Real Estate Investing in Ashford, Alabama (36312)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 36312 (Ashford, 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: 16.9% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Ashford, AL (36312)?
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Market Analysis: 36312 Ashford
ZIP 36312 inside Houston County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $195K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
For an experienced owner, 36312 can be a a solid fit for hunting ground — but the discount at $195K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Within AL, ZIP 36312 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Houston County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and impressive enough to shape underwriting.
The demographic picture in 36312 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Ashford averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
looks to the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Ashford:
Property Strategy for 36312
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $97,174 | $900 | 6.7% | — | $48,587 |
| 3BR | $189,739 | $1,220 | 4.6% | +8.4% | $63,246 |
| 4BR | $304,025 | $1,350 | 3.2% | +7.6% | $76,006 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 36312 Compare?
| Metric | 36312 | Ashford | Dothan, AL | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $195,491 | $195,491 | N/A | $231,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.6% | 6.6% | N/A | 5.6% |
| Avg Rent | $810 | $810 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% | 3.2% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 36312 (Ashford, AL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $195,491 |
| Monthly Rent | $810 |
| Price-to-Rent | 20.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.0% |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.7% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.2%). 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 36312
Population: 6,147
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 36312
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the investability score for Ashford, AL?
Yes - Ashford, AL a 3.0/5 investability score. With $195K home prices against $810/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
What is the best play in Ashford, AL?
For Ashford, AL, careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management is the standard investor playbook. The market structure makes it a reasonable default approach.
Are there empty rentals in Ashford, AL?
Vacancy in Ashford, AL is elevated, which keeps landlord downtime on reasonable timelines. Most properties lease within the standard window at $810/mo.
What price range are homes in Ashford, AL?
Median home price in Ashford, AL is near $195K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been steady and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
Are rents high in Ashford, AL?
Ashford, AL rentals go for roughly $810/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $195K acquisition costs.
You know 36312 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 36312 ranks in Dothan, AL
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