By Desiree Stock | NWALook |Collier & Associates, Executive Broker|
Northwest Arkansas Housing Market
January Year-Over-Year Comparison (2025 vs. 2026)
Benton County vs. Washington County
January’s year-over-year data shows a market that continues to adjust through inventory expansion, pricing recalibration, and steadier buyer behavior. While both counties moved in similar directions, the pace and scale of change differed.
Inventory & Supply
Months of Inventory
- Benton County: 5 → 8 ⬆️
- Washington County: 6 → 6
Benton County experienced a significant increase in available supply year over year, while Washington County remained stable. This widening gap highlights differing absorption rates between the two counties.
Active Listings
- Benton County: 2,281 → 2,947 ⬆️ +29.2%
- Washington County: 1,283 → 1,308 ⬆️ +1.9%
Benton County saw a substantial rise in active listings, while Washington County inventory remained relatively flat. Most of the region’s inventory growth continues to be concentrated in Benton County.
New Listings
- Benton County: 669 → 700 ⬆️ +4.6%
- Washington County: 379 → 384 ⬆️ +1.3%
New listing activity increased modestly in both counties, indicating continued seller participation without a sharp year-over-year surge.
Pricing Trends
Median List Price
- Benton County: $397,000 → $445,663 ⬆️ +12.3%
- Washington County: $350,000 → $380,300 ⬆️ +8.7%
Median list prices increased in both counties, with Benton County posting a larger year-over-year gain.
Median Sale Price
- Benton County: $374,239 → $367,721 ⬇️ −1.7%
- Washington County: $337,300 → $356,475 ⬆️ +5.7%
Washington County recorded an increase in median sale price year over year, while Benton County experienced a modest decline, reflecting differing responses to expanding inventory.
Price per Square Foot
- Benton County: $232 → $248 ⬆️ +6.9%
- Washington County: $211 → $232 ⬆️ +10.0%
Price per square foot rose in both counties, signaling continued value strength despite shifting market conditions.
Market Efficiency
Close Price to Original List Price Ratio
- Washington County: 100.0% → 97.9% ⬇️ −2.1%
- Benton County: 99.9% → 97.8% ⬇️ −2.1%
Both counties saw a normalization in close-to-list ratios compared to last year, indicating slightly more negotiation while remaining near asking price.
Sales Activity
Number of Sales
- Benton County: 415 → 392 ⬇️ −5.5%
- Washington County: 229 → 212 ⬇️ −7.4%
Sales volume declined modestly in both counties, consistent with higher inventory levels and a more measured pace of transactions.
January Year-Over-Year Takeaways
- Inventory expanded sharply in Benton County and remained steady in Washington County
- List prices increased in both counties
- Sale prices diverged between counties
- Price per square foot rose across the board
- Negotiation increased slightly year over year
- Sales activity softened, but remains steady
Bottom Line
January 2026 reflects a market that is more supplied, more measured, and more selective than January 2025. Activity continues across Northwest Arkansas, with clearer distinctions emerging between Benton and Washington County conditions.
Understanding these year-over-year shifts is essential for accurately interpreting where the Northwest Arkansas housing market is headed in 2026.
Data reflects January 2025 vs. January 2026 market activity for Benton and Washington Counties.
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Featured Listing of the Week
2772 N Signet Place, Fayetteville, AR 72703
Listing Price: $799,000
🛏 4 Bedrooms|4 Full Bathrooms 1 Half Bathroom |📐 3,650 Sq Ft | Built 2010 | 0.32 Acres
Located in East Fayetteville within the Vandergriff School District, 2772 Signet Place offers the location and layout you’ve been searching for. This 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home features a thoughtfully designed floor plan with a spacious primary suite on the main level, along with a guest bedroom or office that includes its own private bath. Upstairs, you’ll find additional bedrooms—each with its own en suite bathroom—plus a large media room/playroom perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Recently added built-ins enhance both the media room and the upstairs hallway, providing style and functionality. Step outside and enjoy the backyard while entertaining friends on the newly added lower deck, creating the perfect space for outdoor living.
Listed By:
Collier & Associates
Listing Agent :Margaret Schloss
Cell: 417-293-8975
Office: 479-274-0662
Listing information as of 02/04/2026 subject to change without notice. Confirm all details with the listing agent/firm.
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Luxury Sales of the Week
Benton & Washington County
🏡 821 SE H Street, Bentonville, AR 72712
💰 Sales Price: $1,652,000
📅 Sold Date: 01/30/2026
🤝 Represented by:
Seller’s Agent: Mayer Team (John Mayer), Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Journey
📞 (479) 644-1849 | Office: (479) 319-3737
Buyer’s Agent: Non-MLS
📞 (479) 770-0241
🏡 11801 Kinzer Road, Prairie Grove, AR 72753
💰 Sales Price: $1,200,000
📅 Sold Date: 01/28/2026
🤝 Represented by:
Seller’s Agent: June Davenport, Keller Williams Market Pro Realty – Siloam Springs
📞 (479) 200-1220 | Office: (479) 718-2800
Buyer’s Agent: Non-MLS
📞 (479) 770-0241
Desiree Stock
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Article Data Source: Northwest Arkansas Board of Realtors MLS as of 12/01/25
This newsletter is provided strictly for informational purposes and is not intended to solicit or interfere with clients who are already represented by another real estate professional. We are happy to work with individuals who are not currently represented; our intent is to keep the public informed about market activity and community updates. The information contained herein is based on sources and information deemed reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or applicable to every situation. NWALook and any associated parties assume no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this newsletter or any actions taken based on the information provided. By reading this newsletter, you agree to hold NWALook and any affiliates harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, or damages arising from or related to your use of the information provided.
