The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 44131 sells for about $437,500, or $185 per square foot.
Prices are up +4.2% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 30 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,407 a month.
ZIP 44131 — Independence
The 44131 housing market is currently a strong seller's market, characterized by low inventory and steady price appreciation. Demand is driven by the area's high-quality school districts and central location within the Cleveland metro area. Figures for specific metrics like months of supply and price cut percentages are based on current active listing data.
This ZIP is ideal for families and professionals seeking a suburban lifestyle with high-quality schools and convenient access to the Cleveland employment core.
Median prices moved up 4.2% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 30 days on market with 2.1 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
15% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 2.1% · poverty 3.9% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.9%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 4.6%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 44131, Cuyahoga County OH
Crime rates in the area are generally low compared to the broader Cleveland metropolitan region, with property crime being the primary concern.
The area is served by highly-rated local school districts, including Independence Local Schools, which are recognized for strong academic performance.
The region faces standard Midwestern climate risks, including occasional severe thunderstorms and winter weather, with flood risk primarily concentrated near local creek beds.
The area benefits from its proximity to major corporate headquarters and industrial parks in Independence, providing a stable economic base and consistent employment opportunities.
Property taxes are assessed at the county level by Cuyahoga County, with rates influenced by local school district levies and municipal millage.
Residents benefit from excellent access to I-77 and I-480, providing a direct commute to downtown Cleveland and the surrounding industrial hubs.
The area features access to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park nearby, along with local municipal parks, golf courses, and shopping centers in Independence and Seven Hills.
The rental market is characterized by low vacancy rates and steady demand, driven by the area's suburban appeal and proximity to major employment centers.
The economy is anchored by a mix of corporate headquarters, professional services, and light industrial sectors, particularly along the I-77 corridor.
The area is highly car-dependent but features excellent highway connectivity to the regional transit network.
Ongoing redevelopment of older commercial sites into modern mixed-use facilities is a primary focus for the city of Independence.
Cuyahoga County utilizes a triennial update and sexennial reappraisal cycle for property assessments.
Parcels are subject to local school district taxes and county-wide levies for health and human services.
Property insurance premiums are stable, though coverage for wind and hail damage remains a standard consideration for homeowners.
Data retrieved from census.gov ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Extensive hiking and biking trails located just east of the ZIP.
Major entertainment venue located in Independence.
Key-figure check: median price diverges 23.4% from the nearest retained anchor (published ten-year series (2025)) — beyond the 12.5% tolerance; an automated validation case is open and the value publishes pending its verdict. Research outlier held out — this pass returned a median of $335,000 (23.4% off the retained reading), contradicting every independent anchor; the prior reading stands pending corroboration. Validation: the flagged $335,000 (-23.4% vs the published ten-year series (2025)) could not be independently corroborated and was reverted to the prior cycle value pending review; the case is under review in the Command Center.