Real Estate Investing in Hartselle, Alabama (35640)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 35640 (Hartselle, 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.
- Elevated vacancy: 9.5% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Hartselle, AL (35640)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 35640 Hartselle
This part of Morgan County is not an easy win. The 35640 ZIP registers softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $249K asset, 35640 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
In the broader AL picture, 35640 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Demographically, 35640 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
The right play in 35640 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 Hartselle:
Property Strategy for 35640
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $185,978 | $950 | 3.7% | +10.4% | $92,989 |
| 3BR | $246,261 | $1,250 | 3.7% | +9.6% | $82,087 |
| 4BR | $346,423 | $1,530 | 3.2% | +8.7% | $86,606 |
| 5BR | $439,298 | — | — | +9.3% | $87,860 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 35640 Compare?
| Metric | 35640 | Hartselle | Decatur, AL | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $249,327 | $249,327 | N/A | $231,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.0% | 5.0% | N/A | 5.6% |
| Avg Rent | $855 | $855 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.7% | 2.7% | - | - |
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 35640 (Hartselle, AL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 35640 (Hartselle, AL)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $249,327 |
| Monthly Rent | $855 |
| Price-to-Rent | 24.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.1% |
| Cap Rate | 2.7% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.0% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.2% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.7%). 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 35640
Population: 26,976
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 35640
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 1,109 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are eviction rules reasonable in Hartselle, AL?
Landlord-friendliness in Hartselle, AL is landlord-friendly. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.
How deep is the rental pool in Hartselle, AL?
Hartselle, AL offers a even-keeled renter base at the $855/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
What is the typical vacancy rate in Hartselle, AL?
Vacancy risk in Hartselle, AL is elevated. That supports consistent cash flow for typical rental holds.
Is Hartselle, AL a good market for FHA house hackers?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Hartselle, AL reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
What is the typical home price in Hartselle, AL?
Hartselle, AL home values average about $249K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $855/mo in monthly income.
You know 35640 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 35640 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 35640 ranks in Decatur, AL
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 35640 (Hartselle)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 35640 (Hartselle, AL).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.