Real Estate Investing in Sumter, South Carolina (29153)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 29153 (Sumter, SC)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- High vacancy: 13.4% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (0.9% CAGR).
What’s happening in Sumter, SC (29153)?
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Market Analysis: 29153 Sumter
Investors eyeing 29153 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $201K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
The investment case in 29153 is notable only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $201K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
In the broader SC picture, 29153 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 29153 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Sumter averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
New investors are better served looking at Sumter's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 29153. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Sumter:
Property Strategy for 29153
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $95,882 | $1,230 | 9.2% | +5.7% | $47,941 |
| 3BR | $194,172 | $1,470 | 5.5% | +6.3% | $64,724 |
| 4BR | $287,240 | $1,800 | 4.5% | +6.3% | $71,810 |
| 5BR | $328,493 | — | — | +5.0% | $65,699 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 29153 Compare?
| Metric | 29153 | Sumter | Sumter, SC | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $200,511 | $153,837 | N/A | $299,690 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 0.9% | 2.6% | N/A | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,975 | $1,695 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 7.7% | 6.5% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 29153 (Sumter, SC). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $200,511 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,975 |
| Price-to-Rent | 8.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 11.8% |
| Cap Rate | 7.7% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -0.3% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -0.4% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +0.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +3.5% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) is close to the estimated cap rate (7.7%). Financing this market at current rates produces a cash-on-cash return near the cap rate. Appreciation and tax benefits may still support the investment.
⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 29153
Population: 15,101
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 29153
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 1,916 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong are rents in Sumter, SC?
Sumter, SC rentals go for roughly $1,975/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $201K acquisition costs.
How do home values compare in Sumter, SC?
Sumter, SC home values average about $201K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $1,975/mo in monthly income.
What is the investability score for Sumter, SC?
Sumter, SC rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $201K and rents near $1,975/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
Should investors worry about vacancy in Sumter, SC?
Rental vacancy in Sumter, SC is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
How landlord-friendly is Sumter, SC?
Sumter, SC falls under SC landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
You know 29153 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 29153 ranks in Sumter, SC
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