Morrow County Housing Market: Central Ohio’s Steady Climber With Sneaky Upside
- Jeffrey Simmons
- Nov 13
- 3 min read
Morrow County doesn’t get the hype of places like Delaware or Knox — but maybe it should. The latest ZHVI anomaly data shows a market that’s not trying to be flashy, yet still keeps quietly grinding upward. It’s the kind of county people overlook right until they can’t afford its neighbors anymore.
And honestly? That’s where opportunity usually sneaks in.
According to your September 2025 Zillow ZHVI Anomaly Insights report, Morrow County’s median home value sits at $258,753, slightly above its 3-month moving median of $257,847, putting it at +0.35% above trend.
That is the definition of controlled, stable growth — and in a region with volatility from rapid population shifts, this matters.
A County Defined by Steady, Not Spiky
While Morrow County’s overall anomaly (+0.35%) is modest, its internal story is way more interesting. On page 1 of your report, three towns jump out:
Top Performers (City Level)
Marengo — +1.36% above trend
Cardington — +1.17% above trend
Mount Gilead — +0.41% above trend
These numbers show a pattern:Demand is concentrated in the county’s anchor communities. And that demand is consistent — not the erratic jumps you see in boom counties. Then there’s the other side:
Lower-Trend Areas
Edison — (-0.36%) below trend
Ashley — +0.34%
Mount Gilead’s low-end ZIP — +0.41%
Even the “weak” performers don’t look bad — Edison’s slight dip is the only negative anomaly in the county.
That’s stability.
Why Stability Matters: Population Pressure From Columbus Is Coming
Morrow County isn’t a population boom county — and that’s kind of the point. As Central Ohio continues to grow, people are fanning outward for affordability and space. Morrow sits in the quiet corridor between Columbus, Delaware, and Knox — close enough for hybrid workers, far enough to avoid big-city pricing.
The population dynamic across Central Ohio has two major impacts on Morrow:
1. Affordability Refuge
With home values around $260K, Morrow County offers a realistically attainable entry point compared to skyrocketing prices in Delaware County and parts of Licking County post-Intel.
2. Commuter-Friendly Rural
Hybrid workers are choosing lifestyle over location — and Morrow’s small towns, back roads, and open land hit the sweet spot.
3. Slow Population Growth = Low Volatility
Morrow is not a boom-bust market.Its price trend graph on page 1 of your ZHVI report shows smooth, steady appreciation without violent spikes. This appeals to:
families looking for predictability
investors looking for controlled risk
developers looking for available land
A Tale of Three Towns
⭐ Marengo (+1.36%)
Top of the chart. Its anomaly difference of +$4,596 reflects a small-but-mighty demand wave hitting this community.Homes around $337K signal it’s already attracting mid-level buyers.
⭐ Cardington (+1.17%)
A classic “next-up” town.With a median ZHVI of $223,927 and a +$2,610 anomaly, Cardington is becoming a spillover option for buyers priced out of northern Delaware County.
⭐ Mount Gilead (+0.41%)
The county anchor — stable, consistent, and inching upward.Sits right around $255K, with modest but reliable growth.
If Marion County is a value play, Morrow County is a stability play — and in a volatile region, stability is worth a premium.
Who Should Watch Morrow County?
🏡 First-Time Buyers
Affordable compared to regional averages, with multiple towns offering sub-$250K options.
📈 Investors
Fewer wild swings = lower risk, strong tenant appeal, and predictable appreciation.
🏗️ Developers
Morrow County is the type of county where builders go before the boom. There’s land, space, and a growing “ex-suburban” demand profile.
Final Take: A Market That Rewards Patience
Morrow County isn’t trying to be the star of Central Ohio — but it’s becoming one of the most quietly reliable markets in the region. With a median value pushing $260K, stable growth above trend, and anchor towns outperforming, this is the kind of county that slowly turns early buyers into long-term winners.
If Marion County is the “awakening value market,”Morrow County is the “slow-and-steady riser” with long-range upside.
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