Real Estate Investing in Science Hill, Kentucky (42553)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 42553 (Science Hill, KY)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- Elevated vacancy: 9.5% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Science Hill, KY (42553)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 42553 Science Hill
ZIP 42553 inside Pulaski County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $193K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 42553 reflects the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
In the broader KY picture, 42553 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Employment concentration in 42553 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
appears 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 Science Hill:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 42553 Compare?
| Metric | 42553 | Science Hill | Somerset, KY | Kentucky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $192,500 | $192,500 | N/A | $225,788 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.5% | 4.5% | N/A | 6.9% |
| Avg Rent | $792 | $792 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% | 3.2% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 42553 (Science Hill, KY). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $192,500 |
| Monthly Rent | $792 |
| Price-to-Rent | 20.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.9% |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +8.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +9.0% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.2%). 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 42553
Population: 5,962
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 42553
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 2,848 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are homes affordable in Science Hill, KY?
Science Hill, KY median home values land near $193K. That is reasonable territory for investors looking at $792/mo-per-month rentals.
Are rents high in Science Hill, KY?
Rents in Science Hill, KY run near $792/mo. Compared with median home prices of $193K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
What is the typical renter like in Science Hill, KY?
Science Hill, KY offers a measured renter base at the $792/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
What type of investing works in Science Hill, KY?
A careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy Science Hill, KY best. The market produces even-keeled results for that approach at the $193K price point.
How landlord-friendly is Science Hill, KY?
Landlord-friendliness in Science Hill, KY is landlord-friendly. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.
You know 42553 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 42553 ranks in Somerset, KY
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