Inside the 2026 Ohio REALTORS® Member Profile
For more than five decades, the National Association of REALTORS® has released reports on members and the business they conduct. This year’s Ohio oversample offers a closer look at the REALTORS® who make up our state’s real estate industry. While the national report highlights broad trends across the country, the Ohio oversample allows us to compare how Ohio’s members differ — providing state-specific insights into business practices, income, demographics and community engagement.
Nationally, the housing market has faced three and a half years of suppressed activity, with existing home sales of just over 4 million units, the lowest level since 1995. Given the challenging market conditions, REALTORS® across the country cite housing affordability (27%), the lack of inventory (12%), and the difficulty finding the right property (12%) as the top factors limiting potential clients.
In Ohio, these concerns are even more pronounced. The most important factors limiting potential clients from completing a transaction within the state include the lack of inventory (24%), housing affordability (24%), expectations that mortgage rates might decline (12%), and the difficulty finding the right property (10%).
Ohio REALTORS® are experienced, dedicated professionals. The median Ohio REALTOR® has 11 years of experience, compared to 13 years nationally. 18% of Ohio REALTORS® have 16-25 years of experience (23% nationally), while 16% of Ohio REALTORS® have 1 year or less (11% nationally).
Confidence in the profession remains strong. 74% of Ohio REALTORS® say they are very certain they will remain active in the next two years, almost even with the national average of 75%. Ohio’s median sales volume is $1.4 million, lower than the national median of $2.5 million.
While Ohio REALTORS® report a lower median gross income than the national average, their business expenses are also significantly lower — reflecting a market where agents can operate efficiently and sustainably with fewer overhead costs. The median gross income in Ohio is $36,900, compared to $59,200 nationally, but typical business expenses are $6,940 versus $9,520 nationwide. Ohio’s real estate landscape is also highly entrepreneurial: 45% of Ohio REALTORS® are affiliated with independent companies (compared to 53% nationally), and 90% operate as independent contractors.
Relationships and community connections are central to how Ohio REALTORS® do business. In 2025, 21% of their business came from repeat clients, and 18% came from referrals. REALTORS® in Ohio are deeply rooted in their communities — 89% own their primary residence, 97% are registered to vote and 69% volunteer locally. These figures reflect both civic engagement and long-term commitment to the communities they serve.
Ohio REALTORS® are experienced, resilient and community-focused. They are committed not only to their profession, but to the success and well-being of the communities they call home. Want to dive deeper into the data? View the full PDF here.
