Real Estate Market

Last updated: September 2026

📈 12-Month Price Trend — Holmes

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 Holmes

Holmes, Ohio offers prospective homebuyers a compelling entry point into a stable and community-oriented real estate market. With a median home price of $373,939, Holmes sits at a level that reflects genuine value for the quality of life and acreage that many properties in this rural county provide. This price point is particularly notable given Holmes County's reputation as one of the largest Amish communities in the world, where land, craftsmanship, and tradition hold deep cultural and economic significance. Buyers coming from larger Ohio metros like Columbus or Cleveland will often find that their dollar stretches considerably further in Holmes, with properties frequently offering larger lots, outbuildings, and well-maintained interiors built with the quality woodworking the region is known for. Market conditions in Holmes County reflect a modest but steady upward trend, with prices rising approximately 0.7% compared to the previous month. This incremental growth suggests a market that is appreciating without the volatile swings seen in more urban Ohio markets, making Holmes an appealing destination for buyers who prioritize stability over rapid equity gains. The high homeownership rate of 78.0% is a strong signal that residents who plant roots here tend to stay, reducing the churn that can destabilize housing markets elsewhere. This kind of market consistency is reassuring for first-time buyers who want to make a long-term investment without fear of sudden downturns. When approaching the Holmes County real estate market, buyers should come prepared with a clear sense of their priorities, whether that means proximity to Millersburg, the county seat, or access to the rural stretches that define much of the county's landscape. Working with a local real estate agent who understands the nuances of Holmes County — including agricultural zoning, well and septic considerations common in rural properties, and the unique inventory mix of Amish-built and traditionally constructed homes — is essential. Buyers should also be aware that properties in desirable areas or with strong acreage can attract competitive attention, so having financing pre-approved before beginning serious tours is strongly recommended. Given that the median household income in Holmes is $72,987, many buyers will find that conventional and USDA rural development loans are both viable financing paths worth exploring. What makes Holmes County truly distinctive as a place to buy a home goes beyond the numbers. The county is home to a tight-knit community culture, remarkably low crime rates relative to state averages, and a thriving local economy built around agriculture, tourism, and handcrafted goods. Buyers drawn to small-town Ohio living will find Holmes County offers an authentic version of that experience, with local farmers markets, artisan shops, and scenic rolling hills that make everyday life genuinely picturesque. The combination of reasonable home prices, steady appreciation, a high ownership culture, and a community identity that is deeply rooted makes Holmes County one of Ohio's most underrated real estate destinations for buyers seeking long-term satisfaction in their investment.

🏢 Renting in Holmes

The rental market in Holmes County, Ohio is modest in scale but notably affordable, with a median monthly rent of just $749. This figure places Holmes well below state and national rental averages, making it an accessible option for individuals and families who are not yet ready to purchase or who prefer the flexibility that renting provides. Because Holmes County is primarily a rural, homeownership-driven community — with 78.0% of residents owning their homes — the rental inventory tends to be limited compared to more urbanized Ohio counties. Renters should expect a market where available units move relatively quickly and where options may skew toward single-family homes, duplexes, and small apartment buildings rather than large complexes or high-rise developments. At $749 per month, renters in Holmes County can generally expect to find comfortable, functional living spaces that reflect the practical and well-built character of the region. In and around Millersburg and smaller communities like Killbuck or Coshocton-adjacent areas, renters may find two- to three-bedroom homes or apartments that offer more square footage than comparable rents would yield in larger Ohio cities. Utilities, parking, and outdoor space are often included or more accessible at this price point than in urban markets. For families or individuals relocating to Holmes County for work in the local manufacturing, agricultural, or tourism sectors, renting first is a smart way to explore different neighborhoods and communities before committing to a purchase. When weighing renting versus buying in Holmes County, the financial case for homeownership is quite compelling, particularly for those with stable income and the ability to make a down payment. At $749 per month in rent, a renter is spending approximately $8,988 per year with no equity accumulation, while a buyer financing a median-priced home of $373,939 at current mortgage rates would be building ownership stake with each payment in a market that is showing consistent, if modest, appreciation. Given the median household income of $72,987 and the county's strong homeownership culture, many renters in Holmes County are likely in a transitional phase rather than choosing long-term tenancy. For those who are financially ready, transitioning from renting to buying in Holmes County is a move that the local market broadly supports, and the relatively low rental costs can serve as an excellent opportunity to save aggressively toward a down payment in the interim.

📖 Holmes Real Estate Market History

Holmes County, Ohio has long been defined by an economy rooted in agriculture, skilled craftsmanship, and a deeply traditional way of life that has shaped its real estate landscape for generations. The county's large and well-established Amish population — one of the largest concentrations in the world — has had a profound influence on property values, land use patterns, and the physical character of homes throughout the region. Agricultural land has historically held strong value here, and the tradition of multigenerational land stewardship means that properties often exchange hands within families or communities rather than through conventional market transactions. This dynamic has contributed to a historically stable real estate environment where speculative development has been rare and community-driven growth has been the norm. The economic backbone of Holmes County has evolved over the decades to include not just farming but a robust network of small businesses, artisan manufacturers, and a thriving tourism industry centered on Amish country attractions. Major employers in the region include manufacturing companies in the wood products and furniture sector, healthcare providers like Pomerene Hospital in Millersburg, and a wide range of agricultural operations. The tourism economy, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to Holmes County for its scenic byways, cheese houses, quilt shops, and authentic cultural experiences, has also supported hospitality-related employment and bolstered local tax revenue in ways that benefit infrastructure and community services. This diverse but interconnected economic base has historically insulated Holmes County from the more dramatic real estate downturns experienced by communities that are dependent on a single industry. Over the past two decades, Holmes County's real estate market has gradually shifted from a purely local, insular market to one that attracts buyers from across Ohio and beyond who are seeking rural retreats, affordable acreage, or a meaningful change of pace from urban living. The rise of remote work in the early 2020s accelerated interest in communities like Holmes County, where buyers discovered that high-quality rural living was within financial reach. Home prices have risen accordingly, with the current median of $373,939 reflecting a market that has matured significantly from the more modest valuations of earlier decades while still remaining accessible relative to Ohio's urban centers. The 0.7% month-over-month appreciation seen in today's market is consistent with the measured, steady growth trajectory that has characterized Holmes County real estate across its modern history — a market built on durability rather than speculation.

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