Real Estate Investing in Phenix City, Alabama (36869)
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Should you buy in 36869 (Phenix City, 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: 13.3% of homes vacant — above national norms.
What’s happening in Phenix City, AL (36869)?
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Market Analysis: 36869 Phenix City
This part of Russell County is not an easy win. The 36869 ZIP clocks in at softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $174K asset, 36869 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Within AL, ZIP 36869 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Russell County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and impressive enough to shape underwriting.
Employment concentration in 36869 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
Strategy in 36869 is an operator game, not a passive one. On the rental side, entry prices of $174K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Phenix City:
Property Strategy for 36869
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $181,747 | $1,320 | 5.2% | +8.7% | $60,582 |
| 4BR | $259,739 | $1,610 | 4.5% | +7.6% | $64,935 |
| 5BR | $320,610 | — | — | +6.5% | $64,122 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 36869 Compare?
| Metric | 36869 | Phenix City | Columbus, GA-AL | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $173,739 | $204,674 | N/A | $231,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.4% | 5.4% | N/A | 5.6% |
| Avg Rent | $1,342 | $1,451 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 6.0% | 5.6% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 36869 (Phenix City, AL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $173,739 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,342 |
| Price-to-Rent | 10.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 9.3% |
| Cap Rate | 6.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.0% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +1.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (6.0%). 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 36869
Population: 20,987
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 36869
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
Investor Insight: With 2,247 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do landlords charge for rent in Phenix City, AL?
Expect rents around $1,342/mo per month in Phenix City, AL. With home values at $174K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
What is the smart move for investors in Phenix City, AL?
In Phenix City, AL the solid play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $174K prices and $1,342/mo rents suits that approach.
Should investors consider Phenix City, AL?
The 3.0/5 investability rating in Phenix City, AL reflects its $174K prices and $1,342/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within AL.
What are vacancy rates like in Phenix City, AL?
Phenix City, AL sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader AL rental market.
Does house hacking make sense in Phenix City, AL?
House hacking in Phenix City, AL is reasonable to execute. Prices around $174K and rents of $1,342/mo solid owner-occupant economics.
You know 36869 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 36869 ranks in Columbus, GA-AL
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