Real Estate Investing in Valley Head, Alabama (35989)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 35989 (Valley Head, AL)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 17.1% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 28.5 — 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 Valley Head, AL (35989)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 35989 Valley Head
This part of DeKalb is not an easy win. The 35989 ZIP sits at softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
The investment case in 35989 is solid only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $240K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
In the broader AL picture, 35989 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Meanwhile, 3,793 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.
The right play in 35989 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 Valley Head:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 35989 Compare?
| Metric | 35989 | Valley Head | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $240,187 | $240,187 | $231,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.2% | 5.2% | 5.6% |
| Avg Rent | $702 | $702 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.3% | 2.3% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 35989 (Valley Head, AL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $240,187 |
| Monthly Rent | $702 |
| Price-to-Rent | 28.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.5% |
| Cap Rate | 2.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +12.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.2% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.2% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.3%). 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 35989
Population: 3,793
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 35989
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 is the renter demographic in Valley Head, AL?
Valley Head, AL offers a even-keeled renter base at the $702/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
How do landlord-tenant laws work in Valley Head, AL?
AL law landlord-friendly for landlords, and Valley Head inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.
Should investors worry about vacancy in Valley Head, AL?
Valley Head, AL sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader AL rental market.
What monthly rent should investors expect in Valley Head, AL?
Average rent in Valley Head, AL is approximately $702/mo per month. Against $240K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
What is the average home sale price in Valley Head, AL?
Typical homes in Valley Head, AL go for around $240K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% measured price movement.
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