R
ent prices are rising in the Midwest, with five of the top 10 cities for fastest-growing rents located there. Historically, the region has been known for affordable housing, but demand for rentals has outpaced supply, driving up prices. This trend is not limited to rentals; the Midwest also boasts five of the most in-demand ZIP codes for home sales.

    According to Redfin's chief economist, Daryl Fairweather, the Midwest offers a stable insurance environment, low property taxes, and a stable housing market, making it an attractive alternative to the South. While rent prices are growing in many Midwestern cities, they remain lower than those in coastal hubs like New York and Los Angeles.

    Here are the top 10 US cities with the fastest-growing rents between 2024 and 2025:

    1. Newark, NJ: 8.1% growth

    2. Cleveland, OH: 7.3% growth

    3. Columbia, SC: 6.7% growth

    4. Fort Wayne, IN: 6.2% growth

    5. Milwaukee, WI: 6.2% growth

    6. St. Petersburg, FL: 6.1% growth

    7. Toledo, OH: 5.9% growth

    8. Detroit, MI: 5.8% growth

    9. Lexington, KY: 5.7% growth

    10. Rochester, NY: 5.5% growth

    Cities with the highest rents, such as Boston and San Francisco, continue to struggle with housing shortages due to strict zoning laws and high construction costs. In contrast, rent prices fell in six of the largest US cities between 2024 and 2025, including Aurora, CO, which saw a nearly 3.1% drop.