While much of the state slowed in September, Central Minnesota kept moving. Here is a look at the latest numbers for the region around St. Cloud and what they mean for local buyers and sellers.
The numbers for September 2026
Minnesota REALTORS® tracks the Central Region (Region 7W, which includes the St. Cloud area). In September, the region’s median sales price was $360,000, up 2.9% from $349,900 a year earlier. Year to date, the median is also $360,000, up 1.7%.
Homes sold faster than last year. The median time on market was 40 days, down from 44 in September 2025. Closed sales rose 8.2% to 555, and new listings rose 1.1% to 862.
Supply stayed fairly tight. The region had 3.5 months of supply, up slightly from 3.4. That is still on the low side, which helps explain why prices kept rising here.
Mortgage rates this week
On the financing side, Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey for the week of October 15, 2026 put the average 30-year fixed rate at 7.40%, unchanged from the week before, and the 15-year fixed at 6.71%, down from 6.73%. A year ago the same survey showed 6.27% and 5.52%. The St. Louis Fed’s FRED database lists the same weekly readings. The survey assumes a conventional purchase loan with 20% down and excellent credit, so your own quote may be higher or lower.
Why Central Minnesota is holding up
Central Minnesota stands out this month. Its median price rose while the Arrowhead and Southeast regions slipped, and it sold homes faster than a year ago while the Twin Cities region slowed. The region’s $360,000 median is still below the 7-county Twin Cities median of $395,000. These are region-wide numbers, and every town is different, so check the data for your own area.
Tips for Central Minnesota buyers
- Expect competition on well-priced homes. With supply around 3.5 months, the best listings still move quickly.
- Get fully pre-approved, not just pre-qualified, so your offer is taken seriously.
- Look at total monthly cost, including taxes and insurance, at today’s rates before you set a budget.
- Ask about lake, well and septic inspections on rural and lake properties; they are separate from a standard home inspection.
Tips for Central Minnesota sellers
- Prices are up, but buyers are payment-sensitive at rates over 7%. Overpricing still leads to sitting on the market.
- Fall listings can do well. Fewer competing homes are listed than in spring.
- Have your disclosures, utility costs and any recent repairs ready for buyers.
- Good photos matter most online, so schedule them on a clear day while the leaves are still out.
The bottom line
Central Minnesota is one of the steadier markets in the state right now. Prices are rising modestly, homes are selling faster than a year ago and supply remains limited. For buyers, preparation is the edge. For sellers, the market is good, but smart pricing still matters.
Photo: “Downtown St. Cloud, MN” by Ryan Herrboldt, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources: Minnesota REALTORS® Local Market Updates, September 2026 (via rasminfo.com and stcloudrealtors.com) (Region 7W, Central); Freddie Mac PMMS (Oct. 15, 2026); FRED series MORTGAGE30US and MORTGAGE15US.
Please confirm details yourself.
Sponsored by Dan DeMark, REALTOR® | LPT Realty | goldenrulerealestateservices.com
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This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Talk with a licensed lender, attorney or tax professional about your own situation.
