The Midwest has led the nation for rent growth in recent years, straying from the region’s “slow and steady” reputation. As of April 2025, the Midwest reported the highest annual rent growth of any region nationwide at 3.6%. That was notably ahead of the U.S. average of 1%. The Midwest region generally doesn’t lose much ground during periods of national underperformance, but the region also doesn’t report sizable growth during national upturns as well. Instead, the Midwest seems less affected by national trends and more inclined to chug along its own steady path. In the few years leading up to the pandemic, the Midwest commanded modest rent growth below the national average at about 3% annually. During the pandemic period of 2020 and 2021, when the U.S. suffered deep rent cuts, the Midwest held out with marginal growth. The Midwest didn’t gain as much ground during the rebound period in 2022, and has since returned to its own stable cadence, but one that is well ahead of U.S. norms.
For more information on the state of apartment markets across the Midwest, including forecasts, watch the webcast Market Intelligence: Q2 Midwest Region Update.
