities, local services, and day-to-day expenses in Yates also tend to run lean compared to metro areas, meaning the overall cost of living for renters here can be quite manageable relative to the median household income of $63,974. When weighing whether to rent or buy in Yates, the numbers make a compelling case for purchasing when you are financially ready. The median home price of $328,917, financed with a conventional 30-year mortgage at current rates, would result in a monthly payment that is meaningfully higher than the $773 median rent, particularly when taxes, insurance, and maintenance are factored in. However, renting offers flexibility and lower upfront costs, making it the smarter short-term choice for those still building savings or exploring the community. For those who plan to stay in Yates long-term, buying is likely the stronger financial path given the area's steady appreciation and the wealth-building advantages of homeownership in a community where 77.3% of residents already own their homes.

📖 Yates Real Estate Market History

The real estate history of Yates, New York is deeply intertwined with the agricultural and industrial heritage of Orleans County and the broader Genesee Valley region. Like many small towns in Western New York, Yates developed in the 19th century as farming communities took hold across the fertile plains south of Lake Ontario. The land here was well-suited to fruit orchards, vegetable farming, and grain production, and many of the older homes that still stand in the area were built by farm families who intended to stay for generations. This agricultural legacy laid the foundation for a housing culture centered on ownership, self-sufficiency, and long-term rootedness in the land. Throughout the 20th century, the economic drivers of the region shifted somewhat as manufacturing and industrial employment became more prominent in nearby towns and cities. The broader Rochester metro economy, anchored by major employers in manufacturing, healthcare, and education, created a commuter class of workers who valued the affordability and open space of rural communities like Yates while still maintaining access to urban employment centers. Local agricultural operations, small businesses, and public sector employment in Orleans County schools and government also played important roles in sustaining the community's economic base. These factors collectively helped maintain demand for housing in Yates even as rural populations across the Northeast experienced broader demographic pressures. In more recent decades, the Yates real estate market has evolved in response to broader trends including low interest rate environments, increased interest in rural living following the COVID-19 pandemic, and steady in-migration from higher-cost areas of New York State. Home values have appreciated from historically modest levels, and the current median price of $328,917 represents meaningful growth compared to where prices stood in the early 2000s. The community has retained its largely residential and agricultural character while gradually attracting new buyers who see value in the lifestyle and relative affordability it offers. This slow and steady evolution has kept the Yates market stable without triggering the volatility seen in more speculative real estate markets elsewhere in the country.

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