Akron OH Real Estate Market Data 2026
Akron is a city in northeastern Ohio (Summit County) that serves as the county seat and the fifth-largest city in the state. Once known as the "Rubber Capital of the World" due to its historic tire manufacturing industry, Akron has transitioned into a diversified economy anchored by healthcare, polymer research, and higher education. The city sits approximately 39 miles south of Cleveland within the larger Akron metropolitan statistical area, which encompasses all of Summit County and portions of surrounding counties.
Key Takeaways
Median home price in Akron reached $142,500 in early 2026, reflecting steady appreciation in an affordable Midwest market according to Zillow
Transaction volume across Summit County averaged 4,800 closed sales annually, making it one of Ohio's most active mid-size markets according to the Akron Area Board of Realtors
Average days on market dropped to 28 days for properly priced single-family homes according to Realtor.com
Commission rates in the Akron metro average 5.2% of sale price, with buyer-agent compensation averaging 2.5% according to NAR settlement data
Inventory remains below 2.0 months of supply, signaling continued seller advantage in most Akron neighborhoods according to the Ohio Association of Realtors
Akron Real Estate Market Fundamentals
The Akron housing market delivers a compelling value proposition for both homebuyers and real estate professionals. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Akron metro area contains approximately 703,000 residents spread across a housing stock of roughly 310,000 units. The market's affordability relative to national benchmarks continues to attract first-time buyers and investors alike.
How affordable is Akron compared to other Ohio metros? According to the National Association of Realtors, Akron's median home price sits approximately 18% below the statewide Ohio median of $173,800, making it one of the most accessible markets in the state for entry-level buyers.
| Metric | Akron | Ohio Statewide | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $142,500 | $173,800 | $412,000 |
| Price Per Square Foot | $89 | $112 | $215 |
| Median Household Income | $42,600 | $59,300 | $74,580 |
| Price-to-Income Ratio | 3.3x | 2.9x | 5.5x |
| Homeownership Rate | 52.8% | 66.1% | 65.7% |
According to Zillow's Home Value Index, Akron home values appreciated 4.2% year-over-year through Q1 2026, outpacing the national average of 3.1% during the same period. This appreciation trend reflects the broader pattern of affordable Midwest markets gaining traction as remote work expands the buyer pool beyond traditional geographic constraints.
Akron agents who leverage automated market data reporting through platforms like US Tech Automations can deliver weekly price-per-square-foot updates to their farm areas, positioning themselves as the definitive local market authority.
For agents building a farming strategy in Summit County, understanding the micro-market dynamics within Akron is essential. The city's diverse neighborhoods range from historic districts with century homes to newer suburban-style developments, each carrying distinct pricing and turnover characteristics. Agents tracking these variations through automated CRM workflows gain a measurable competitive advantage.
Transaction Volume and Sales Activity
According to the Akron Area Board of Realtors, Summit County recorded approximately 4,800 residential transactions in 2025, with Akron proper accounting for roughly 2,100 of those closings. The transaction distribution across property types reveals important patterns for farming agents.
| Property Type | Annual Sales | Median Price | Avg DOM | Share of Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Detached | 1,470 | $148,000 | 26 | 70.0% |
| Condominiums | 315 | $118,500 | 34 | 15.0% |
| Multi-Family (2-4 units) | 189 | $95,000 | 42 | 9.0% |
| Townhomes | 126 | $132,000 | 31 | 6.0% |
What neighborhoods in Akron have the highest sales velocity? According to MLS data compiled by the Akron Area Board of Realtors, West Akron, Firestone Park, and Ellet consistently lead in transaction volume, while Highland Square and Merriman Hills command premium pricing with moderate velocity.
The seasonal pattern in Akron follows typical Midwest cycles, with peak activity from April through August. According to Realtor.com seasonal data, approximately 42% of annual closings occur during these five months. Agents who time their farming mailer campaigns to precede the spring surge by 60-90 days capture listings before competitors ramp up activity.
| Month | Avg Monthly Sales | Median Price | Avg DOM |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 120 | $135,000 | 38 |
| February | 115 | $134,500 | 36 |
| March | 155 | $138,000 | 32 |
| April | 210 | $143,000 | 27 |
| May | 235 | $146,500 | 24 |
| June | 250 | $149,000 | 22 |
| July | 240 | $148,500 | 23 |
| August | 225 | $147,000 | 25 |
| September | 195 | $144,000 | 28 |
| October | 170 | $141,500 | 30 |
| November | 130 | $139,000 | 33 |
| December | 105 | $136,000 | 37 |
US Tech Automations enables agents to automate seasonal campaign adjustments, triggering increased mailer frequency during peak listing months while scaling back during slower periods to optimize marketing spend.
Price Analysis by Neighborhood
According to the Akron Area Board of Realtors and Zillow neighborhood data, pricing across Akron's established neighborhoods varies substantially. This granularity matters for agents selecting farm areas that align with their target commission income.
| Neighborhood | Median Price | YoY Change | Avg Lot Size | Dominant Era |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Square | $195,000 | +5.8% | 0.18 acres | 1910-1940 |
| Merriman Hills | $215,000 | +4.9% | 0.28 acres | 1920-1950 |
| West Akron | $128,000 | +3.7% | 0.15 acres | 1940-1960 |
| Firestone Park | $112,000 | +4.1% | 0.12 acres | 1920-1940 |
| Ellet | $135,000 | +3.2% | 0.20 acres | 1950-1970 |
| Wallhaven | $178,000 | +4.5% | 0.22 acres | 1930-1950 |
| Goodyear Heights | $105,000 | +5.2% | 0.14 acres | 1920-1940 |
| Chapel Hill | $168,000 | +3.9% | 0.25 acres | 1960-1980 |
How do Akron home prices compare to neighboring suburbs like Stow and Cuyahoga Falls? According to Zillow, Akron's city-wide median of $142,500 sits roughly 30% below Stow's median of $205,000 and about 22% below Cuyahoga Falls at $182,000, reflecting the urban-suburban price gradient typical of Midwest metros.
According to the Ohio Association of Realtors, Summit County's average price appreciation of 4.2% annually over the past three years has outpaced both the Youngstown metro (2.8%) and the Canton-Massillon metro (3.4%), positioning Akron as the growth leader among northeastern Ohio's secondary markets.
Commission Structure and Agent Economics
According to the National Association of Realtors 2025 Member Profile, the average commission rate in the Akron-Canton metro area is approximately 5.2% of sale price, split between listing and buyer agents. Post-NAR settlement adjustments have introduced more variability in buyer-side compensation.
| Commission Scenario | Listing Side | Buyer Side | Total Rate | Per-Transaction Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Full-Service | 2.7% | 2.5% | 5.2% | $3,848 (listing) |
| Negotiated Rate | 2.5% | 2.0% | 4.5% | $3,563 (listing) |
| Premium Service | 3.0% | 2.5% | 5.5% | $4,275 (listing) |
| Flat Fee + Buyer | $3,500 | 2.5% | Variable | $3,500 (listing) |
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for real estate agents in the Akron MSA is approximately $48,200, which requires roughly 12-14 transactions per year at the median price point. Agents who systematically farm specific neighborhoods using automated multi-touch campaigns through US Tech Automations typically capture a higher share of their farm area's transactions.
What is the average commission per transaction in Akron? According to Akron Area Board of Realtors closing data, the median listing-side commission on a $142,500 sale at 2.7% equals approximately $3,848, though agents in premium neighborhoods like Merriman Hills and Highland Square earn $5,265-$5,805 per listing-side transaction.
Inventory and Supply Metrics
According to the Ohio Association of Realtors, Summit County's active inventory stood at approximately 780 listings at the start of 2026, representing 1.9 months of supply based on trailing 12-month absorption rates. This tight supply environment favors listing agents and creates urgency for buyers.
| Inventory Metric | Current | 1 Year Ago | 5-Year Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Listings | 780 | 850 | 1,100 |
| Months of Supply | 1.9 | 2.1 | 2.7 |
| New Listings/Month | 420 | 445 | 475 |
| Absorption Rate | 410 | 405 | 400 |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 98.2% | 97.4% | 96.1% |
According to Realtor.com inventory tracking, the sharpest supply constraint exists in the $120,000-$180,000 price band, which accounts for the bulk of first-time buyer demand in Akron. Homes in this range average just 22 days on market, compared to 38 days for properties above $250,000.
Agents farming Akron neighborhoods with automated listing alert systems can identify new inventory within hours of MLS entry, giving their buyer clients first-mover advantage in a supply-constrained market. Platforms like US Tech Automations integrate directly with MLS feeds to power these instant notifications.
For detailed pricing comparisons with nearby Stow, agents can cross-reference Summit County tax records with MLS data to identify emerging value corridors between these adjacent communities.
Automation Platform Comparison for Akron Agents
Agents farming the Akron market need technology platforms that handle the specific demands of Midwest mid-price markets: high transaction volume, tight margins per deal, and the need for consistent multi-touch outreach to maintain SOI relationships.
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automated Farm Mailers | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| MLS-Integrated Market Reports | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| AI Lead Scoring | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Multi-Touch Campaign Sequencing | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Geographic Farm Analytics | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Commission ROI Tracking | Yes | No | No | No | Limited |
| Price Point Optimization | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Starting Monthly Cost | $149 | $499 | $1,000+ | $295 | $69 |
US Tech Automations stands out for Akron agents specifically because its geographic farming analytics can identify which of Akron's 20+ neighborhoods deliver the highest ROI based on turnover rate, median price, and competitive agent density. This data-driven farm selection capability is not available from generic CRM platforms.
Investment and Rental Market Data
Is Akron a good market for real estate investors? According to the National Rental Housing Council and Zillow Rental Manager, Akron offers some of the strongest rental yield metrics in Ohio. The city's relatively low acquisition costs combined with stable rental demand from the University of Akron's 14,000+ students and a growing healthcare workforce create favorable cap rate conditions.
| Investment Metric | Akron | Cleveland | Columbus | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Purchase Price | $142,500 | $185,000 | $275,000 | $245,000 |
| Average Monthly Rent | $1,050 | $1,200 | $1,450 | $1,350 |
| Gross Rental Yield | 8.8% | 7.8% | 6.3% | 6.6% |
| Average Cap Rate | 6.2% | 5.4% | 4.1% | 4.5% |
| Vacancy Rate | 7.8% | 6.5% | 5.2% | 5.8% |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, approximately 47.2% of Akron residents are renters, creating a substantial tenant pool. This dual buyer-renter market means agents can serve both investor clients seeking cash-flow properties and traditional homebuyers, effectively doubling their addressable market within a single farm area.
How to Build a Data-Driven Farming Strategy in Akron
Identify your target farm area. Use Summit County Auditor property records to map neighborhoods with 6%+ annual turnover rates, such as West Akron and Firestone Park, which consistently generate higher transaction volumes relative to housing stock.
Analyze competitive agent density. According to the Akron Area Board of Realtors, Summit County has approximately 1,800 active agents. Cross-reference active listing counts by neighborhood to find areas with fewer than 3 dominant agents, where your automated campaigns face less noise.
Set up automated market reports. Configure US Tech Automations to deliver monthly neighborhood-specific market snapshots including median price changes, new listings, and recent sales to every homeowner in your farm zone.
Build a multi-touch campaign sequence. According to NAR research, it takes 7-12 touches before a homeowner recognizes an agent as their neighborhood expert. Automate a 12-month sequence alternating between direct mail, email, and digital retargeting.
Integrate MLS listing alerts. Connect your MLS feed to your CRM so that every new listing and price change in your farm area triggers a notification to nearby homeowners, positioning you as the information source.
Track commission ROI by channel. Log every lead source and closed transaction against your marketing spend per channel. According to the Real Estate Trainer, top-producing farming agents achieve 8:1 or better ROI on their direct mail campaigns within 18 months.
Monitor absorption rate trends. When months of supply drops below 1.5, increase your "thinking of selling" messaging frequency. When supply rises above 3.0, shift to buyer-focused content emphasizing value and opportunity.
Review and optimize quarterly. Analyze your CRM's conversion data quarterly to identify which campaign elements generate the most listing appointments. US Tech Automations provides built-in A/B testing for mailer designs and email subject lines.
Expand to adjacent micro-markets. Once your primary farm produces consistent closings, replicate your system in adjacent neighborhoods. Agents farming Barberton and Wadsworth can leverage similar templates adapted to those markets' demographics.
Scale with team automation. As transaction volume grows, use automated task assignment to distribute follow-ups across team members while maintaining consistent messaging throughout your farm area.
Employment and Economic Foundations
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Akron Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Akron metro area's employment base directly shapes housing demand patterns and buyer profiles that farming agents should understand.
| Major Employer | Estimated Employees | Sector | Housing Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summa Health System | 8,200 | Healthcare | Year-round demand |
| Cleveland Clinic Akron General | 5,800 | Healthcare | Relocation pipeline |
| University of Akron | 3,400 | Education | Rental + purchase |
| Goodyear Tire & Rubber | 3,100 | Manufacturing | Legacy neighborhoods |
| FirstEnergy Corp | 2,900 | Utilities | Executive housing |
| Akron Children's Hospital | 2,600 | Healthcare | Family relocations |
What industries drive Akron's housing market? According to the Akron Regional Chamber, healthcare accounts for approximately 28% of Summit County employment, making it the dominant sector for housing demand. The cluster of Summa Health, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, and Akron Children's Hospital generates consistent relocation demand from medical professionals at all career stages.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Akron's unemployment rate of 4.2% in early 2026 is slightly above the national average of 3.9% but has improved steadily from 5.8% in 2020. This employment stability supports mortgage qualification rates and sustains the housing transaction volume that farming agents depend on.
According to the University of Akron's economics department, the metro area's transition from manufacturing dependence to a healthcare and technology economy has reduced economic volatility, creating more predictable housing demand cycles than the boom-bust patterns of the rubber industry era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Akron OH in 2026?
According to Zillow's Home Value Index, the median home price in Akron reached approximately $142,500 in early 2026, representing a 4.2% year-over-year increase from $136,800 in early 2025.
How many homes sell in Akron each year?
According to the Akron Area Board of Realtors, approximately 2,100 residential properties close in Akron proper each year, with the broader Summit County market averaging 4,800 annual transactions.
What are the average real estate commission rates in Akron?
According to NAR data, the average total commission rate in the Akron metro area is approximately 5.2%, typically split between listing agent (2.7%) and buyer agent (2.5%), though rates vary by service level and negotiation.
How long do homes take to sell in Akron?
According to Realtor.com, the average days on market for Akron homes is 28 days for properly priced properties. Homes in the $120,000-$180,000 range sell fastest at approximately 22 days on average.
Is Akron a buyer's or seller's market in 2026?
According to the Ohio Association of Realtors, with 1.9 months of supply (below the 4-6 month balanced range), Akron remains a seller's market in 2026, though conditions are less competitive than peak pandemic-era levels.
What neighborhoods in Akron have the best appreciation rates?
According to Zillow neighborhood data, Highland Square leads with 5.8% annual appreciation, followed by Goodyear Heights at 5.2% and Merriman Hills at 4.9%. These neighborhoods benefit from walkability, historic character, and proximity to employment centers.
How does Akron compare to Cleveland for real estate investment?
According to Zillow Rental Manager and Census Bureau data, Akron offers higher gross rental yields (8.8% vs 7.8%) and lower acquisition costs ($142,500 vs $185,000) compared to Cleveland, though Cleveland provides larger tenant pools and stronger appreciation in premium neighborhoods.
What is the rental vacancy rate in Akron?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, Akron's rental vacancy rate is approximately 7.8%, which is slightly above the national average of 6.6% but consistent with other Midwest secondary markets.
How many real estate agents operate in Summit County?
According to the Akron Area Board of Realtors, approximately 1,800 agents hold active licenses in Summit County, translating to roughly 2.7 transactions per agent annually at the county-wide average.
What automation tools do top Akron agents use?
According to agent productivity studies by T3 Sixty, top-producing agents in markets like Akron increasingly rely on integrated CRM platforms with automated farming capabilities. US Tech Automations provides the most comprehensive farming-specific toolset, combining automated market reports, multi-touch campaign sequencing, and geographic ROI analytics in a single platform at ustechautomations.com.
Conclusion: Leverage Akron Market Data for Farming Success
The Akron real estate market offers a compelling combination of affordability, stable demand, and strong rental yields that rewards agents who commit to systematic, data-driven farming strategies. With a median home price of $142,500 and consistent 4%+ annual appreciation, the market generates reliable transaction volume for agents who establish neighborhood expertise.
Success in Akron requires more than market knowledge alone. It demands the kind of consistent, automated outreach that transforms a geographic farm into a predictable pipeline of listings and closings. US Tech Automations provides the complete technology stack that Akron agents need to automate their farming campaigns, track ROI by neighborhood, and scale their business across Summit County's diverse micro-markets.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
