Real Estate Investing in Phenix City, Alabama (36870)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 36870 (Phenix City, AL)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- Elevated vacancy: 8.3% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Phenix City, AL (36870)?
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Market Analysis: 36870 Phenix City
The 36870 ZIP covers a section of Phenix City that demands careful diligence. Prices near $246K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $246K asset, 36870 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Statewide comparisons place 36870 among AL's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
Employment concentration in 36870 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
Strategically, 36870 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Phenix City:
Property Strategy for 36870
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $232,412 | $1,470 | 4.6% | +9.0% | $77,471 |
| 4BR | $299,334 | $1,680 | 4.0% | +7.4% | $74,833 |
| 5BR | $352,108 | — | — | +6.8% | $70,422 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 36870 Compare?
| Metric | 36870 | Phenix City | Auburn-Opelika, AL | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $246,385 | $204,674 | N/A | $231,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.5% | 5.4% | N/A | 5.6% |
| Avg Rent | $1,650 | $1,451 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.2% | 5.6% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 36870 (Phenix City, AL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $246,385 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,650 |
| Price-to-Rent | 12.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 8.0% |
| Cap Rate | 5.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 11.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +6.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.0% ▲ |
🏠 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 (5.2%). 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 36870
Population: 19,672
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 36870
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?
Rental rates in Phenix City, AL average $1,650/mo. Tenant demand and $246K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
Are renters plentiful in Phenix City, AL?
Tenant demand in Phenix City, AL is solid. The local workforce $1,650/mo rents across most rental classes.
What kind of vacancy should I budget for in Phenix City, AL?
Phenix City, AL carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect predictable absorption at market rents of $1,650/mo.
Is AL a landlord-friendly state?
Phenix City, AL falls under AL landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
What is the average home sale price in Phenix City, AL?
The median home value in Phenix City, AL is roughly $246K. That puts it reasonable relative to the AL statewide average.
You know 36870 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 36870 ranks in Auburn-Opelika, AL
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