Real Estate Investing in Roaring Gap, North Carolina (28668)

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

Alleghany County • Population: 166 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 28668 (Roaring Gap, NC)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
WEAK FIT
Grade F (36/100)

Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.

📈 For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5 (47/100)

A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.

⚠️ Risks to Know
2 flags
  • High vacancy: 85.0% of homes vacant — above national norms.
  • High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 37.0 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.

• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.

What’s happening in Roaring Gap, NC (28668)?

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3.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

3.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

3.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $372,034
Avg Monthly Rent $837
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income N/A
% Renters 0.0%

Market Analysis: 28668 Roaring Gap

ZIP 28668 inside Alleghany County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $372K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.

Stepping back, the numbers look inviting — $372K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 28668 is substantial and deserves full respect.

On balance, 28668 offers a low basis, the region around Roaring Gap has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.

Demographically, 28668 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.

Strategy in 28668 is an operator game, not a passive one. Looking more closely, entry prices of $372K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Roaring Gap:

Affordability
Affordable
Homes cost × the median income
Value Trend
Rising (+7.6%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $837/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
BALANCED
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
Bottom Line: This market may be challenging for buyers. Consider your timing and budget carefully.

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$389K$345K$301K$258K$214K$170KJan 2012May 2019Jul 2026

📊 How Does 28668 Compare?

Metric 28668 Roaring Gap North Carolina
Home Value $372,034 $372,034 $330,565
5-Year CAGR 6.0% 6.0% 7.8%
Avg Rent $837 $837 -
Cap Rate 1.8% 1.8% -
💡 Why Invest in 28668? Click to expand

With a 3/5 investability rating, this ZIP shows solid fundamentals for buy-and-hold investors.

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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 28668 (Roaring Gap, NC). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Investability
Good
Cap Rate
1.8%
Low
5yr Growth
+6.0%
Moderate

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $372,034
Monthly Rent $837
Price-to-Rent 37.0:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 2.7%
Cap Rate 1.8%
5-Year IRR 7.8%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +7.6% ▲
3-Year CAGR +5.3% ▲
5-Year CAGR +6.0% ▲
10-Year CAGR +6.3% ▲

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year N/A
3-Year CAGR N/A
5-Year CAGR N/A
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 1.8%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (1.8%). 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.

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⚠️ Risk Signals

Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.

Vacancy
85.0%
Elevated risk
Landlord Climate
4.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
+6.0%
Stable
Eviction process: Moderate Rent control: Favorable

Demographics in 28668

Population: 166

💰 Median Household Income
N/A
🏠 Renter Occupied
0.0%
This area
0.0%
State
27.8%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
0.0%
This area
0.0%
State
-19.3%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
82.6%
This area
82.6%
State
0.5%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
60.3 years
This area
60.3 years
State
6.5 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
85.0%
This area
85.0%
State
19.4%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 97.6%
Hispanic/Latino 1.2%
Black/African American 1.2%
Other/Mixed 1.2%
👶 Under 18
0.0%
This area
0.0%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
17.0%
This area
17.0%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
0.0%
This area
0.0%
USA
11.5%

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do landlord-tenant laws work in Roaring Gap, NC?

The landlord environment in Roaring Gap, NC is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.

How deep is the rental pool in Roaring Gap, NC?

Working renters make up the core of the Roaring Gap, NC tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.

Are rents high in Roaring Gap, NC?

Rental rates in Roaring Gap, NC average $837/mo. Tenant demand and $372K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.

Is house hacking profitable in Roaring Gap, NC?

The a challenging house-hack environment in Roaring Gap, NC reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.

Are homes affordable in Roaring Gap, NC?

Expect median prices around $372K in Roaring Gap, NC. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been stable.

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