Gilbert is making waves as one of the fastest-growing cities in the Phoenix metro area, attracting families and young professionals alike. With housing demand surging, Gilbert has made significant strides in expanding its inventory—but challenges like affordability and the “missing middle” still loom large. But Gilbert is not alone. Arizona has four cities among the best-performing markets for housing stock growth from 2005 to 2023.

MORE NEWS: The 10 fastest-growing housing markets in Arizona

Our latest StorageCafe report* – which sought to identify which cities are leading the way in addressing the housing shortage – shows Gilbert as a standout performer in housing growth, with a 67% increase in total inventory from 2005 to 2023—outpacing many other cities nationwide.

Here’s how Gilbert is excelling—and where it still has work to do:

  • Multifamily Boom: Multifamily housing in Gilbert grew by an incredible 374%, reaching nearly 6,700 units, solidifying its position as a leader in Arizona’s housing market. This sector’s expansion has positioned Gilbert as a leader in offering premier rental communities, many featuring top-tier amenities.
  • Single-Family Expansion: Single-family homes grew by 53%, hitting nearly 80,000 units, addressing demand from families moving to the area.
  • The “Missing Middle” Problem: Middle housing has expanded by 125%, reaching about 10,000 units, but still accounts for just 10% of the city’s inventory—highlighting a significant gap in housing diversity. 
  • Affordability remains a major hurdle in Gilbert. Median home prices have soared 91%, reaching $614,200 in 2023—well above the national average. 
  • On a brighter note, Gilbert’s median household income of $111,000 has kept its price-to-income ratio relatively favorable, offering some relief to families despite rising costs.

Which Cities Are Leading the Housing Inventory Expansion?

Arizona has four cities among the best-performing markets for housing stock growth from 2005 to 2023:

"Gilbert’s focus on residential growth has made it a magnet for newcomers, building on the strength of its booming job market and business-friendly vibe," says Mirela Mohan, real estate editor and author of the report. "The city has outpaced nearby hotspots like Avondale and Surprise, which saw strong housing growth of over 62%, but fell slightly short of Gilbert’s impressive numbers."

"That said, the 'missing middle' remains a significant challenge for Gilbert," Mohan added. "While multifamily developments have been effective in accommodating new residents, the limited availability of middle housing makes it difficult for families and first-time buyers to find affordable starter homes or more flexible living options."

Check out our full report on housing inventory trends across the U.S., highlighting key growth areas: https://www.storagecafe.com/blog/housing-inventory-in-the-us/.

Or dive straight into our interactive table to explore the full dataset: https://www.datawrapper.de/_/OGLQk/?v=13.