Real Estate Investing in Ragland, Alabama (35131)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 35131 (Ragland, AL)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- High vacancy: 23.3% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Elevated poverty: 21.8% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Ragland, AL (35131)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 35131 Ragland
Put differently, ZIP 35131 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $182K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $182K asset, 35131 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
In the broader AL picture, 35131 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Who lives in 35131 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 35131 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 Ragland:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 35131 Compare?
| Metric | 35131 | Ragland | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $181,674 | $181,674 | N/A | $231,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 2.0% | 2.0% | N/A | 5.6% |
| Avg Rent | $918 | $918 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% | 3.9% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 35131 (Ragland, AL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $181,674 |
| Monthly Rent | $918 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.1% |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 5.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +17.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +2.0% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.4% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.9%). 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 35131
Population: 3,161
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 35131
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do rentals go for in Ragland, AL?
Rental rates in Ragland, AL average $918/mo. Tenant demand and $182K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
How do landlord-tenant laws work in Ragland, AL?
AL ranks as a landlord-friendly state for landlord-tenant law. Ragland generally follows the statewide framework, so landlords face reasonable operating rules.
Are there empty rentals in Ragland, AL?
Vacancy in Ragland, AL is elevated, which keeps landlord downtime on reasonable timelines. Most properties lease within the standard window at $918/mo.
Can I house hack in Ragland, AL?
Ragland, AL offers a challenging house-hacking opportunity. Small multifamily or rent-by-the-room plays can pair well with the $918/mo rent level.
How should investors approach Ragland, AL?
Most investors in Ragland, AL run a careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy. It aligns with the 2.0/5 investability profile and the market fundamentals.
You know 35131 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 35131 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 35131 ranks in Birmingham-Hoover, AL
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