Real Estate Investing in Stearns, Kentucky (42653)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 42653 (Stearns, KY)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 31.6% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Elevated poverty: 20.7% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Stearns, KY (42653)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 42653 Stearns
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Stearns's 42653 ZIP reflects signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $104K pricing implies.
The investment case in 42653 is notable only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $104K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
The gap between 42653 and stronger Stearns ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
A robust renter share of 29% in 42653 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
The 42653 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Stearns:
Property Strategy for 42653
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $82,330 | $960 | 8.4% | +9.8% | $41,165 |
| 3BR | $118,745 | $1,180 | 7.2% | +10.4% | $39,582 |
| 4BR | $144,620 | $1,340 | 6.7% | — | $36,155 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 42653 Compare?
| Metric | 42653 | Stearns | Kentucky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $103,898 | $98,599 | $225,788 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.1% | 5.5% | 6.9% |
| Avg Rent | $864 | $869 | - |
| Cap Rate | 6.5% | 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 42653 (Stearns, KY). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $103,898 |
| Monthly Rent | $864 |
| Price-to-Rent | 10.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 10.0% |
| Cap Rate | 6.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 12.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -2.7% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.7% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) is close to the estimated cap rate (6.5%). 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 42653
Population: 3,911
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 42653
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 $104K. That puts it reasonable relative to the KY statewide average.
How strong is tenant demand in Stearns, KY?
Tenant demand in Stearns, KY is solid. The local workforce $864/mo rents across most rental classes.
How do experienced investors play Stearns, KY?
Most investors in Stearns, KY run a careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy. It aligns with the 3.0/5 investability profile and the market fundamentals.
Is real estate in Stearns, KY a good investment right now?
Yes - Stearns, KY a 3.0/5 investability score. With $104K home prices against $864/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
What do landlords charge for rent in Stearns, KY?
Average rent in Stearns, KY is approximately $864/mo per month. Against $104K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
You know 42653 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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