Salina, KS
⚖️ Balanced Market📊 Fundamental Scores
🎯 The Bottom Line
Salina offers stable affordability with modest appreciation. The neutral verdict suggests a balanced market for buy-and-hold investors seeking consistent cash flow over aggressive growth.
📈 Price History
📊 Market Activity
📈 Market Analysis
Market Cycle
The market is in a stable phase with a NEUTRAL verdict. Year-over-year appreciation is modest at 2.8%, indicating a lack of speculative frenzy. The balanced environment favors long-term holders rather than short-term flippers, as growth is steady but not explosive.
Supply & Demand
Inventory stands at 76 units with 52 new listings, creating a slightly buyer-favorable environment. Months of supply is at 2.5, which is balanced but leans toward a buyer's market. However, 37.5% of homes going off-market in two weeks shows that well-priced properties still move quickly, suggesting underlying demand remains healthy.
Pricing Power
Sellers have limited leverage with a sale-to-list ratio of 97.8%, meaning buyers are negotiating slight discounts. Price drops are prevalent at 26.3%, signaling that sellers must adjust expectations to secure contracts. The Days on Market (DOM) of 29 days is reasonable, reflecting a market where properties sell if priced correctly, but overpricing leads to stagnation.
Salina, KS Housing Market Forecast 2026–2028
🔮 Salina Price Forecast 2026–2028
Salina, KS Housing Market Forecast 2026–2028
As we look toward the 2026-2028 period, the Salina housing market forecast suggests a period of steady, modest appreciation rather than explosive growth. The current median price of $168,110 reflects a market that has already seen significant gains, with a 5-year price change of 33.0% and a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%. This momentum is likely to moderate, with annual appreciation aligning closer to the recent YoY Price Change of 2.8%. Salina's affordability remains a key draw, supported by a price-to-rent ratio of 15.7x, which is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for both first-time buyers and long-term rental investors. The local economy, anchored by education, healthcare, and manufacturing, provides a stable foundation for housing demand, though significant population influx is not anticipated.
When asking will Salina home prices drop between now and 2027, the data points to resilience rather than decline. The market's Days on Market of just 29 days indicates consistent buyer interest, while the Risk Grade of A highlights the area's low volatility and economic stability. The Market Temperature score of 66/100 suggests a balanced environment—not too hot to overheat, nor too cold to stagnate. For those considering Salina real estate Salina 2027 investments, the NEUTRAL buy/rent verdict implies that while immediate gains may be limited, long-term holding remains a sound strategy. Affordability will continue to be a central theme, likely insulating the market from sharp corrections seen in more volatile coastal markets.
Disclaimer: This forecast is a statistical projection based on historical price trends and should not be considered financial advice. Actual market outcomes may vary due to economic conditions, interest rates, local regulations, and other factors.
🏠 Rent vs Buy Analysis
Monthly Costs
With a median price of $168,110 and rent at $792/mo, the Price-to-Rent ratio is 15.7x. This ratio leans slightly toward buying, as values below 15x typically favor ownership. Monthly carrying costs for an owner-occupant likely align closely with rent, making buying financially comparable to renting in the short term.
5-Year View
Assuming historical trends continue, modest appreciation of 2.8% annually will build equity slowly. Rent growth may outpace appreciation slightly in this affordable market, but the stability of ownership hedges against inflation. The low DOM of 29 days ensures liquidity if needed.
When to Rent
- Job instability or short-term relocation plans
- Desire to avoid maintenance responsibilities
- Waiting for market correction or better inventory
When to Buy
- Long-term residency (5+ years) to amortize transaction costs
- Seeking equity building over rent payments
- Locking in a fixed mortgage payment amidst inflation
🧮 Can You Afford Salina? Interactive Calculator
Income Reality Check
Can you actually afford Salina?
Great! At 16.7%, this mortgage falls within healthy financial limits. You have strong purchasing power in Salina.
💰 Investment Thesis
Cash Flow
The Price-to-Rent ratio of 15.7x suggests potential for positive cash flow, especially with conservative financing. At a $792/mo rent, investors can target a 5-6% gross yield. With the Affordability score at 50, expenses remain manageable, supporting net yield expansion through operational efficiency.
House Hacking
The affordable entry price of $168,110 makes house hacking viable. An investor could occupy a unit while renting others, reducing personal housing costs. The neutral market conditions and 29 DOM allow for strategic purchasing without intense bidding wars, ideal for first-time investor-occupants.
Target Investor
This market suits the cash flow-focused investor with a moderate risk tolerance. The Investor score of 50 indicates a balanced environment—neither a high-growth boomtown nor a stagnant market. Ideal for those building a portfolio in stable, affordable Midwest markets with long-term hold strategies rather than speculative flips.
🏘️ House Hacking Calculator Interactive Calculator
House Hacking CalculatorOwner-Occupied Multi-Fam
🗺️ Neighborhood Breakdown
Entry-Level
Entry-level homes dominate the market, aligning with the median price of $168,110. These properties attract first-time buyers and investors seeking affordability. With a 26.3% price drop rate, sellers in this segment must price competitively. Rent demand is steady, supporting cash flow for small multifamily or single-family rentals.
Mid-Range
Mid-range properties offer a balance of value and amenities. The 2.8% YoY growth applies here, providing stable appreciation. Inventory levels suggest moderate competition, with 97.8% sale-to-list ratio indicating room for negotiation. These homes appeal to families and long-term renters, ensuring lower turnover.
Premium
Premium segments are less active, given the market's affordability focus. Higher-priced homes may face longer DOM if not priced right, though the overall 29 DOM indicates liquidity. Investors should be cautious here, as the Boomtown score of 57 suggests limited upside for luxury appreciation compared to entry-level growth.