The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 46778 sells for about $243,739, or $135 per square foot.
Prices are up +3.2% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 48 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,150 a month.
ZIP 46778 — Petroleum
The housing market in 46778 remains stable with low inventory and steady demand, reflecting broader trends in the Fort Wayne metro area. While sales volume is low due to the rural nature of the ZIP, prices have seen modest year-over-year growth. Buyers are finding a normalized market where well-priced homes continue to move efficiently.
This ZIP is best suited for families and individuals seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with lower housing costs. It appeals to those who do not mind a longer commute in exchange for more space and a small-town community atmosphere.
Median prices moved up 3.2% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 48 days on market with 3.5 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
18% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.2% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 0.0% · poverty 26.5% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.8%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 4.3%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 46778, Wells County IN
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
Crime rates in this rural area are significantly lower than the national average, with property crime being the primary concern. Local law enforcement reports stable trends consistent with regional rural patterns.
Schools serving this area are part of the Wells County school system, generally characterized as providing a stable, community-focused educational environment with moderate performance ratings.
The area faces standard Midwestern risks, primarily related to severe thunderstorms and occasional high winds. Flood risk is localized to specific low-lying areas near regional waterways.
Economic momentum is driven by regional agricultural and manufacturing sectors in the Fort Wayne metro area. Infrastructure development remains focused on maintaining rural connectivity to larger employment hubs.
Property taxes are assessed at the county level based on the Indiana market-value-in-use system. Tax caps are applied to residential properties at 1% of the gross assessed value, with additional local levies for school districts and municipal services.
Commutes are primarily car-dependent, with residents typically driving 25-40 minutes to reach major employment centers in Fort Wayne or Bluffton.
Recreational opportunities include local community parks and access to rural trails. Major shopping and dining amenities are located approximately 15-20 minutes away in larger neighboring towns.
The rental market is characterized by low inventory and steady demand from local workers. Vacancy pressure is minimal due to the limited supply of multi-family housing in this rural ZIP.
The economy is anchored by the broader Fort Wayne MSA, with significant employment in manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Local industry is heavily influenced by agricultural production and regional trade.
Transportation is dominated by private vehicle use on state and county highways. Public transit options are not available in this rural ZIP code.
Development is primarily limited to residential infill and small-scale agricultural improvements. No major commercial or infrastructure projects are currently reported for this specific ZIP.
Parcels are subject to Wells County property tax levies, including school district taxes and local fire protection district assessments.
Property insurance premiums are generally stable, though coverage for wind and hail damage is a standard consideration for homeowners in this region.
Data retrieved from census.gov ZCTA-level profiles.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Local community green space serving the immediate area.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.