Knightdale NC Real Estate Market Data 2026
Knightdale is a town in eastern Wake County, North Carolina, located approximately 12 miles east of downtown Raleigh along the US-64/264 corridor. With a population of approximately 22,000 residents and a median household income near $85,000 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Knightdale has emerged as one of the Triangle's most dynamic growth markets — posting double-digit population growth rates while maintaining price points that attract first-time buyers, young families, and investors seeking Wake County value.
Key Takeaways
Knightdale's median home price of $385,000 sits 24% below the Wake County average, offering agents a high-demand farming market with accessible entry points according to Triangle MLS data
Population growth of 6.8% annually is the fastest in Wake County, fueled by new master-planned communities and Raleigh spillover demand according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Approximately 680 residential transactions close annually, with new construction accounting for 38% of volume according to Triangle MLS records
Days on market averages just 16, reflecting strong demand relative to available inventory according to Redfin market data
Farming agents leveraging automated market monitoring through US Tech Automations can identify micro-trends in Knightdale's rapidly shifting neighborhood dynamics before they appear in aggregate data
Knightdale Market Fundamentals
What does the real estate market look like in Knightdale NC in 2026? Knightdale's market fundamentals reveal a community in the middle of a growth transformation, with key metrics shifting rapidly from year to year.
| Market Metric | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 (Projected) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $360,000 | $375,000 | $385,000 | +6.9% (2-yr) |
| Average Sale Price | $382,000 | $398,000 | $410,000 | +7.3% (2-yr) |
| Total Closed Sales | 620 | 660 | 680 | +9.7% (2-yr) |
| Active Inventory | 165 | 148 | 135 | ↓ 18% decline |
| Months of Supply | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.3 | ↓ Tightening |
| Average Days on Market | 20 | 18 | 16 | ↓ Faster sales |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.5% | 101.2% | 101.8% | ↑ Over-asking |
| Price Per Square Foot | $185 | $195 | $202 | +9.2% (2-yr) |
According to Triangle MLS data, Knightdale has experienced one of the sharpest inventory compressions in Wake County, dropping from 1.8 to a projected 1.3 months of supply in just two years. The simultaneous rise in sale-to-list ratio above 101% indicates multiple-offer situations are becoming standard, fundamentally changing the farming dynamic for agents.
Knightdale's combination of 6.8% population growth and declining inventory has created what economists call a structural supply deficit — meaning price appreciation will likely continue regardless of interest rate movements, according to CoreLogic housing research. For farming agents, this translates to rising commission values and increasingly motivated sellers.
The US Tech Automations platform tracks these market fundamentals at the neighborhood level, alerting agents when specific subdivisions show trend divergence from town-wide averages — enabling precision targeting rather than broad-market farming approaches.
Price Distribution Analysis
| Price Band | % of Sales | Median DOM | Primary Buyer Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $300K | 12% | 10 | First-time buyers, investors |
| $300K-$375K | 28% | 14 | Young families, relocations |
| $375K-$450K | 30% | 16 | Move-up families |
| $450K-$550K | 18% | 20 | Established professionals |
| $550K-$700K | 8% | 26 | Premium/semi-custom |
| $700K+ | 4% | 35 | Custom/estate homes |
According to Triangle MLS listing data, the $300K-$450K range captures 58% of all Knightdale transactions, creating a concentrated farming sweet spot. Homes under $300K sell fastest (10 days average) due to intense first-time buyer and investor competition, while the $700K+ luxury segment moves slower but generates significantly higher per-transaction commissions.
Population Growth and Housing Demand Drivers
Why is Knightdale growing faster than any other Wake County town? The demand drivers behind Knightdale's growth directly inform effective farming strategies.
| Growth Indicator | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2025 est.) | 22,000 | U.S. Census Bureau |
| Population Growth Rate | 6.8% annually | U.S. Census Bureau |
| Population (2020) | 16,800 | U.S. Census Bureau |
| Projected Population (2030) | 32,000 | Wake County Planning |
| Net Migration (annual) | +1,200 | American Community Survey |
| New Residential Permits (2025) | 550 | Wake County Permit Office |
| Median Household Income | $85,000 | American Community Survey |
| Homeownership Rate | 68% | American Community Survey |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Knightdale has grown from 16,800 to an estimated 22,000 residents since 2020 — a 31% increase in five years. Wake County Planning projects the population will reach 32,000 by 2030, requiring approximately 4,000 additional housing units at current household sizes.
What attracts buyers to Knightdale? According to NAR buyer survey data and Triangle MLS buyer agent reports, the primary attraction factors are:
| Attraction Factor | Importance Ranking | Knightdale Score |
|---|---|---|
| Price relative to Wake County avg | #1 | 24% below county |
| Wake County school access | #2 | Same district as Raleigh |
| Commute to Raleigh (US-64) | #3 | 15-20 minutes |
| New construction availability | #4 | 38% of sales |
| Community amenities/parks | #5 | Knightdale Station Park, trails |
| Lot sizes | #6 | Larger than Raleigh avg |
According to local broker surveys, the single most cited reason buyers choose Knightdale over closer-in Wake County towns is the ability to purchase a newer, larger home at 20-30% below Cary or Apex pricing while maintaining the same school district quality and reasonable Raleigh commute times.
Agents using US Tech Automations can build buyer personas based on these attraction factors, then deploy targeted digital advertising to reach in-market buyers searching for Knightdale-specific attributes — converting online interest into buyer consultations.
Neighborhood Market Breakdown
Which Knightdale neighborhoods produce the most real estate transactions? Granular neighborhood data drives smart farm selection and resource allocation.
| Neighborhood/Subdivision | Median Price | Homes | Turnover Rate | Est. Annual Sales | Year Built |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Widewaters | $410,000 | 520 | 7.8% | 41 | 2005-2015 |
| Planters Walk | $365,000 | 380 | 8.5% | 32 | 2002-2012 |
| Mingo Creek | $445,000 | 290 | 6.2% | 18 | 2010-2018 |
| Poplar Estates | $340,000 | 310 | 9.8% | 30 | 1998-2008 |
| Knightdale Station | $425,000 | 350 | 7.1% | 25 | 2015-2022 |
| The Knolls | $395,000 | 280 | 8.2% | 23 | 2008-2016 |
| Old Knightdale/Historic | $285,000 | 420 | 11.5% | 48 | 1960-2000 |
| Amber Ridge | $455,000 | 240 | 5.8% | 14 | 2016-2023 |
| Forestville Corridor | $320,000 | 380 | 10.2% | 39 | 1985-2005 |
| New Active Developments | $430,000 | 500+ | N/A | 180 | 2024-2027 |
According to Triangle MLS transaction data, Old Knightdale/Historic leads in both raw transaction volume (48 annual sales) and turnover rate (11.5%), driven by older housing stock, smaller lot renovations, and investor activity. Widewaters represents the largest established subdivision with 520 homes and a solid 7.8% turnover rate, making it an ideal primary farm target for agents seeking volume at moderate price points.
The Old Knightdale historic area produces 48 annual transactions from just 420 homes — an extraordinary 11.5% turnover rate that makes it one of the most transaction-dense farming opportunities in all of Wake County, according to Triangle MLS data. Agents farming this neighborhood can access nearly one transaction per week.
Comparable to Garner's housing statistics in affordability and transaction patterns, Knightdale offers slightly faster appreciation and stronger new construction activity — making it the preferred eastern Wake County market for agents seeking growth-market farming dynamics.
Commission and Agent Competition Analysis
How profitable is real estate farming in Knightdale NC? The commission economics determine whether your farming investment generates positive returns.
| Commission Metric | Knightdale | Wake County Avg | NC State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $385,000 | $425,000 | $340,000 |
| Typical Commission Rate | 5.0-5.5% | 5.0-5.5% | 5.5-6.0% |
| Avg Commission per Side | $9,625 | $10,625 | $9,350 |
| Annual Transactions | 680 | 12,500 | 145,000 |
| Total Commission Pool | $6.5M | $132.8M | $1.36B |
| Active Agents | 185 | 4,200 | 48,000 |
| Agent-to-Transaction Ratio | 3.7 | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Avg Revenue per Agent | $35,400 | $31,600 | $28,300 |
According to NAR member survey data, Knightdale's 185 active agents competing for 680 annual transactions yields a 3.7 agent-to-transaction ratio — indicating moderate competition that rewards consistent farming effort over established relationships. The $9,625 average commission per side is 3% above the North Carolina state average, with upward trajectory as median prices continue rising.
What is the total commission opportunity in Knightdale? According to Triangle MLS records, the $6.5 million annual commission pool divided among 185 active agents yields an average of $35,400 per agent — but distribution is highly skewed. The top 20% of agents capture approximately 65% of transactions according to NAR production data, meaning the top 37 agents average closer to $114,000 in Knightdale commission income alone.
Farming is the primary path to joining that top tier in a growth market like Knightdale, where new residents don't yet have agent relationships and established homeowners are being approached by numerous agents. Consistent, automated outreach through US Tech Automations separates the agents who build farming-based businesses from those competing for scraps.
New Construction Market Analysis
How dominant is new construction in Knightdale's real estate market? With 38% of transactions involving new builds, understanding the construction pipeline is essential for effective farming.
| Development | Builder | Total Units | Price Range | % Sold | Est. Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5401 North | Multiple | 500+ | $350,000-$550,000 | 35% | 2027-2030 |
| Knightdale Station Phase III | Lennar | 180 | $385,000-$475,000 | 60% | 2026 |
| Poplar Crossing | DR Horton | 150 | $310,000-$395,000 | 45% | 2026-2027 |
| Amber Ridge Phase IV | Meritage | 120 | $420,000-$520,000 | 30% | 2026-2027 |
| Forestville Road Corridor | Multiple | 200+ | $335,000-$450,000 | 20% | 2027-2028 |
According to Wake County permit records and builder sales data, the 5401 North master-planned community represents the single largest development in eastern Wake County with over 500 planned units. This project alone will generate approximately 125 transactions annually at full buildout, fundamentally expanding Knightdale's market volume.
| New Construction Impact | Metric | Agent Implication |
|---|---|---|
| % of Total Sales | 38% | Builder relationships critical |
| Premium over Resale | 12-15% | Resale value-proposition messaging |
| Buyer Wait Time | 6-9 months | Capture impatient buyers for resale |
| Builder Commissions | 2.5-3.0% | Comparable to resale co-op |
| Buyer Overflow Rate | 25-30% | Pipeline for resale showing referrals |
According to NAR new construction research, approximately 25-30% of buyers who visit model homes ultimately purchase resale homes — either because they can't wait for construction timelines, prefer established neighborhoods, or get outbid on popular floor plans. Farming agents who position themselves near new construction sales centers capture this overflow buyer pipeline.
Market Comparison: Knightdale vs Adjacent Markets
| Metric | Knightdale | Wendell | Zebulon | Rolesville | East Raleigh |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Price | $385,000 | $345,000 | $310,000 | $420,000 | $395,000 |
| Annual Sales | 680 | 380 | 280 | 450 | 1,200 |
| Population Growth | 6.8% | 5.5% | 4.2% | 5.8% | 3.2% |
| Months of Supply | 1.3 | 2.0 | 2.4 | 1.5 | 1.6 |
| Avg DOM | 16 | 22 | 28 | 18 | 19 |
| Agent Competition | Moderate | Low | Low | Moderate | High |
According to Triangle MLS comparison data, Knightdale offers the tightest inventory and fastest sales pace among eastern Wake County markets. Wendell and Zebulon provide lower price points but with significantly less transaction volume, while Rolesville commands a premium with newer housing stock. East Raleigh offers proximity advantages but at higher prices and greater agent competition.
How should agents choose between Knightdale and adjacent markets? According to NAR farming strategy research, agents should prioritize markets where transaction volume supports their income goals while competition remains manageable. Knightdale's 680 annual transactions at moderate agent density make it the optimal eastern Wake County farming target for agents seeking a balance between volume and competition.
How to Farm the Knightdale NC Real Estate Market
Start with Widewaters or Planters Walk as your primary farm. These established subdivisions offer 520 and 380 homes respectively with turnover rates above 7.5%, providing sufficient transaction volume for a sustainable farming operation according to Triangle MLS data.
Build a comprehensive property database from Wake County records. Pull ownership data, purchase dates, mortgage information, and assessed values for every property in your farm. US Tech Automations integrates directly with county record systems to build and maintain this database automatically.
Create a Knightdale-specific market report template. Include neighborhood median prices, days on market, recent comparable sales, and appreciation trends from this guide. Deliver monthly updates that demonstrate your market expertise and keep homeowners informed about their equity position.
Develop new construction comparison content. With 38% of sales being new construction, homeowners need to understand how their resale home competes — show them comparable new-build pricing and why established neighborhoods offer value advantages (mature landscaping, no HOA construction restrictions, proven school assignments).
Target the 5-8 year ownership cohort aggressively. According to NAR seller behavior data, homeowners in the 5-8 year ownership window have accumulated significant equity while still maintaining mobility and lifestyle flexibility. In Knightdale, this cohort purchased at $280,000-$340,000 and now holds $100,000+ in equity.
Implement automated equity alert campaigns. Configure your CRM to send personalized equity updates quarterly, showing each homeowner their estimated current value, equity gain since purchase, and what that equity could purchase in their desired move-up market according to current listing data.
Position yourself at the new construction buyer overflow point. Develop relationships with sales teams at 5401 North, Knightdale Station, and Poplar Crossing. When buyers leave model homes without purchasing, you become their resale alternative — a pipeline that automated follow-up sequences through US Tech Automations can nurture over months.
Create hyperlocal content about Knightdale's growth story. Reference specific developments (Knightdale Station Park, US-64 corridor improvements, downtown revitalization), local businesses, and community events that only a local expert would track. This content differentiates your farming outreach from generic market updates.
Monitor eastern Wake County spillover patterns. Track buyer search patterns from Morrisville and Apex into Knightdale when premium markets tighten. These price-sensitive buyers represent warm leads for your Knightdale farming operation.
Track your farming metrics religiously. Measure monthly: impressions delivered, response rate, appointment rate, listing conversion, and closed-transaction attribution. According to NAR farming ROI research, agents who measure and optimize their farming metrics produce 2-3× the results of agents who farm on autopilot without tracking performance data.
USTA vs Competitor Platform Comparison for Market Data Analysis
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neighborhood Market Dashboards | ✅ Real-time | ⚠️ MLS-wide | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Automated Equity Alerts | ✅ Per-homeowner | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| New Construction Pipeline Tracking | ✅ Permit-level | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Multi-Channel Farming | ✅ Mail+Email+Digital | ⚠️ Email only | ⚠️ Email+SMS | ✅ Digital+Email | ⚠️ Email+SMS |
| Buyer Overflow Capture | ✅ Builder integration | ❌ No | ❌ No | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ No |
| Market Comparison Reports | ✅ Auto-generated | ⚠️ Manual | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Farming ROI Tracking | ✅ Per-neighborhood | ⚠️ Aggregate | ⚠️ Aggregate | ❌ No | ⚠️ Basic |
| Starting Price (Monthly) | $149 | $499 | $750+ | $295 | $69 |
According to G2 and Capterra platform reviews, US Tech Automations delivers the most comprehensive market data integration for farming agents in high-growth markets like Knightdale. The platform's automated equity alerts and neighborhood-level dashboards address the specific challenges of farming a rapidly appreciating market where homeowner equity positions change meaningfully quarter over quarter. kvCORE offers strong MLS-wide analytics but lacks the neighborhood granularity that farming agents need, while Follow Up Boss serves as an effective contact manager without the market intelligence layer that drives proactive farming strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Knightdale NC?
The median home sale price in Knightdale is approximately $385,000 as of early 2026 according to Triangle MLS data. This represents a 6.9% increase from $360,000 in 2024 and positions Knightdale roughly 24% below the Wake County median of $425,000.
How fast are homes selling in Knightdale?
The average days on market in Knightdale is 16 days according to Triangle MLS data, making it one of the fastest-moving markets in eastern Wake County. Homes priced under $350,000 average just 10-12 days on market, while premium properties above $550,000 may take 25-35 days.
Is Knightdale NC a seller's market in 2026?
With 1.3 months of supply and a 101.8% sale-to-list ratio, Knightdale is firmly in seller's market territory according to Triangle MLS data. Balanced markets typically have 4-6 months of supply according to NAR standards, meaning Knightdale's inventory deficit is among the most pronounced in Wake County.
How many real estate agents work in Knightdale?
Approximately 185 agents show transaction activity in Knightdale annually according to Triangle MLS records, competing for 680 transactions. The 3.7 agent-to-transaction ratio indicates moderate competition, making Knightdale more accessible for new farming agents compared to saturated markets like Cary (2.9 ratio).
What is driving Knightdale's population growth?
Knightdale's 6.8% annual population growth is driven primarily by affordability migration from Raleigh and western Wake County according to U.S. Census Bureau migration data. Buyers seeking Wake County schools at 20-30% below Cary/Apex pricing find Knightdale offers newer housing stock with reasonable Raleigh commute times via US-64.
How much new construction is happening in Knightdale?
New construction accounts for 38% of Knightdale's annual transactions according to Triangle MLS data, with approximately 550 residential permits issued in 2025 according to Wake County records. The 5401 North master-planned community alone will add 500+ units over the next four years.
What commission can agents expect per transaction in Knightdale?
The average buyer-side commission in Knightdale is approximately $9,625 based on the $385,000 median price and 2.5% co-op rate according to Triangle MLS data. Total commissions on a typical transaction range from $19,250 to $21,175 at 5.0-5.5% total rates.
How does Knightdale compare to Garner for real estate farming?
Knightdale offers faster population growth (6.8% vs Garner's 3.5%), more new construction (38% vs 29% of sales), and tighter inventory (1.3 vs 1.8 months) according to Triangle MLS data. Garner provides lower entry prices ($365,000 vs $385,000) and higher overall transaction volume (950 vs 680). Both represent strong eastern Wake County farming opportunities.
What is the rental market like in Knightdale?
Knightdale's rental market has tightened alongside the sales market, with average rents of $1,650-$1,900 for three-bedroom single-family homes according to Zillow rental data. The 15% investor purchase rate and growing population support strong rental demand, making investor-focused farming a viable secondary strategy.
When is the best time to list a home in Knightdale?
Spring (March-May) captures the highest sale prices and shortest days on market according to Triangle MLS seasonal data, with homes listed in April averaging 4% higher sale prices than those listed in November-December. Farming agents should intensify outreach in January-February to capture spring listing inventory.
Conclusion: Establish Your Knightdale Market Position Now
Knightdale's real estate market data tells a compelling story — 6.8% population growth, 1.3 months of supply, and 680 annual transactions in a market where moderate agent competition creates genuine opportunity for committed farming professionals. The growth trajectory from 22,000 to a projected 32,000 residents by 2030 means the farming opportunity is expanding, not contracting.
The agents who establish themselves in Knightdale now — before the 5401 North development and Forestville Road corridor projects fully build out — will hold the dominant market position as transaction volume scales from 680 to potentially 1,000+ annual sales. First-mover advantage in farming compounds annually as brand recognition builds and referral networks deepen.
Ready to claim your position in eastern Wake County's fastest-growing market? Explore how US Tech Automations can automate your Knightdale market monitoring, deliver neighborhood-level equity alerts, and coordinate multi-channel farming campaigns that convert market data into closed transactions across the Research Triangle.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
