Quick answer: Over the three months ending September 2026, the median Evanston home sold for about $500,000, up 6.5% from a year earlier. Homes sold in a median of 44 days, at about 102.7% of list price, and 46% sold for more than asking (Redfin, MLS & public records). Evanston is one of the strongest markets on the North Shore right now. Here’s what that means if you’re selling or buying.
Evanston home values at a glance
| Evanston (all home types) | September 2026 |
|---|---|
| Median sale price | $500,317 (+6.5% vs. last year, 3 months ending Sep) |
| Homes sold in the month | 223 (225 a year earlier) |
| Median days on market | 44 days (2 days slower) |
| Sale-to-list price | 102.7% (+1.6 pts) |
| Sold above asking | 46.4% (+1.5 pts) |
| Homes with price drops | 17.8% |
Source: Redfin market data for Evanston (based on MLS and public records), all home types, September 2026. Figures are market-wide, not specific to any one property.
How Evanston compares with its neighbors
Three towns that share borders are moving three different ways this fall. Evanston’s median price is up 6.5% from a year ago, Skokie is essentially flat (+0.6%), and Lincolnwood is down 2.0% (Redfin, 3 months ending September 2026). Evanston is also the only one of the three that Redfin rates very competitive: the typical home sells above list price, and fewer than one in five listings has had a price cut. For the latest Skokie and Lincolnwood numbers, see my monthly Market Update.
What’s driving value in Evanston
- Home type and size. Evanston’s median blends condos, townhomes, single-family homes and multi-unit buildings. A single-family home and a one-bedroom condo can be priced in completely different ranges, so the town-wide median is only a starting point.
- Location within town. Distance to the lake, the CTA and Metra lines, and downtown Evanston all affect what buyers will pay, sometimes block by block.
- Condition and updates. With nearly half of homes selling over asking, move-in-ready homes draw the most competition. Homes that need work still sell, but buyers price the work in.
- Taxes and carrying costs. Property taxes and condo assessments vary widely and buyers compare them closely. Knowing yours up front helps you price correctly.
- Wilmette home values: median $1,169,443 (+17.0% vs. last year)
If you’re selling in Evanston
The numbers favor sellers: prices are up, homes are selling above list on average, and price cuts are less common than in nearby towns. That doesn’t mean any price works. Well-presented homes priced right from day one get the strongest offers in the first week or two; overpriced homes sit and lose that momentum. Get a free, no-pressure home value estimate to see where yours fits.
If you’re buying in Evanston
Expect competition on well-priced homes. Have your pre-approval ready, see new listings quickly, and be prepared for some homes to sell above asking. Looking at nearby Skokie or Lincolnwood, where buyers currently have more room to negotiate, can also widen your options.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median home price in Evanston, IL?
About $500,000 over the three months ending September 2026 (Redfin, all home types), up 6.5% from a year earlier.
Are Evanston home prices going up?
Yes. As of September 2026 Evanston’s median price was 6.5% higher than a year earlier, and 46% of homes sold above asking.
How fast do homes sell in Evanston?
The median home sold in about 44 days in September 2026, slightly slower than a year ago.
Is Evanston a competitive market?
Redfin rates Evanston very competitive: the typical home sells for about 2.7% over list price, and fewer than one in five listings has had a price drop.
Al Kolovic is a Licensed Managing Broker with CENTURY 21 Circle, 3372 W Devon Ave, Lincolnwood, with $80M+ in career sales and 170+ homes sold across Chicago and the North Shore. Questions about your Evanston home? Call or text 847-561-8987.
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