Real Estate Investing in Fort Payne, Alabama (35968)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 35968 (Fort Payne, 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: 15.4% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 28.1 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Fort Payne, AL (35968)?
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Market Analysis: 35968 Fort Payne
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Fort Payne's 35968 ZIP clocks in at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $236K pricing implies.
In practical terms, the numbers look inviting — $236K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 35968 is substantial and deserves full respect.
Regionally, 35968 sits on the difficult end of the AL spectrum. The worth a close look for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
Employment concentration in 35968 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
The 35968 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Fort Payne:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 35968 Compare?
| Metric | 35968 | Fort Payne | Fort Payne, AL | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $236,484 | $219,436 | N/A | $231,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.1% | 5.5% | N/A | 5.6% |
| Avg Rent | $702 | $711 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.3% | 2.5% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 35968 (Fort Payne, AL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $236,484 |
| Monthly Rent | $702 |
| Price-to-Rent | 28.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.6% |
| Cap Rate | 2.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +8.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.8% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.3%). 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 35968
Population: 4,540
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
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is rent in Fort Payne, AL?
Rents in Fort Payne, AL run near $702/mo. Compared with median home prices of $236K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
What is the average home sale price in Fort Payne, AL?
Typical homes in Fort Payne, AL go for around $236K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% measured price movement.
Is real estate in Fort Payne, AL a good investment right now?
Fort Payne, AL scores 3.0/5 for investability. Home values sit at $236K and rents near $702/mo, which keeps the rent-to-price ratio in reasonable territory for buy-and-hold investors.
Is the tenant base reliable in Fort Payne, AL?
Tenant demand in Fort Payne, AL is solid. The local workforce $702/mo rents across most rental classes.
Which real estate strategy fits Fort Payne, AL?
The best-fit strategy in Fort Payne, AL is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
You know 35968 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 35968 ranks in Fort Payne, AL
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