Real Estate Investing in Graham, North Carolina (27253)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 27253 (Graham, NC)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — home prices are stretched relative to local incomes. Run the math on your specific situation.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- Elevated vacancy: 8.8% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Graham, NC (27253)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 27253 Graham
The 27253 ZIP in Graham, NC is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $305K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
The investment case in 27253 is substantial only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $305K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
In the broader NC picture, 27253 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
The demographic picture in 27253 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Graham averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
The 27253 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Graham:
Property Strategy for 27253
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $192,638 | $1,270 | 4.7% | +10.2% | $96,319 |
| 3BR | $294,604 | $1,570 | 3.8% | +9.9% | $98,201 |
| 4BR | $381,646 | $1,860 | 3.5% | +8.7% | $95,411 |
| 5BR | $411,848 | — | — | +8.4% | $82,370 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 27253 Compare?
| Metric | 27253 | Graham | Burlington, NC | North Carolina |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $305,475 | $305,475 | N/A | $330,565 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.8% | 6.8% | N/A | 7.8% |
| Avg Rent | $1,342 | $1,342 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.4% | 3.4% | - | - |
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 27253 (Graham, NC). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $305,475 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,342 |
| Price-to-Rent | 19.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.3% |
| Cap Rate | 3.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +3.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.8% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.6% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -23.8% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.4%). 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 27253
Population: 32,688
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 27253
Schools in This ZIP Code
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 1,360 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Graham, NC a good market for buy-and-hold investors?
Investors tracking Graham, NC will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $305K median home values and $1,342/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting consistent returns.
What do rentals go for in Graham, NC?
Average rent in Graham, NC is approximately $1,342/mo per month. Against $305K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
Is Graham, NC good for landlords?
For rental operators, Graham, NC rates as landlord-friendly. The regulatory environment standard buy-and-hold operations.
Is it easy to find good tenants in Graham, NC?
The renter base in Graham, NC is reasonable for the $1,342/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields predictable tenants.
Is vacancy a concern in Graham, NC?
Rental vacancy in Graham, NC is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
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How 27253 ranks in Burlington, NC
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