Canton-Massillon ranks high once again, remains No. 2 among national housing markets

The Canton-Massillon area remains a prime destination for house hunters looking to save a penny.

The Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com Emerging Housing Market Index ranked Canton No. 2 in the U.S. for its summer 2024 list, marking the second time this year the area has held that position.

In addition to the Canton-Massillon area, four other Ohio cities made the summer list, as Akron grabbed No. 3, Columbus held No. 12, Toledo came in at No. 13 and Dayton was No. 18. All five cities were recognized in the spring as well, with Akron, Columbus and Toledo moving up in the rankings, while Dayton moved down.

Canton-Massillon ranked high overall, but fared particularly well in terms of affordability, as the area's median listing price of $255,000 is well below the national median of $445,000. Columbus was the only Ohio city that came close to the national median, but still was a cut under at $400,000.

Canton-Massillon stands tall, remains No. 2 in the nation

Canton-Massillon earned the second-place spot this past spring but has moved up considerably since last year, when The Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com list ranked the market as No. 8.

"Many of the top-ranked markets have gained significant attention because they offer buyers affordable housing options in desirable areas. That is, these markets have the amenities many buyers are looking for, but at an approachable price," according to the website.

High demand observed in top markets

The summer report found that inventory grew in all of the top 20 markets on an annual basis, but the homes currently for sale still rest below numbers before the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Nationally, there were 36.7% more homes for sale in June 2024 compared to one year ago," the site reads. "Though some markets have seen substantial inventory gains on an annual basis, all 20 markets have significantly fewer homes for sale than pre-pandemic."

Ohio fares well in staving off climate risk

Midwestern listings made up 12 of the top 20 markets, which the data revealed may be more likely to withstand many climate risks over the next 30 years, like extreme heat, wind, air quality, flood and wildfire.

"Nationwide, more than 2 in 5 homes confront at least severe or extreme exposure to at least one of these climate risks," according to the site. "Areas in the Midwest tend to be less impacted by these risks, giving buyers some peace of mind when taking on a home purchase."

How much do homes cost in Ohio's markets on average?

Here are the median home listing prices in Ohio destinations in the index's top 20 markets:

• Canton: $255,000
• Akron: $265,000
• Columbus: $400,000
• Toledo: $275,000
• Dayton: $260,000

What are the top 20 housing markets in the US?

Here's the index's full list of the top 20 housing markets in the U.S.:

1. Fort Wayne, Indiana: $335,000
2. Canton: $255,000
3. Akron: $265,000
4. Manchester, New Hampshire: $598,000
5. South Bend, Michigan: $320,000
6. Burlington, Vermont: $559,000
7. Kingsport, Tennessee: $325,000
8. Rockford, Illinois: $220,000
9. Ann Arbor, Michigan: $545,000
10. Appleton, Wisconsin: $425,000
11. Hickory, North Carolina: $375,000
12. Columbus: $400,000
13. Toledo: $275,000
14. Kalamazoo, Michigan: $375,000
15. Springfield, Missouri: $345,000
16. Roanoke, Virginia $380,000
17. Worchester, Massachusetts: $550,000
18. Dayton: $260,000
19. Portland, Maine: $675,000
20. Springfield, Massachusetts: $412,000

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This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton-Massillon ranks high once again, remains No. 2 among national housing markets