Methodology

Our Approach

Repit aggregates public and proprietary data to give homebuyers and investors a clear view of housing markets at the ZIP, city, metro, and state level. We don't predict. We measure outcomes.

Every metric on this site is calculated from verifiable data sources — federal, commercial, and internal. Where we make assumptions, we state them. Where data is incomplete, we say so.

Data Sources

Our analysis draws from multiple data streams, refreshed on rolling schedules:

Data refresh cadence varies by source — some monthly, some quarterly, some annually. The "Data updated" timestamp on each page reflects the most recent refresh for that geography.

Key Metrics Explained

Rent Burden

The percentage of household income spent on rent. This is the core affordability metric.

We calculate this at the ZIP level using median rent and median household income data. A rent burden above 30% is generally considered "cost-burdened" by federal standards.

Rent Stress (Metro/State Level)

A rent-to-income ratio calculated at metro or state aggregation. Similar to rent burden but applied to larger geographies for market-level comparisons.

Crash Risk Index

A composite score (0–10) measuring downward price pressure in a metro area. Components include:

• Year-over-year price change
• Year-over-year rent change
• Percentage of listings selling below asking price
• Days on market

Higher scores indicate greater risk of price correction. A score of 10/10 means all indicators point to significant downward pressure.

Landlord-Friendliness Index

A state-level rating (1–5) based on regulatory factors that affect rental property operations:

This index describes regulatory environment, not market quality. A 1/5 state can still be profitable; a 5/5 state can still have high vacancies. Context matters.

Repit School Score

A composite score (0–100) for K-12 schools based on factors we believe matter more than test scores alone:

• Student-to-teacher ratio (class size)
• Per-pupil funding
• Graduation rates (where applicable)
• School type and context

We built this because existing school ratings often just measure parent income. Our approach focuses on resources and outcomes.

Investability Rating

A star rating (1–5) reflecting overall investment potential at the ZIP level. Weighted inputs include:

• Cap rate estimates
• Vacancy rates
• Appreciation trends
• Rent-to-price ratio
• Crime (inverse)
• Landlord-friendliness

Weights are calibrated based on common investor priorities. This is a starting point for research, not a buy signal.

Geographic Coverage

• ZIP codes: 25,000+ with sufficient data
• Cities: All incorporated cities with available data
• Counties: 3,000+
• Metros: 894 metropolitan statistical areas
• States: All 50 states + District of Columbia

Coverage depends on data availability. Some rural ZIPs and smaller geographies may have incomplete metrics.

Limitations

How to Cite This Data

Journalists, researchers, and analysts may cite this analysis as:

For press inquiries or data requests, contact us at [email protected].