Opportunity Zones across the nation are experiencing strong home price growth comparable to areas outside these economically targeted regions, according to a new report from ATTOM.
The Q4 2025 analysis examined 3,633 census tracts within federally designated Opportunity Zones and found that roughly 31% experienced home price increases of at least 10% year-over-year. Additionally, median home prices rose annually in just over 46% of these zones.
Opportunity Zones were established under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to encourage investment in low-income communities through tax incentives. The zones comprise census tracts in or near economically distressed neighborhoods meeting specific criteria for redevelopment.
Despite strong price appreciation, homes within Opportunity Zones remain significantly more affordable than properties elsewhere. Only about 21% of these zones had median sales prices at or above the national median of $365,185, while more than half posted typical prices below $225,000.
"The fact that price growth is happening in Opportunity Zones at roughly the same rate it's happening outside of them is a further sign that all sectors of the housing market are being affected by this sustained price increase," said Rob Barber, ATTOM's CEO.
The report also revealed that 10% of Opportunity Zone tracts reached their highest median home prices since the 2008 recession. States showing the strongest performance included Oklahoma and Minnesota, where 67% of zones saw year-over-year price increases, followed by Kentucky at 65%.
While Opportunity Zones showed slightly lower rates of quarterly price increases compared to areas outside the zones — roughly 41% versus 44% — the annual growth patterns remained comparable.
Outside Opportunity Zones, median prices rose annually in approximately 49% of census tracts.
Market volatility remains notable in many zones due to lower transaction volumes. The report indicated that typical sales prices fluctuated by more than 5% year-over-year in 89% of Opportunity Zone tracts.
The findings suggest that federal efforts to stimulate economic development in distressed areas may be gaining traction, though significant affordability gaps persist between these zones and other markets nationwide.
