ZIP 45202 Housing Market Update (Cincinnati, OH): More Inventory, Softer Prices, Rents Still Firm

ZIP 45202 (Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio) continues to look more balanced than it did a year or two ago: price measures are softer year-over-year, while shoppers have more active listings to choose from.

Top takeaways

Prices are mixed by tracker, but the common theme is softer year-over-year performance in recent periods.
Inventory looks higher than last year, with major portals showing roughly 100+ active listings in the ZIP.
Rents remain firm: Realtor.com shows a higher median rent year-over-year for 45202.
Mortgage rates are still a big swing factor for monthly payments, sitting around the low-6% range recently.

Market snapshot

Zillow’s ZIP-level home value estimate (ZHVI) puts the typical 45202 home value at $387,953, down 0.9% over the past year, with data shown through December 2025. Zillow also shows 102 homes for-sale inventory for December 2025 and a modest 1-year forecast (+1.1%) at that same snapshot date.

Realtor.com’s market page for 45202 (December 2025 reporting period) shows a median home price of $375,000 and active listings of 138 (up year-over-year). It also characterizes the ZIP as a buyer’s market for that period, with homes selling for about 3.32% below asking on average (sale-to-list ratio shown as 97%).

On the recent sales side, Redfin reports a January 2026 median sale price of $490K in 45202 (down 9.26% year-over-year), with homes averaging about 90 days on market and 30 homes sold in the month.

Rates and affordability

National 30-year fixed mortgage rates remain elevated versus the ultra-low-rate era. The Freddie Mac PMMS series published on FRED shows 6.01% for the week ending February 19, 2026. For buyers in 45202, small rate changes can materially shift condo and townhome affordability, especially with HOA dues and downtown parking considerations.

What’s for sale right now (no addresses)

Entry-to-mid priced condos: Redfin’s active feed includes renovated 1–2 bedroom condos currently marketed around the mid-$200Ks to low-$300Ks.
Move-in ready city homes: there are also updated 2-bedroom homes in the low-$400Ks range, reflecting the premium for more space and privacy near downtown/OTR.
High-end riverfront or luxury options: listings in the high-$800Ks to $900Ks+ range are still present for buyers targeting views, larger layouts, or elevator/garage features.

Renovation and small development watch

If you are planning a remodel, change of use (like converting a unit), or exterior work that affects the streetscape, the City of Cincinnati notes that zoning compliance is a prerequisite for permits and offers a zoning verification process through the Permit Center (downtown area).

ServiceXTC local pros (directory check)

No verified ServiceXTC provider pages specific to ZIP 45202 were available to include in today’s update. If you are a local home inspector, HVAC contractor, plumber, electrician, roofer, or remodeler serving 45202, consider getting listed so residents can find you during purchase, punch-list, and make-ready season.

What are you seeing right now in 45202: more price cuts, stronger offers on the best units, or renters renewing at higher rates?

Sources

https://www.unitedstateszipcodes.org/45202/
https://www.zillow.com/home-values/77493/cincinnati-oh-45202/
https://www.realtor.com/local/market/ohio/zipcode-45202
https://www.redfin.com/zipcode/45202/housing-market
https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MORTGAGE30US
https://www.redfin.com/zipcode/45202
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/45202
https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/planning/zoning-administration/