Miami County

Home values in Miami County have climbed 4.3% since bottoming in late March, rising steadily to $383,706 over four consecutive readings—a sign of market stabilization. Yet this recovery masks troubling labor market movement: unemployment has reversed course after hitting a low of 3.1% in April, climbing to 3.9% by June and posting gains in two straight months.

The divergence between housing and jobs signals mixed economic signals. While residential property values suggest renewed confidence or investment, the unemployment reversal—a 25.8% increase from its recent trough—points to renewed softening in the local labor market. The county's unemployment rate now sits above its year-ago level of 3.8%, and the six-month arc shows volatility: spiking to 4.2–4.3% in early 2026, briefly dipping to 3.1%, then climbing again.

With a population of 34,625 and a labor force of 19,149, Miami County's job losses—however modest the percentage—affect a concentrated population. Local reporters should investigate what sectors are shedding workers, whether the housing recovery reflects genuine demand or external investment, and whether the two trends reflect different economic forces at play.