How competitive is my ZIP code?

A competition score for any ZIP code

Our monthly rankings compare the ZIP codes in the areas we cover closely. This tool extends the same method to the whole country: every ZIP code with enough sales in the last three months is scored from 0 to 100 against all the others, so you can see how competitive your market is nationally.

How the score works

It combines four measures from recent sales: the share of homes sold above their original list price (35%), the average sale-to-list ratio (25%), months of supply (20%, lower is hotter) and median days on market (20%, lower is hotter). Each is turned into a percentile against all scored ZIP codes, then weighted into a single score. The result also shows the ZIP’s rank within its state and how the score moved since last month.

An example

A score of 85 means the ZIP code is more competitive than about 85% of U.S. ZIP codes. Expect multiple offers on well-priced homes, few price cuts and homes going under contract quickly. A score of 25 suggests a calmer market with more time and negotiating room.

Using it

• Use it to set expectations before you tour, then check a specific listing with Can I win this house?
• Watch the change from last month to spot markets heating up or cooling down.
• Scores need a minimum number of sales, so very small ZIP codes may not have one.

Because the score is relative, a middling score in an expensive coastal market can still mean a lot of competition in absolute terms; the sale-to-list and above-list figures show that directly.

How it relates to our local rankings

For the areas we cover closely, our monthly heat score ranks ZIP codes against each other within those areas. The nationwide competition score uses the same inputs but compares against the whole country, which is why a ZIP code can rank in the middle locally and still score high nationally.

Questions buyers ask