Wydown-Skinker, a vibrant neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri, is characterized by its unique blend of residential and academic atmospheres due to its proximity to Washington University. This area has experienced significant changes in homeownership rates and property values over the past decade, with a general trend towards increased average home prices and higher rental costs. The homeownership rate in Wydown-Skinker has demonstrated resilience with some fluctuations. In 2013, the neighborhood boasted a 67% homeownership rate, which slightly decreased to 64% by 2019 before rising to 69% in 2022. This recent upward trend aligns with a steady increase in average home prices. The average home price in the area rose from $311,795 in 2010 to $390,398 in 2022, marking a substantial 25.2% increase over this period. Notably, the most significant rise occurred between 2020 and 2022, with average home prices surging from $350,855 to $390,398, an 11.3% increase in just two years.

The relationship between federal interest rates and homeownership rates in Wydown-Skinker follows some expected patterns, with some exceptions. During the period of historically low interest rates from 2013 to 2016, when rates hovered around 0.1%, homeownership rates remained relatively stable between 65% and 68%. As interest rates began to rise more significantly from 2017 onwards, reaching 1.83% in 2018, a slight dip in homeownership to 65% was observed. However, the neighborhood experienced a notable increase in homeownership to 69% in 2022, despite rising interest rates, suggesting that other local factors may have influenced this trend.

Renter percentages in Wydown-Skinker have fluctuated inversely to homeownership rates, ranging from a low of 31% in 2022 to a high of 36% in 2019 and 2021. Average rent prices have shown dramatic increases, particularly in recent years. From 2013 to 2016, average rents remained relatively stable, ranging from $1,166 to $1,257. However, there was a significant jump in 2017, with average rents more than doubling to $3,120. This high level of rent has persisted, reaching $3,148 in 2022. This substantial increase in rental costs, coupled with the rising population from 4,631 in 2016 to 5,077 in 2022, suggests a growing demand for housing in the area, potentially driven by the neighborhood's desirability and proximity to educational institutions.