Real Estate Investing in Stearns, Kentucky (42647)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 42647 (Stearns, KY)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — stable market with a reasonable entry point and good rental backup if you ever need to move.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- High vacancy: 21.0% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- 1-year downturn: Values declined 7.9% in the last year.
- Elevated poverty: 33.6% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
- Lower household income: $38,440 median — tenant affordability is tighter.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Stearns, KY (42647)?
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Market Analysis: 42647 Stearns
Investors eyeing 42647 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $93K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 42647 sits at the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
Statewide comparisons place 42647 among KY's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
Employment concentration in 42647 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
New investors are better served looking at Stearns's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 42647. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Stearns:
Property Strategy for 42647
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $81,667 | $970 | 8.6% | +13.9% | $40,834 |
| 3BR | $118,076 | $1,200 | 7.3% | +10.3% | $39,359 |
| 4BR | $148,867 | $1,350 | 6.5% | — | $37,217 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 42647 Compare?
| Metric | 42647 | Stearns | Kentucky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $93,299 | $98,599 | $225,788 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.9% | 5.5% | 6.9% |
| Avg Rent | $873 | $869 | - |
| Cap Rate | 7.3% | 6.9% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 42647 (Stearns, KY). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $93,299 |
| Monthly Rent | $873 |
| Price-to-Rent | 8.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 11.2% |
| Cap Rate | 7.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 12.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -7.9% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +0.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.4% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) is close to the estimated cap rate (7.3%). Financing this market at current rates produces a cash-on-cash return near the cap rate. Appreciation and tax benefits may still support the investment.
⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 42647
Population: 3,743
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 42647
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Stearns, KY?
The median home value in Stearns, KY is roughly $93K. That puts it reasonable relative to the KY statewide average.
Do landlords face vacancy issues in Stearns, KY?
Vacancy in Stearns, KY is elevated, which keeps landlord downtime on reasonable timelines. Most properties lease within the standard window at $873/mo.
Is rental property easy to operate in Stearns, KY?
Stearns, KY falls under KY landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
How much do tenants pay in Stearns, KY?
Rental rates in Stearns, KY average $873/mo. Tenant demand and $93K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
Are tenants stable in Stearns, KY?
Tenant demand in Stearns, KY is solid. The local workforce $873/mo rents across most rental classes.
You know 42647 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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Community Ratings
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