Real Estate Investing in Warne, North Carolina (28909)

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

Clay County • Population: 356 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 28909 (Warne, NC)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
MIXED
Grade C (56/100)

Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.

📈 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: 41.4% of homes vacant — above national norms.
  • High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 27.0 — 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 Warne, NC (28909)?

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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 $291,464
Avg Monthly Rent $900
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income $75,855
% Renters 8.7%

Market Analysis: 28909 Warne

Not every below-median market is a bargain. Warne's 28909 ZIP registers signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $291K pricing implies.

Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 28909 clocks in at the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.

In the broader NC picture, 28909 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.

Employment concentration in 28909 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.

Strategy in 28909 is an operator game, not a passive one. Stepping back, entry prices of $291K 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 Warne:

C+ Average
Buy Confidence Score: 67/100
Affordability
15/25
Appreciation
22/25
Stability
7/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Moderate
Homes cost 3.8× the median income
Value Trend
Stable (+0.5%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $900/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
BALANCED
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
Bottom Line: Mixed signals in this market. Research specific properties carefully and be prepared to negotiate.
🏠

Property Strategy for 28909

Which property type performs best in this market?

Best for Cash Flow
3BR
3.3% cap rate
Best for Appreciation
2BR
+10.0% 5yr CAGR
Best Overall Value
3BR
$101,454/bedroom
📊 Compare All Property Types →
Type Median Value Est. Rent Cap Rate 5yr CAGR $/Bedroom
2BR $274,731 $1,000 2.6% +10.0% $137,365
3BR $304,362 $1,380 3.3% +9.2% $101,454

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$310K$270K$230K$190K$151K$111KJul 2006Jul 2016Jul 2026

📊 How Does 28909 Compare?

Metric 28909 Warne North Carolina
Home Value $291,464 $291,464 $330,565
5-Year CAGR 5.9% 5.9% 7.8%
Avg Rent $900 $900 -
Cap Rate 2.4% 2.4% -
💡 Why Invest in 28909? Click to expand

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

📊 See where this ZIP ranks in our Best-of lists →
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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 28909 (Warne, NC). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Investability
Good
Cap Rate
2.4%
Low
5yr Growth
+5.9%
Moderate

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $291,464
Monthly Rent $900
Price-to-Rent 27.0:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 3.7%
Cap Rate 2.4%
5-Year IRR 8.3%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +0.5% ▲
3-Year CAGR +2.8% ▲
5-Year CAGR +5.9% ▲
10-Year CAGR +7.5% ▲

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year N/A
3-Year CAGR N/A
5-Year CAGR N/A
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 2.4%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.4%). 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.

Vacancy
41.4%
Elevated risk
Landlord Climate
4.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
+5.9%
Stable
Eviction process: Moderate Rent control: Favorable

Demographics in 28909

Population: 356

💰 Median Household Income
$75,855
This area
$75,855
State
$63,256
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
8.7%
This area
8.7%
State
27.8%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
6.5%
This area
6.5%
State
-19.3%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
42.8%
This area
42.8%
State
0.5%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
62.3 years
This area
62.3 years
State
6.5 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
41.4%
This area
41.4%
State
19.4%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 92.9%
Other/Mixed 7.1%
👶 Under 18
2.7%
This area
2.7%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
44.4%
This area
44.4%
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

🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities

2 Nearby 415 Off-Campus Students
C
Young Harris College
1,420 students · 5.7 mi
C
Tri-County Community College
969 students · 5.8 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

How should investors approach Warne, NC?

Most investors in Warne, NC run a careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy. It aligns with the 3.0/5 investability profile and the market fundamentals.

How much do tenants pay in Warne, NC?

Rent in Warne, NC is around $900/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $291K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.

What is the renter demographic in Warne, NC?

Warne, NC offers a predictable renter base at the $900/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.

What is it like being a landlord in Warne, NC?

NC ranks as a landlord-friendly state for landlord-tenant law. Warne generally follows the statewide framework, so landlords face reasonable operating rules.

Is vacancy a concern in Warne, NC?

Rental vacancy in Warne, NC is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.

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