Economic Impact

The Economic Impact of National Register Historic Districts

Research consistently shows that listing a neighborhood in the National Register of Historic Places does more than honor its history; it protects property values. Across the U.S., designated districts often see higher appreciation rates and greater market stability than comparable non-designated areas.

National & Multi-Regional Studies

The Value of Historic District Status (2025)

• • Finding: Residential properties increase in value by 9–12% following National Register listing.

Measuring the Economics of Preservation (2011)

• • Finding: A meta-analysis for the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) confirming a consistent positive correlation between preservation and property value stability.

State & Local Impact Reports

Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation in Washington State (2007)

• • Finding: Data from cities like Bellingham and Tacoma shows historic district homes appreciating faster than comparable local markets.

The Impact of Local Historic Districts on House Prices (2016)

• • Finding: Summarizes data where district houses sold for 11% to 36% more than non-district counterparts.