Real Estate Investing in Taft, Tennessee (38488)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 38488 (Taft, TN)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 17.9% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 28.6 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Taft, TN (38488)?
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Market Analysis: 38488 Taft
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Taft's 38488 ZIP records signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $311K pricing implies.
For an experienced owner, 38488 can be a a credible choice for hunting ground — but the discount at $311K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
The gap between 38488 and stronger Taft ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
The 38488 ZIP's population of 1,931 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that shows the need for careful underwriting.
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 Taft:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 38488 Compare?
| Metric | 38488 | Taft | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $311,427 | $311,427 | $327,001 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.7% | 3.7% | 7.7% |
| Avg Rent | $909 | $909 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.3% | 2.3% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 38488 (Taft, TN). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $311,427 |
| Monthly Rent | $909 |
| Price-to-Rent | 28.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.5% |
| Cap Rate | 2.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 5.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +6.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.0% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.3%). 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 38488
Population: 1,931
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 38488
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 typical home price in Taft, TN?
The median home value in Taft, TN is roughly $311K. That puts it reasonable relative to the TN statewide average.
Are landlord laws favorable in Taft, TN?
Taft, TN falls under TN landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
What monthly rent should investors expect in Taft, TN?
Rents in Taft, TN run near $909/mo. Compared with median home prices of $311K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
Is Taft, TN a smart market for rental property?
Taft, TN posts an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $311K and average rents around $909/mo. That combination puts it in the sturdy tier for investor interest.
How strong is tenant demand in Taft, TN?
Expect a solid tenant pool in Taft, TN. The rental market absorbs $909/mo rents without meaningful friction.
You know 38488 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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