Real Estate Investing in Calera, Alabama (35040)
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Should you buy in 35040 (Calera, AL)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — stable market with a reasonable entry point and good rental backup if you ever need to move.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Calera, AL (35040)?
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Market Analysis: 35040 Calera
This part of Shelby County is not an easy win. The 35040 ZIP shows softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
For an experienced owner, 35040 can be a a strong candidate for hunting ground — but the discount at $258K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
In the broader AL picture, 35040 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
A healthy renter share of 20% in 35040 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
The right play in 35040 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Calera:
Property Strategy for 35040
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $180,333 | $1,640 | 6.5% | +6.9% | $90,166 |
| 3BR | $239,743 | $2,050 | 6.2% | +7.0% | $79,914 |
| 4BR | $294,017 | $2,330 | 5.7% | +6.0% | $73,504 |
| 5BR | $347,618 | — | — | +5.1% | $69,524 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 35040 Compare?
| Metric | 35040 | Calera | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $257,822 | $257,822 | N/A | $231,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.0% | 4.0% | N/A | 5.6% |
| Avg Rent | $1,739 | $1,739 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.3% | 5.3% | - | - |
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 35040 (Calera, AL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $257,822 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,739 |
| Price-to-Rent | 12.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 8.1% |
| Cap Rate | 5.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +0.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.0% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.9% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +3.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.9% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (5.3%). 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 35040
Population: 18,819
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 35040
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What monthly rent should investors expect in Calera, AL?
Expect rents around $1,739/mo per month in Calera, AL. With home values at $258K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
What is the typical renter like in Calera, AL?
Expect a solid tenant pool in Calera, AL. The rental market absorbs $1,739/mo rents without meaningful friction.
What is the average home sale price in Calera, AL?
Median home price in Calera, AL is near $258K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been measured and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
Is real estate in Calera, AL a good investment right now?
Yes - Calera, AL a 3.0/5 investability score. With $258K home prices against $1,739/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
What type of investing works in Calera, AL?
For Calera, AL, careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management is the standard investor playbook. The market structure makes it a reasonable default approach.
You know 35040 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 35040 ranks in Birmingham-Hoover, AL
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