Real Estate Investing in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (27104)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 27104 (Winston-Salem, NC)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- Elevated vacancy: 8.2% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Winston-Salem, NC (27104)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 27104 Winston-Salem
ZIP 27104 inside Forsyth County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $375K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
The investment case in 27104 is notable only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $375K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
Statewide comparisons place 27104 among NC's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
The demographic picture in 27104 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Winston-Salem averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. durable returns are possible in 27104, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Winston-Salem:
Property Strategy for 27104
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $135,657 | $1,260 | 6.7% | +9.3% | $135,657 |
| 2BR | $194,198 | $1,440 | 5.3% | +9.6% | $97,099 |
| 3BR | $321,637 | $1,880 | 4.2% | +7.1% | $107,212 |
| 4BR | $563,035 | $2,220 | 2.8% | +7.5% | $140,759 |
| 5BR | $834,769 | — | — | +7.0% | $166,954 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 27104 Compare?
| Metric | 27104 | Winston-Salem | Winston-Salem, NC | North Carolina |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $375,164 | $67,908 | N/A | $330,565 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.1% | 5.2% | N/A | 7.8% |
| Avg Rent | $1,391 | $1,520 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% | 4.6% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 27104 (Winston-Salem, NC). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 27104 (Winston-Salem, NC)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $375,164 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,391 |
| Price-to-Rent | 22.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.5% |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.0% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.2% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -10.4% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +0.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.9%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 27104
Population: 31,184
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 27104
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (4 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Bolton Elementary
Moore Magnet Elementary
Early College of Forsyth Co
Middle College of Forsyth Cnty
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 2,491 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How expensive is real estate in Winston-Salem, NC?
Median home price in Winston-Salem, NC is near $375K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been steady and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
Are landlord laws favorable in Winston-Salem, NC?
Winston-Salem, NC operates under NC law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect steady treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
What is the typical renter like in Winston-Salem, NC?
Winston-Salem, NC offers a predictable renter base at the $1,391/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
Is Winston-Salem, NC good for house hacking?
House hacking in Winston-Salem, NC is a challenging. With home values around $375K and rents at $1,391/mo, owner-occupants can offset a meaningful share of PITI.
How tight is the rental market in Winston-Salem, NC?
Winston-Salem, NC carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect steady absorption at market rents of $1,391/mo.
You know 27104 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 27104 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 27104 ranks in Winston-Salem, NC
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 27104 (Winston-Salem)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 27104 (Winston-Salem, NC).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.