Real Estate Investing in Lafayette, Alabama (36862)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 36862 (Lafayette, AL)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- High vacancy: 22.1% 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 Lafayette, AL (36862)?
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Market Analysis: 36862 Lafayette
Investors eyeing 36862 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $143K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
For an experienced owner, 36862 can be a an appealing option for hunting ground — but the discount at $143K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
In the broader AL picture, 36862 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
The demographic picture in 36862 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Lafayette averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
New investors are better served looking at Lafayette's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 36862. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Lafayette:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 36862 Compare?
| Metric | 36862 | Lafayette | LaGrange, GA-AL | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $142,887 | $142,887 | N/A | $231,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 2.7% | 2.7% | N/A | 5.6% |
| Avg Rent | $810 | $810 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.4% | 4.4% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 36862 (Lafayette, AL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $142,887 |
| Monthly Rent | $810 |
| Price-to-Rent | 14.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.8% |
| Cap Rate | 4.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +0.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +2.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.2% ▲ |
🏠 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 (4.4%). 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 36862
Population: 6,052
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 36862
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 best play in Lafayette, AL?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Lafayette, AL. With home values at $143K and rents near $810/mo, other strategies can work but produce reliable rather than outsized returns.
What is the median home value in Lafayette, AL?
The median home value in Lafayette, AL is roughly $143K. That puts it reasonable relative to the AL statewide average.
What is the investability score for Lafayette, AL?
Lafayette, AL rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $143K and rents near $810/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
Is rental property easy to operate in Lafayette, AL?
For rental operators, Lafayette, AL rates as landlord-friendly. The regulatory environment standard buy-and-hold operations.
What monthly rent should investors expect in Lafayette, AL?
Rent in Lafayette, AL is around $810/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $143K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
You know 36862 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 36862 ranks in LaGrange, GA-AL
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