Real Estate Investing in Mobile, Alabama (36617)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 36617 (Mobile, AL)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — values have been flat. OK for long-horizon buyers, less attractive if you may need to sell soon.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- High vacancy: 15.2% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (1.3% CAGR).
- Elevated poverty: 25.5% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
- Lower household income: $37,379 median — tenant affordability is tighter.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Mobile, AL (36617)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Local Pulse Report
AI-researched developments and news for Mobile, AL (36617). Updated on demand as visitors ask.
Local news & events in Mobile, AL (36617) Updated 143 days ago
Opportunities
- Mobile County residents can enjoy free admission to the Mobile Museum of Art every Thursday with a valid ID. — This expands access to cultural experiences for local residents. Mobile County Commission
- The Mobile County District Attorney's Office is raising awareness about cryptocurrency scams and offering new investigative support for victims. — This provides residents with resources and protection against financial crime. Mobile County District Attorney's Office
- Alabama experienced a 30 percent decrease in substance-related overdose deaths from April 2024 to April 2025. — This indicates a positive trend in public health and safety for the region. Mobile County Health Department
- Mobile Baykeeper is working with 178 businesses to reduce single-use plastics and promote local shopping. — This initiative aims to improve the local environment and support the local economy. Mobile Baykeeper
Concerns
- Mobile's violent crime rate is among the highest in the nation, with a 1 in 135 chance of being a victim. — This restricts personal safety and imposes unconsented risks on residents. NeighborhoodScout
- Mobile County residents face difficulties obtaining mental health services, drug abuse treatment, and dental care. — This restricts access to essential healthcare services for many residents. Community Health Needs Assessment
- Mobile Bay's ecology is negatively impacted by uncontrolled stormwater pollution from construction, leading to significant loss of seagrasses. — This degrades the natural environment and impacts local ecosystems and property values. Mobile Baykeeper
- Mobile, AL is projected to experience increased risks from heat, precipitation, and fire due to climate change. — This imposes unconsented environmental costs and potential hazards on residents. ClimateCheck
- Mobile County has consistently higher poverty rates than state and national averages, with educational attainment lagging. — This restricts opportunities and creates barriers to improved health and well-being for residents. Community Health Needs Assessment
Schools in Mobile, AL (36617) Updated 143 days ago
Opportunities
- In November 2025, MCPSS raised its state report card grade to 83, a two-point gain, returning to its previous high mark of a 'B'. — This indicates improved academic performance and educational quality for students in the district. Lagniappe Mobile / MCPSS
- Fifty-nine MCPSS schools improved their individual Report Card scores by at least one point in November 2025, with eighteen schools earning 'A's. — This demonstrates widespread academic progress and provides more high-performing school options for families. MCPSS
- In August 2025, LeFlore Magnet High School completed a major renovation and new construction project, including state-of-the-art classrooms and enhanced security. — This provides students with modern learning environments and improved safety, enhancing the educational experience. Goodwyn Mills Cawood / MCPSS
- MCPSS offers 12 high school Signature Academies and Career Academy Pathways, providing specialized educational opportunities in various fields. — These programs expand student choice and prepare them for high-demand careers and postsecondary education. MCPSS / The Business View
- MCPSS launched the 'Learning Leading University' community outreach initiative to engage citizens and provide a deeper understanding of school operations. — This fosters greater community involvement and informed advocacy for local education and students. MCPSS
Concerns
- In November 2024, Mobile County Public School System experienced a loss of 946 students, a 2% year-over-year decline, marking its seventh consecutive year of enrollment drops. — Declining enrollment can lead to reduced funding for the district, potentially impacting resources and programs. AL.com
- For the 2022-2023 school year, Mobile County School District was ranked within the bottom 50% of all 145 school districts in Alabama based on combined math and reading proficiency. — This indicates a need for continued improvement in core academic areas, potentially limiting student preparedness. Public School Review
- The district's average math proficiency score was 24% and reading proficiency was 41% for the 2026 school year, both below the Alabama public school averages. — Lower proficiency scores may indicate that a significant portion of students are not meeting grade-level expectations in fundamental subjects. Public School Review / Niche
AI-generated from public web sources. Always verify with official records. Not financial, legal, or investment advice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Mobile:
Property Strategy for 36617
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $45,461 | $1,140 | 18.1% | +3.7% | $22,730 |
| 3BR | $66,390 | $1,490 | 16.2% | +2.2% | $22,130 |
| 4BR | $82,536 | $1,520 | 13.3% | +1.4% | $20,634 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 36617 Compare?
| Metric | 36617 | Mobile | Mobile, AL | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $63,439 | $85,187 | N/A | $231,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 1.3% | 3.2% | N/A | 5.6% |
| Avg Rent | $1,026 | $1,283 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 12.6% | 6.6% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 36617 (Mobile, AL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $63,439 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,026 |
| Price-to-Rent | 5.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✓ Passes |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 19.4% |
| Cap Rate | 12.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 13.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +8.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.9% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.3% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +3.8% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The estimated cap rate (12.6%) exceeds the current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%). When borrowing costs less than a property yields, leverage can increase your cash-on-cash return above the cap rate.
⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 36617
Population: 11,952
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 36617
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Phillips Preparatory Middle School
CF Vigor High School
Old Shell Road Magnet School
Grant Elementary School
Mobile County Training Middle School
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 1,763 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mobile, AL a smart market for rental property?
Mobile, AL reports an investability rating of 4.0/5, with median home values near $63K and average rents around $1,026/mo. That combination puts it in the resilient tier for investor interest.
What type of investing works in Mobile, AL?
In Mobile, AL the substantial play is typically value-add and BRRRR deals. The combination of $63K prices and $1,026/mo rents suits that approach.
What is the typical rental rate in Mobile, AL?
Rent in Mobile, AL is around $1,026/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $63K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
Is the 1% rule achievable in Mobile, AL?
The 1% rule is solid territory for Mobile, AL. Rent-to-price at the median is 1.62%, putting many properties within striking distance.
What is the average home sale price in Mobile, AL?
Mobile, AL home values average about $63K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $1,026/mo in monthly income.
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How 36617 ranks in Mobile, AL
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