Real Estate Investing in Gadsden, Alabama (35904)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 35904 (Gadsden, AL)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 21.4% of homes vacant — above national norms.
What’s happening in Gadsden, AL (35904)?
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Market Analysis: 35904 Gadsden
ZIP 35904 inside Etowah County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $118K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
On balance, the numbers look inviting — $118K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 35904 is substantial and deserves full respect.
Within AL, ZIP 35904 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Etowah County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and significant enough to shape underwriting.
The 35904 ZIP's population of 13,571 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that posts the need for careful underwriting.
Strategically, 35904 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Gadsden:
Property Strategy for 35904
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $74,414 | $900 | 8.7% | +10.6% | $37,207 |
| 3BR | $159,093 | $1,090 | 4.9% | +10.1% | $53,031 |
| 4BR | $225,142 | $1,270 | 4.1% | +9.1% | $56,285 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 35904 Compare?
| Metric | 35904 | Gadsden | Gadsden, AL | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $118,116 | $93,678 | N/A | $231,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.0% | 4.1% | N/A | 5.6% |
| Avg Rent | $750 | $800 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.0% | 4.5% | - | - |
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 35904 (Gadsden, AL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $118,116 |
| Monthly Rent | $750 |
| Price-to-Rent | 13.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 7.6% |
| Cap Rate | 5.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.0% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +13.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.0% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.8% ▲ |
🏠 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 (5.0%). 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 35904
Population: 13,571
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 35904
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 2,279 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gadsden, AL a smart market for rental property?
Investors tracking Gadsden, AL will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $118K median home values and $750/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting consistent returns.
How much is rent in Gadsden, AL?
The typical rental in Gadsden, AL commands about $750/mo monthly. That rent profile predictable cash flow against the $118K purchase basis.
How tight is the rental market in Gadsden, AL?
Occupancy in Gadsden, AL runs even-keeled with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $750/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
What kind of tenants rent in Gadsden, AL?
Expect a solid tenant pool in Gadsden, AL. The rental market absorbs $750/mo rents without meaningful friction.
What is the smart move for investors in Gadsden, AL?
The best-fit strategy in Gadsden, AL is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
You know 35904 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 35904 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 35904 ranks in Gadsden, AL
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