Welcome back to Market Monday. Two weeks ago we ran the numbers on all nine of our towns. Last week we introduced you to the $120K Club. This week we're doing something different: parking the tour bus in one town and really kicking the tires. First stop: Herrin — and the numbers say it might be the hardest-working housing market in Southern Illinois.
The Herrin Paradox: More Sales, Smaller Price Tags
Here's what makes Herrin interesting right now. Through the first half of 2026, 219 homes closed in the 62948 ZIP — more than the 211 that closed over the same stretch last year. Buyer demand is not just alive in Herrin; it's up. And yet the typical monthly median sale price this year has run about $115,000, down from roughly $124,000 over the first half of 2025.
Doom headline? Not even close. In a market this size, the monthly median swings with which homes happen to close — June 2026's median was $113,474 against $147,500 in June 2025, and that's mostly mix, not crashing values. What the numbers actually describe is a town where the affordable end of the market is doing heavy lifting: starter homes, first-time buyers, and investors are all finding deals they can actually close on. Volume up, prices accessible — that's a functioning market, and it's rarer than you'd think in 2026.
| Jan–Jun 2026 | Jan–Jun 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Homes closed | 219 | 211 |
| Typical monthly median price | ~$115,000 | ~$124,000 |
| June median sale price | $113,474 | $147,500 |
| Est. closed volume | ~$25.3M | ~$26.2M |
Local MLS closed-sale data, ZIP 62948, through June 2026 (the most recent complete month). Volume estimated as closings × median.
How Herrin Stacks Up Against the Neighbors
Among the nine towns we track every month, Herrin's first-half closing count (219) puts it fourth-busiest — behind only the much bigger markets of Carbondale, Marion, and Mount Vernon, and ahead of Carterville, Murphysboro, Benton, West Frankfort, and Du Quoin. On price, it sits squarely in the affordable band: comfortably below Marion (~$204K) and Carterville (~$208K), in the same neighborhood as Benton and Murphysboro. In plain English: Herrin gives you Marion-area convenience at roughly half the Marion price.
Greg Holthaus Predicts
Herrin has averaged about 36 closings a month since spring, and late summer is traditionally its strongest stretch. I expect the second half of 2026 to land at 200–220 more closings, with the median firming back toward the mid-$120s as the mix normalizes — which would put full-year 2026 ahead of 2025 on sales. If you own a home in Herrin and you've been on the fence about selling: you currently have MORE buyers competing for FEWER affordable listings. If you're buying: every month you wait, a few more of those low-$100s homes are gone. Either way, the math favors moving now, not next spring.
Living in Herrin: The Two-Minute Pitch
HerrinFesta Italiana every spring. A walkable old downtown that keeps adding life. The 13th Street corridor with local restaurants that out-punch their weight. Quick hops to Marion, Carbondale, and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. And a housing stock full of solid brick ranches and character homes at prices that make first-time buyers do a double-take. Want the full rundown, current listings included? Our Herrin community page has the live home search, and our Herrin office (121 N. 13th St, Suite 2 — 618.988.2323) has the people who know every street.
💰 How Much House Can YOU Afford in Herrin?
Find out in minutes — free, no-pressure pre-qualification with Jarod Sanders, SIRE's in-house lender. Zero-down VA & USDA options available across Southern Illinois.Jarod Sanders · CrossCountry Mortgage · NMLS #2337228
Market Monday FAQ
Is Herrin a buyer's or seller's market right now?
Why did Herrin's June median drop from $147,500 to $113,474?
What does $115,000 actually buy in Herrin?
📱 Got a Question About This Market? Text Greg.
Buying? Selling? Not sure where to start? Text Greg Holthaus directly — just tell him you saw his blog. He'll help you think through your decision, match you with the best broker for your situation, and point you in the right direction. He's open to a text any time.
Text Greg · 618.925.8654
Who is Greg Holthaus?
Greg Holthaus is the Owner and Designated Managing Broker of Southern Illinois Realty Experts, with 25+ years in Southern Illinois real estate and more than 10,000 transactions closed. He leads a full-service operation — home sales, mortgage, title, and property management under one roof — with offices in Marion, Herrin, and Carbondale. Meet Greg ›
About the numbers: Local MLS closed-sale data for ZIP 62948 (Herrin) and the eight comparison ZIPs, through June 2026 — the most recent complete data month. Dollar volume is estimated as closings × median sale price and is presented as an estimate. Payment or affordability references are illustrative only — nothing here is a loan offer, rate quote, or guarantee. Talk to a SIRE broker about your specific situation.