University Circle OH Housing Stats & Sales Data 2026
University Circle is a neighborhood on Cleveland's east side in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, centered on the cultural and institutional campus that houses Case Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Clinic's main campus, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, the Cleveland Museum of Art, Severance Hall (home of the Cleveland Orchestra), and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. As one of the densest concentrations of cultural, medical, and educational institutions in the United States, University Circle's residential market is shaped by an employment base exceeding 40,000 workers within a one-mile radius.
Key Takeaways:
According to Northern Ohio Regional MLS (NORMLS) data, University Circle's median home price reached $245,000 in early 2026, a 5.5% increase year-over-year
The area recorded approximately 120 residential transactions in 2025, according to Cuyahoga County fiscal records
According to Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve employment data, the institutional campus generates over 40,000 jobs, creating sustained housing demand for the surrounding residential neighborhoods
University Circle's housing stock includes a distinctive mix of historic mansions, mid-century apartments, and contemporary condominium and townhome developments
Agents using US Tech Automations can segment University Circle's institutional employee populations by role and income level to target the highest-probability buyer segments with precision farming campaigns
Transaction Volume & Sales Velocity
According to NORMLS data and Cuyahoga County fiscal office records, University Circle's transaction volume reflects the unique dynamics of an institutionally anchored market.
| Year | Total Transactions | Median Sale Price | Average DOM | Dollar Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (YTD Q1) | 28 | $245,000 | 24 | $6.9M |
| 2025 | 120 | $232,000 | 28 | $27.8M |
| 2024 | 112 | $218,500 | 32 | $24.5M |
| 2023 | 105 | $205,000 | 35 | $21.5M |
| 2022 | 98 | $195,000 | 30 | $19.1M |
| 2021 | 108 | $178,000 | 25 | $19.2M |
How many homes sell near University Circle each year? According to NORMLS data, the University Circle residential area averages 105-120 transactions annually, with 2025's 120 closings marking the highest volume in five years. This transaction velocity is driven by the steady turnover of Cleveland Clinic residents, Case Western Reserve faculty, and hospital system employees who cycle through the area on multi-year employment or training assignments.
According to NORMLS data, University Circle's total residential dollar volume grew from $19.2 million in 2021 to $27.8 million in 2025 — a 45% increase driven by both price appreciation and rising transaction count. This growth significantly outpaces the broader Cleveland metro dollar-volume increase of 22% over the same period.
The institutional employment base creates a unique market dynamic: unlike purely residential neighborhoods where transaction volume correlates with economic cycles, University Circle's demand is anchored by healthcare employment — a sector that has grown through every recession in the past two decades, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Housing Stock & Property Type Analysis
According to NORMLS data and Cuyahoga County fiscal records, University Circle's housing stock is among the most diverse in the Cleveland metro.
| Property Type | % of Sales | Median Price | Avg Sq Ft | Avg DOM | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family detached | 35% | $310,000 | 2,200 | 28 | Stable |
| Condominiums | 30% | $225,000 | 1,100 | 22 | Growing |
| Townhomes | 15% | $285,000 | 1,400 | 20 | Growing |
| Multi-family (2-4 units) | 12% | $265,000 | 2,800 | 35 | Stable |
| Historic mansions/estates | 5% | $485,000 | 3,800 | 55 | Niche |
| New construction | 3% | $395,000 | 1,500 | 18 | Limited |
What types of homes are in University Circle? According to NORMLS data, University Circle's housing stock ranges from Wade Park-area mansions originally built for Cleveland's industrial elite to contemporary condominium developments designed for healthcare professionals. The growing condominium and townhome segment (45% of sales combined) reflects demand from Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals employees who value walkable proximity to their workplace.
According to Cuyahoga County fiscal records, approximately 40% of University Circle's residential properties were built before 1940, reflecting the neighborhood's historic character. However, the newer condo and townhome developments built since 2010 command a per-square-foot premium of 35-40% over the older stock.
| Housing Age Distribution | % of Stock | Typical Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1920 (historic mansions, doubles) | 28% | Varies — renovated to original |
| 1920-1960 (mid-century homes, apts) | 22% | Generally maintained |
| 1960-2000 (ranch, split-level, apts) | 18% | Moderate condition |
| 2000-2015 (condo, townhome developments) | 20% | Good to excellent |
| 2015-present (new construction) | 12% | Excellent |
Inventory Analysis & Supply Dynamics
According to NORMLS data, University Circle's inventory situation reflects tight supply constrained by limited developable land.
| Inventory Metric | Q1 2026 | Q1 2025 | Q1 2024 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active listings | 18 | 22 | 28 | Declining |
| New listings per month | 12 | 11 | 10 | Slowly increasing |
| Months of supply | 1.8 | 2.2 | 3.0 | Tightening |
| Pending transactions | 14 | 12 | 10 | Rising |
| List-to-sale ratio | 98.0% | 97.2% | 96.0% | Strengthening |
| Days to offer (median) | 18 | 22 | 26 | Accelerating |
Is University Circle a buyer's or seller's market? According to NORMLS data, University Circle has 1.8 months of supply — well below the 4-6 month range NAR considers balanced. The declining inventory trend (28 listings in Q1 2024 down to 18 in Q1 2026) indicates tightening conditions, with institutional demand continuing to absorb available units faster than new listings appear.
According to Cleveland Planning Commission data, University Circle's development constraints — including historic preservation zones, institutional campus boundaries, and limited vacant parcels — mean new housing supply cannot easily expand to meet demand. This structural supply limitation supports sustained price appreciation.
| Price Band | Active Listings | Monthly Sales | Months of Supply | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $175,000 | 3 | 3 | 1.0 | Extreme seller's |
| $175,000-$250,000 | 6 | 4 | 1.5 | Strong seller's |
| $250,000-$350,000 | 5 | 2 | 2.5 | Seller's market |
| $350,000-$500,000 | 3 | 1 | 3.0 | Moderate seller's |
| Over $500,000 | 1 | 0.3 | 3.3 | Near balanced |
Institutional Demand Drivers
According to Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve University, and University Hospitals employment data, the institutional employment base within University Circle generates the most concentrated healthcare employment demand in the Midwest.
| Institution | Employees (Campus) | Annual Turnover (Est.) | Housing Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Clinic (main) | 22,000 | 12-15% | Primary demand driver |
| University Hospitals | 8,500 | 10-12% | Strong secondary demand |
| Case Western Reserve | 5,200 | 8-10% | Faculty/staff housing |
| VA Medical Center | 2,800 | 10-12% | Additional healthcare demand |
| Cultural institutions | 1,800 | 12-15% | Moderate demand |
| Total institutional | 40,300+ | — | Sustained demand floor |
How do institutions affect University Circle housing? According to Cleveland Clinic HR data and Case Western Reserve University employment reports, the 40,000+ institutional employees generate approximately 4,000-5,000 annual job transitions (new hires, departures, promotions) within the University Circle campus area. Even if only 10-15% of these transitions result in a home purchase, the institutional base generates 400-750 potential buyers annually — far exceeding the 120 annual transactions in the immediate area.
According to Cleveland Clinic data, the hospital system hires approximately 1,200-1,500 new clinical positions annually at its main campus, including medical residents, fellows, attending physicians, and nursing staff. According to healthcare industry compensation data, these positions carry median salaries ranging from $65,000 (residents) to $350,000+ (specialists), creating demand across multiple housing price segments.
Agents using US Tech Automations can build targeted farming campaigns that segment institutional employees by role level and housing budget, delivering relevant property recommendations to Cleveland Clinic physicians versus Case Western staff versus hospital support personnel — each with different housing preferences and timelines.
Price Analysis & Appreciation Trends
According to NORMLS data, University Circle's price trajectory reflects the stabilizing influence of institutional employment.
| Price Metric | 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 5-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median sale price | $245,000 | $232,000 | $218,500 | +37.6% |
| Average sale price | $268,000 | $252,000 | $238,000 | +34.5% |
| Price per square foot | $175 | $168 | $158 | +28.8% |
| Condo median | $225,000 | $212,000 | $195,000 | +42.3% |
| Single-family median | $310,000 | $295,000 | $278,000 | +32.2% |
How fast are University Circle home prices rising? According to NORMLS data, University Circle's median price has appreciated 37.6% over five years, averaging 6.6% annually. The condominium segment has appreciated even faster at 42.3%, reflecting growing demand from healthcare professionals who prioritize walkable proximity to the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals campuses.
| University Circle vs Cleveland Neighborhoods | Median Price | 5-Year Appreciation |
|---|---|---|
| University Circle | $245,000 | +37.6% |
| Ohio City | $285,000 | +62% |
| Tremont | $275,000 | +55% |
| Detroit Shoreway | $210,000 | +48% |
| Shaker Heights | $265,000 | +22% |
| Cleveland Heights | $195,000 | +25% |
According to NORMLS data, University Circle's appreciation rate of 37.6% trails the west side revitalization neighborhoods (Ohio City, Tremont, Detroit Shoreway) but outperforms the established inner-ring suburbs (Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights). This positioning suggests University Circle offers more stable, institutionally supported growth versus the gentrification-driven volatility of the west side.
Demographic Profile & Buyer Composition
According to US Census Bureau American Community Survey data, University Circle's demographics reflect its institutional character.
| Demographic Metric | University Circle | Cuyahoga County | Ohio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $52,000 | $48,000 | $62,100 |
| Median age | 31.5 | 39.8 | 39.5 |
| College degree or higher | 62% | 32% | 29% |
| Graduate/professional degree | 35% | 14% | 10% |
| Homeownership rate | 35% | 58% | 66% |
| Population (area) | 9,500 | 1.24M | 11.8M |
Who buys homes in University Circle? According to NORMLS buyer data and US Census Bureau information, University Circle's buyer pool is dominated by healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, administrators), university faculty and staff, and institutional employees who prioritize walking-distance proximity to their workplace. The area's 62% college-degree rate — more than double the Ohio average — reflects this professional-class buyer base.
According to Census data, University Circle's lower median household income ($52,000) relative to Ohio's statewide median ($62,100) is misleading — it reflects the large student and medical-resident population that depresses the median. According to Cleveland Clinic compensation data, attending physicians and senior hospital administrators — the primary home-buyer segment — earn $200,000-$500,000+.
| Buyer Segment | % of Purchases | Median Purchase | Typical Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicians/specialists | 25% | $365,000 | Single-family, luxury condo |
| Residents/fellows | 15% | $195,000 | Condo, small single-family |
| University faculty | 18% | $285,000 | Single-family, townhome |
| Hospital staff (non-physician) | 15% | $215,000 | Condo, townhome |
| Investors | 12% | $195,000 | Multi-family, rental condo |
| Non-institutional buyers | 15% | $255,000 | Mixed types |
Commission & Transaction Economics
According to NORMLS cooperative compensation data, University Circle's commission profile reflects its mixed-price housing stock.
| Commission Analysis | Amount | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Median sale price | $245,000 | Q1 2026 |
| Commission at 3% | $7,350 | Per side |
| Commission at 2.75% | $6,738 | Common coop rate |
| Annual market volume | $27.8M | 2025 |
| Total commission pool | ~$1.4M | At 5% total |
| Active agents in area | 48 | Per NORMLS records |
How to Analyze University Circle Housing Data for Farming Success
Segment by institution and employment level. According to Cleveland Clinic and CWRU HR data, the 40,000+ institutional employees fall into distinct housing segments. Identify which segments align with your farm's price tier and target accordingly.
Track medical residency program start dates. According to Cleveland Clinic Graduate Medical Education data, new residents and fellows begin in July. Launch farming campaigns targeting this segment in April-May to capture the pre-arrival housing search window.
Monitor condo development pipeline. According to Cleveland Planning Commission data, new condominium projects directly affect the buyer pool available for existing inventory. Track projects from proposal through completion to anticipate supply additions.
Calculate institutional turnover demand. According to healthcare industry data, 12-15% annual employee turnover at the Cleveland Clinic alone generates 2,600-3,300 job transitions per year. Even modest conversion to home purchases creates significant demand.
Analyze seasonal patterns tied to academic calendar. According to NORMLS data, University Circle's transaction patterns correlate with academic hiring cycles. Faculty hiring decisions made in February-April generate Q2-Q3 home purchases.
Build physician referral networks. According to NAR data, 38% of buyers find their agent through referrals. Establishing relationships with physician buyers who recommend you to incoming colleagues creates a self-reinforcing referral loop within the institutional community.
Monitor rental-to-purchase conversion. According to Census data, University Circle's 35% homeownership rate means 65% are renters — many of whom are institutional employees who will eventually purchase. Track when renters reach tenure milestones that typically trigger home purchases.
Set automated alerts for listing price changes. Agents using US Tech Automations can configure alerts that monitor price reductions and new listings in real time, enabling rapid outreach to buyers who may be searching the area.
Track CWRU endowment and expansion projects. According to Case Western Reserve financial reports, university expansion projects signal future demand growth. Major capital projects create construction-period demand and permanent operational employment.
Benchmark against nearby institutional markets. According to NORMLS data, compare University Circle's metrics against markets near other major medical campuses (Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest, MetroHealth in Tremont) to identify relative value positions.
USTA vs Competitor Platforms for University Circle Agents
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institutional employer segmentation | Built-in employee targeting | No | No | No |
| Residency cycle campaign timing | Automated seasonal campaigns | No | No | No |
| Academic calendar integration | Built-in scheduling | No | No | No |
| Condo vs single-family tracking | Property-type analytics | Basic | No | No |
| Physician referral management | Specialized referral tracking | Generic CRM | No | Basic CRM |
| Rental-to-buyer conversion flows | Automated nurture sequences | No | No | No |
| Multi-channel institutional farming | Mail + digital + networking | Digital only | Digital only | Email + text |
| Monthly starting cost | Competitive | $499+ | $295+ | $69/user |
According to NAR technology studies, agents in institutionally anchored markets benefit most from platforms that integrate employment cycle awareness with geographic farming — a capability that US Tech Automations provides for markets like University Circle where institutional hiring patterns drive transaction timing.
School & Educational Impact
According to Cleveland Metropolitan School District data and Ohio Department of Education records, educational factors influence University Circle's family-buyer segment.
| School Factor | University Circle Area | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| CMSD neighborhood schools | Mixed ratings | Limits family demand |
| CMSD magnet/specialty schools | Competitive entry | Attracts selective families |
| Private school options | Multiple (Case campus) | Supports affluent families |
| CWRU campus school programs | Available | University employee benefit |
| Charter school presence | Growing | Alternative options |
How do schools affect University Circle home values? According to NAR research, school quality is a primary factor for family buyers, and University Circle's position within the Cleveland Metropolitan School District — which has mixed ratings — limits the family-buyer segment relative to inner-ring suburbs like Shaker Heights. However, access to CWRU campus educational programs and nearby private schools partially offsets this for institutional employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in University Circle?
According to NORMLS data, University Circle's median home sale price reached $245,000 in early 2026, a 5.5% increase from the prior year. Five-year cumulative appreciation stands at approximately 37.6%.
How many homes sell in University Circle annually?
According to NORMLS data and Cuyahoga County fiscal records, the University Circle area averages 105-120 residential transactions per year, with 2025 recording 120 closings and $27.8 million in total dollar volume.
Is University Circle a good investment?
According to NORMLS appreciation data, University Circle's 37.6% five-year appreciation, anchored by 40,000+ institutional jobs that provide demand stability through economic cycles, makes it one of Cleveland's more defensible real estate investments. The institutional employment base provides a demand floor absent in purely residential neighborhoods.
What drives housing demand in University Circle?
According to Cleveland Clinic, CWRU, and University Hospitals employment data, the 40,000+ institutional employees within one mile of University Circle's core create sustained housing demand driven by physician hiring, medical residency programs, and faculty recruitment. This institutional demand is largely recession-resistant.
What types of properties are available?
According to NORMLS data, University Circle's housing includes historic Wade Park mansions, mid-century apartment conversions, contemporary condominium developments, townhomes, and multi-family investment properties. Condominiums and townhomes account for 45% of sales.
How does University Circle compare to Ohio City?
According to NORMLS data, University Circle's $245,000 median is 14% below Ohio City's $285,000, though Ohio City has appreciated faster (62% vs 37.6% over five years). University Circle offers more stable, institutionally anchored growth versus Ohio City's gentrification-driven dynamics.
What is the homeownership rate in University Circle?
According to US Census Bureau data, University Circle's homeownership rate is approximately 35%, significantly below the Cuyahoga County average of 58%. The lower rate reflects the large student and medical-resident rental population. For farming agents, the 65% renter base represents a substantial first-time buyer conversion pipeline.
Are there new homes being built in University Circle?
According to Cleveland Planning Commission data, new construction in University Circle is limited by land constraints and historic preservation requirements. Approximately 15-25 new residential units are added annually, primarily through condominium and townhome infill projects.
How competitive is the University Circle market?
According to NORMLS data, University Circle has 1.8 months of supply, indicating a seller's market. However, competition varies significantly by property type — condos sell in 22 days average while historic mansions average 55 days.
Should I specialize in University Circle or cover a broader area?
According to NAR research, agents who specialize in institutionally anchored neighborhoods can build referral networks within employer communities that generate recurring business. University Circle's 120 annual transactions can support 2-3 full-time specialists, with the physician-to-physician referral dynamic creating compounding lead generation over time.
Conclusion: Farming University Circle's Institutional Market
University Circle's unique position as Cleveland's institutional employment epicenter creates a housing market fundamentally different from gentrifying west side neighborhoods or established inner-ring suburbs. According to NORMLS data, the area's 120 annual transactions, 40,000+ institutional employees, and 37.6% five-year appreciation offer agents a stable, recession-resistant farming opportunity anchored by healthcare and education employment.
Success in University Circle requires institutional awareness — understanding residency program cycles, faculty hiring timelines, and Cleveland Clinic expansion plans — rather than the renovation-pipeline knowledge that drives farming success in neighborhoods like Ohio City or Tremont. Agents who build referral networks within the institutional community access a self-reinforcing lead source that grows with each successful transaction.
Ready to farm University Circle with institutional precision? Visit US Tech Automations to access farming workflows designed for institutionally anchored markets, featuring employment-cycle campaign timing, physician referral tracking, and rental-to-buyer conversion sequences. The platform's institutional farming tools help University Circle agents align their outreach with the hiring and relocation patterns that drive the neighborhood's housing demand.
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