Home Values in Lawrence, Kansas — 2026 Market Report
Updated March 2026 | Seller's Market | +2.3% YoY
The median home value in Lawrence, Kansas is $265,000 as of March 2026, which is below the national median of $400,000. Home values in Lawrence have increased by 2.3% over the past year and 12% over the last five years. With a population of 94,934 and a median household income of $48,250, the price-to-income ratio stands at 5.5x, making Lawrence affordable for the average household.
Lawrence Housing Market Conditions
| Metric | Lawrence | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $265,000 | $400,000 |
| YoY Appreciation | +2.3% | +3.8% |
| 5-Year Appreciation | +12% | +22.4% |
| Price per Sq Ft | $81 | $222 |
| Days on Market | 44 days | 45 days |
| Months of Supply | 1.6 | 3.5 |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 97.9% | 98.5% |
| Monthly Homes Sold | 83 | — |
| Foreclosure Rate | 0.12% | 0.3% |
Home Value Trends in Lawrence
A homeowner who purchased at the median price of $236,607 five years ago in Lawrence would have gained approximately $28,393 in equity, representing a 12% return on investment. Over the past year alone, the typical homeowner gained $5,958 in home equity.
Affordability in Lawrence, KS
With a median household income of $48,250 and a median home price of $265,000, the price-to-income ratio in Lawrence is 5.5x. A ratio below 3x is generally considered affordable, while above 5x indicates significant affordability challenges. The average monthly rent of $1,407 compared to estimated monthly ownership costs of $1,569 gives a rent-vs-buy ratio of 1.12. In Lawrence, buying is currently competitive with renting when factoring in equity accumulation.
Property Taxes in Lawrence
The effective property tax rate in Kansas is 1.41%. On a home valued at $265,000, the estimated annual property tax bill is $3,737, or approximately $311/month. Property taxes are an important factor in the total cost of homeownership and can significantly impact affordability. The cost of living index in Lawrence is 90.5 (100 = national average), indicating living costs are below the national average.
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Open Mortgage CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
What is the median home value in Lawrence, KS?
The median home value in Lawrence, Kansas is $265,000 as of March 2026. Home values have changed +2.3% over the past year, with a 5-year appreciation of 12%.
Is Lawrence a buyer's or seller's market?
Lawrence is currently a seller's market with 1.6 months of housing supply. Homes spend an average of 44 days on market, and the list-to-sale price ratio is 97.9%. Low inventory gives sellers an advantage.
Are home values going up in Lawrence?
Yes, home values in Lawrence have increased by 2.3% over the past year. The 5-year appreciation rate is 12%, meaning a home worth $236,607 five years ago is now worth $265,000.
Is it better to rent or buy in Lawrence?
The average monthly rent in Lawrence is $1,407, while estimated monthly homeownership costs are approximately $1,569. The price-to-rent ratio is 15.7. Based on current conditions, buying may be more cost-effective than renting in this market.
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Disclaimer: Home value data for Lawrence, Kansas is based on publicly available market data and estimates. Actual home values may vary based on property condition, location within the city, and current market conditions. Data is updated regularly but may not reflect the most recent transactions. Last updated: March 2026.