Real Estate Investing in Meridian, Mississippi (39301)

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

Lauderdale County • Population: 21,184 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 39301 (Meridian, MS)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
MIXED
Grade C (66/100)

Mixed — values have been flat. OK for long-horizon buyers, less attractive if you may need to sell soon.

📈 For Investors
STRONG
4.0 / 5 (86/100)

A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.

⚠️ Risks to Know
2 flags
  • High vacancy: 18.4% of homes vacant — above national norms.
  • Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (0.5% CAGR).

What’s happening in Meridian, MS (39301)?

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4.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

1.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

5.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $95,348
Avg Monthly Rent $1,774
1% Rule ✓ Meets
Median Income $40,776
% Renters 40.8%

Market Analysis: 39301 Meridian

Homes in the 39301 ZIP trade near $95K, a discount that has historically rewarded investors willing to renovate. Rent comps near $1,774/mo support the pro forma.

In 39301, the deal is made on the buy and on the capex. significant entry prices of $95K leave room in the budget for light-to-medium renovation, with rent lift to match.

Comparing Meridian submarkets, ZIP 39301 offers an entry cost that most surrounding neighborhoods have moved past. The impressive delta is the opportunity.

The 39301 ZIP's demographic trend has been one of stability with upside — population of 21,184, steady renter share, and an incoming cohort that is willing to pay for improved units.

Strategic fit here is operational. Pro forma discipline, capex reserves, and lender relationships matter more than the marketing pitch.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Meridian:

C+ Average
Buy Confidence Score: 69/100
Affordability
25/25
Appreciation
10/25
Stability
13/20
Timing
6/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Affordable
Homes cost 2.3× the median income
Value Trend
Stable (+2.7%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $1,774/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
WARM
Seller-favorable conditions, steady activity
Bottom Line: Mixed signals in this market. Research specific properties carefully and be prepared to negotiate.
☀️
WARM MARKET
Meridian, MS Metro Area
Seller-favorable conditions, steady activity
0 days
Average time to sell
Very Fast
6.8%
Listings with price cuts
Few Cuts
0.0%
Sale price vs asking
Below Ask
0.0%
Income needed for mortgage
Affordable
📅 Market conditions as of August 29, 2026 — updated weekly from Meridian, MS metro data
🏠

Property Strategy for 39301

Which property type performs best in this market?

Best for Cash Flow
2BR
17.7% cap rate
Best for Appreciation
4BR
+3.2% 5yr CAGR
Best Overall Value
2BR
$18,307/bedroom
📊 Compare All Property Types →
Type Median Value Est. Rent Cap Rate 5yr CAGR $/Bedroom
2BR $36,614 $900 17.7% -0.5% $18,307
3BR $92,730 $1,200 9.3% +2.5% $30,910
4BR $157,100 $1,270 5.8% +3.2% $39,275

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$105K$99K$93K$86K$80K$74KJan 2012May 2019Jul 2026

Rent History (with trend line)

$1,790$1,770$1,750$1,730$1,710$1,689Mar 2026May 2026Jul 2026

📊 How Does 39301 Compare?

Metric 39301 Meridian Meridian, MS Mississippi
Home Value $95,348 $86,923 N/A $186,446
5-Year CAGR 0.5% 2.2% N/A 4.0%
Avg Rent $1,774 $1,215 N/A -
Cap Rate 14.5% 9.7% - -
💡 Why Invest in 39301? Click to expand

This ZIP code meets the 1% rule with rent at $1,774/mo on homes averaging $95,348 — a strong indicator of cash flow potential.

Our analysis gives this area a 4/5 investability rating, placing it in the top tier for rental property potential.

A healthy rental market with 41% renter-occupied households ensures tenant availability.

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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 39301 (Meridian, MS). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Investability
Excellent
Cap Rate
14.5%
Excellent
5yr Growth
+0.5%
Slow

📉 Market Crash Risk Index

Based on Meridian, MS metro

2/10
Low Risk
Price YoY
0/3
N/A
Rent YoY
0/2
N/A
Below List
2/3
63%
Days Pending
0/2
0 days

View all metro crash risk rankings →

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $95,348
Monthly Rent $1,774
Price-to-Rent 4.5:1
1% Rule ✓ Passes

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 22.3%
Cap Rate 14.5%
5-Year IRR 15.0%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +2.7% ▲
3-Year CAGR +0.1% ▲
5-Year CAGR +0.5% ▲
10-Year CAGR -0.3% ▼

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year N/A
3-Year CAGR N/A
5-Year CAGR N/A
Positive Leverage Market Cap Rate: 14.5%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage may enhance returns here.

The estimated cap rate (14.5%) exceeds the current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%). When borrowing costs less than a property yields, leverage can increase your cash-on-cash return above the cap rate.

⚠️ Risk Signals

Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.

Vacancy
18.4%
Elevated risk
Landlord Climate
5.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
+0.5%
Flat
Eviction process: Fast Rent control: Favorable

Demographics in 39301

Population: 21,184

💰 Median Household Income
$40,776
This area
$40,776
State
$48,827
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
40.8%
This area
40.8%
State
27.7%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
3.3%
This area
3.3%
State
-17.6%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
13.5%
This area
13.5%
State
-11.7%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
38.2 years
This area
38.2 years
State
10.7 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
18.4%
This area
18.4%
State
18.7%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 56.5%
Black/African American 40.7%
Other/Mixed 2.5%
Hispanic/Latino 1.1%
Asian 0.3%
👶 Under 18
24.7%
This area
24.7%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
18.0%
This area
18.0%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
17.8%
This area
17.8%
USA
11.5%

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 39301

B Avg School Grade
7 Schools
13.1:1 Avg Class Size
$11,933 Avg Per Pupil

Schools in This ZIP Code

A Very Good

CLARKDALE HIGH SCHOOL

📚 07 – 12 High School
👥
410 Students
👨‍🏫
10.9:1 Class Size
💰
$11,502 Per Student
B+ Above Average

CRESTWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

📚 K – 05 Elementary
👥
352 Students
👨‍🏫
14.5:1 Class Size
💰
$13,011 Per Student
B+ Above Average

SOUTHEAST LAUDERDALE HIGH SCHOOL

📚 09 – 12 High School
👥
376 Students
👨‍🏫
12.4:1 Class Size
💰
$11,502 Per Student
B+ Above Average

SOUTHEAST LAUDERDALE MIDDLE SCHOOL

📚 05 – 08 School
👥
372 Students
👨‍🏫
12.6:1 Class Size
💰
$11,502 Per Student
B Good

SOUTHEAST LAUDERDALE ELEMENTARY

📚 Pre-K – 04 Elementary
👥
564 Students
👨‍🏫
15.2:1 Class Size
💰
$11,502 Per Student
C+ Average

LCSD CTE CENTER

📚 09 – 12 High School Limited Data
💰
$11,502 Per Student
C Below Average

MARION PARK COMPLEX

📚 K – 12 K-12 Limited Data
💰
$13,011 Per Student
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

1 Nearby 751 Off-Campus Students
C+
Meridian Community College
2,556 students · 10.5 mi

Investor Insight: With 751 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the investability score for Meridian, MS?

With a 4.0/5 investability score, Meridian, MS ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $95K and rents of $1,774/mo drive the underlying numbers.

Can I house hack in Meridian, MS?

House hacking in Meridian, MS is an attractive. With home values around $95K and rents at $1,774/mo, owner-occupants can offset a meaningful share of PITI.

What do rentals go for in Meridian, MS?

Meridian, MS rentals go for roughly $1,774/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $95K acquisition costs.

Does the 1% rule work in Meridian, MS?

Yes, many Meridian, MS properties clear the 1% rule. The rent-to-price ratio averages 1.86%, supported by $1,774/mo rents.

Which investment style suits Meridian, MS?

In Meridian, MS the resilient play is typically value-add and BRRRR deals. The combination of $95K prices and $1,774/mo rents suits that approach.

You know 39301 now. You don’t know where it ranks.

This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 39301 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.

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How 39301 ranks in Meridian, MS

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Cash Flow → Appreciation → Affordable →
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