Real Estate Investing in Crawford, Tennessee (38554)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 38554 (Crawford, 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: 26.0% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Lower household income: $35,714 median — tenant affordability is tighter.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Crawford, TN (38554)?
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Market Analysis: 38554 Crawford
This part of Overton County is not an easy win. The 38554 ZIP records 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 $213K asset, 38554 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Within TN, ZIP 38554 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Overton County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and substantial enough to shape underwriting.
A resilient renter share of 28% in 38554 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
The right play in 38554 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Crawford:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 38554 Compare?
| Metric | 38554 | Crawford | Cookeville, TN | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $213,107 | $213,107 | N/A | $327,001 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.3% | 5.3% | N/A | 7.7% |
| Avg Rent | $837 | $837 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.1% | 3.1% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 38554 (Crawford, TN). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $213,107 |
| Monthly Rent | $837 |
| Price-to-Rent | 21.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.7% |
| Cap Rate | 3.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +13.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +7.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.3% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +8.4% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.1%). 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 38554
Population: 751
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 38554
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 819 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which real estate strategy fits Crawford, TN?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Crawford, TN. The numbers - $213K homes against $837/mo rents - support that play.
How strong are rents in Crawford, TN?
Investors in Crawford, TN typically see rents near $837/mo per month against $213K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
Is it easy to find good tenants in Crawford, TN?
Tenant demand in Crawford, TN is solid. The local workforce $837/mo rents across most rental classes.
How viable is house hacking in Crawford, TN?
The house hack math a challenging in Crawford, TN. Owner-occupant buyers benefit from the $837/mo rents and $213K home values.
How high is vacancy risk in Crawford, TN?
Crawford, TN carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect measured absorption at market rents of $837/mo.
You know 38554 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 38554 ranks in Cookeville, TN
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