Real Estate Investing in Hayden, Alabama (35079)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 35079 (Hayden, AL)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 12.6% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Hayden, AL (35079)?
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Market Analysis: 35079 Hayden
ZIP 35079 inside Blount County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $249K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
The 35079 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
Within AL, ZIP 35079 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Blount County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and solid enough to shape underwriting.
Resident income in 35079 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 35079 workable. Turnkey investors from out of state usually find the numbers do not hold up in practice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Hayden:
Property Strategy for 35079
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $236,390 | $1,280 | 3.9% | +7.4% | $78,797 |
| 4BR | $310,079 | $1,440 | 3.3% | +6.9% | $77,520 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 35079 Compare?
| Metric | 35079 | Hayden | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $248,672 | $248,672 | N/A | $231,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.3% | 4.3% | N/A | 5.6% |
| Avg Rent | $918 | $918 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% | 2.9% | - | - |
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 35079 (Hayden, AL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $248,672 |
| Monthly Rent | $918 |
| Price-to-Rent | 22.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.4% |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.3% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.7% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.9%). 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 35079
Population: 9,388
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 35079
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 1,108 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tight is the rental market in Hayden, AL?
Vacancy risk in Hayden, AL is elevated. That supports stable cash flow for typical rental holds.
Is housing expensive in Hayden, AL?
Hayden, AL median home values land near $249K. That is reasonable territory for investors looking at $918/mo-per-month rentals.
How much is rent in Hayden, AL?
Rents in Hayden, AL run near $918/mo. Compared with median home prices of $249K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
What is the smart move for investors in Hayden, AL?
In Hayden, AL the sturdy play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $249K prices and $918/mo rents suits that approach.
What is the investability score for Hayden, AL?
Hayden, AL clocks in at an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $249K and average rents around $918/mo. That combination puts it in the durable tier for investor interest.
You know 35079 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 35079 ranks in Birmingham-Hoover, AL
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