Real Estate Investing in Salem, South Carolina (29676)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 29676 (Salem, SC)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 27.1% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 46.6 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Salem, SC (29676)?
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Market Analysis: 29676 Salem
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Salem's 29676 ZIP reflects signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $568K pricing implies.
Stepping back, the numbers look inviting — $568K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 29676 is substantial and deserves full respect.
Regionally, 29676 sits on the difficult end of the SC spectrum. The a viable market for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
Looking more closely, 6,169 residents fill the ZIP, renter turnover runs higher than neighboring postal codes and delinquency risk is a real line item rather than a theoretical one.
The 29676 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 Salem:
Property Strategy for 29676
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $286,462 | $1,130 | 2.8% | +12.7% | $143,231 |
| 3BR | $492,121 | $1,400 | 2.0% | +10.9% | $164,040 |
| 4BR | $1,038,308 | $1,620 | 1.1% | +12.8% | $259,577 |
| 5BR | $1,716,009 | — | — | +13.4% | $343,202 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 29676 Compare?
| Metric | 29676 | Salem | Seneca, SC | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $568,433 | $568,433 | N/A | $299,690 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 7.3% | 7.3% | N/A | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,017 | $1,017 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 1.4% | 1.4% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 29676 (Salem, SC). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $568,433 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,017 |
| Price-to-Rent | 46.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 2.2% |
| Cap Rate | 1.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +6.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.3% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +8.7% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (1.4%). 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 29676
Population: 6,169
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
What investment strategy works best in Salem, SC?
Most investors in Salem, SC 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 high is vacancy risk in Salem, SC?
Salem, SC carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect stable absorption at market rents of $1,017/mo.
What do landlords charge for rent in Salem, SC?
Rent in Salem, SC is around $1,017/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $568K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
Can I house hack in Salem, SC?
Salem, SC is a a challenging market for house hackers. FHA or conventional owner-occupant buyers find the $568K price point reasonable to enter.
How expensive is real estate in Salem, SC?
Median home price in Salem, SC is near $568K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been reliable and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
You know 29676 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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