Real Estate Investing in Laurel, Mississippi (39443)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 39443 (Laurel, MS)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- High vacancy: 14.8% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Laurel, MS (39443)?
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Market Analysis: 39443 Laurel
ZIP 39443 in Laurel, MS carries a solid set of headwinds. Home values near $173K and rents of $801/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
Distressed does not mean uninvestable. It means the margin for error is thinner. ZIP 39443 rewards the prepared, punishes the overconfident, and leaves the math unchanged either way.
In the broader MS picture, 39443 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Resident income in 39443 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. substantial returns are possible in 39443, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Laurel:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 39443 Compare?
| Metric | 39443 | Laurel | Laurel, MS | Mississippi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $173,190 | $141,317 | N/A | $186,446 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 1.9% | 1.4% | N/A | 4.0% |
| Avg Rent | $801 | $1,036 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.6% | 6.3% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 39443 (Laurel, MS). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $173,190 |
| Monthly Rent | $801 |
| Price-to-Rent | 18.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.6% |
| Cap Rate | 3.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 5.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +6.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +0.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +2.7% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.6%). 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 39443
Population: 22,932
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 39443
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 1,153 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the smart move for investors in Laurel, MS?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Laurel, MS. The numbers - $173K homes against $801/mo rents - support that play.
Are there empty rentals in Laurel, MS?
Expect elevated vacancy in Laurel, MS. Rents at $801/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
What kind of market is Laurel, MS for investors?
The 2.0/5 investability rating in Laurel, MS reflects its $173K prices and $801/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within MS.
How landlord-friendly is Laurel, MS?
Laurel, MS falls under MS landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
How strong is the working-renter base in Laurel, MS?
Working renters make up the core of the Laurel, MS tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
You know 39443 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 39443 ranks in Laurel, MS
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