Real Estate Investing in Helena, Alabama (35080)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 35080 (Helena, 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 Helena, AL (35080)?
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Market Analysis: 35080 Helena
Put differently, ZIP 35080 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $345K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
Put differently, the numbers look inviting — $345K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 35080 is substantial and deserves full respect.
Nearby ZIPs in Helena have seen price recovery that 35080 has not matched. Shelby County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
On balance, 19,808 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.
appears to the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Helena:
Property Strategy for 35080
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $205,465 | $1,780 | 6.2% | +7.4% | $102,733 |
| 3BR | $292,624 | $2,230 | 5.5% | +6.5% | $97,541 |
| 4BR | $411,081 | $2,530 | 4.4% | +6.6% | $102,770 |
| 5BR | $499,611 | — | — | +5.5% | $99,922 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 35080 Compare?
| Metric | 35080 | Helena | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $344,991 | $344,991 | N/A | $231,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.1% | 4.1% | N/A | 5.6% |
| Avg Rent | $1,944 | $1,944 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.4% | 4.4% | - | - |
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 35080 (Helena, AL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $344,991 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,944 |
| Price-to-Rent | 14.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.8% |
| Cap Rate | 4.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +3.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.6% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +0.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (4.4%). 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 35080
Population: 19,808
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 35080
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 783 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong are rents in Helena, AL?
Investors in Helena, AL typically see rents near $1,944/mo per month against $345K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
What is the best play in Helena, AL?
Helena, AL investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($345K prices, $1,944/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
Is real estate in Helena, AL a good investment right now?
Helena, AL rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $345K and rents near $1,944/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
Can I live-in-and-rent in Helena, AL?
The house hack math a challenging in Helena, AL. Owner-occupant buyers benefit from the $1,944/mo rents and $345K home values.
What is the typical renter like in Helena, AL?
Helena, AL offers a even-keeled renter base at the $1,944/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
You know 35080 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 35080 ranks in Birmingham-Hoover, AL
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