Real Estate Investing in Ironton, Ohio (45638)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 45638 (Ironton, OH)? 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: 13.9% 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 Ironton, OH (45638)?
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Market Analysis: 45638 Ironton
The 45638 ZIP covers a section of Ironton that demands careful diligence. Prices near $123K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 45638 reflects the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
Within OH, ZIP 45638 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Lawrence County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and robust enough to shape underwriting.
A significant renter share of 32% in 45638 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
looks 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 Ironton:
Property Strategy for 45638
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $53,109 | $850 | 11.5% | +4.5% | $53,109 |
| 2BR | $87,102 | $970 | 8.0% | +4.9% | $43,551 |
| 3BR | $140,252 | $1,250 | 6.4% | +5.0% | $46,751 |
| 4BR | $177,778 | $1,410 | 5.7% | +5.8% | $44,444 |
| 5BR | $218,638 | — | — | +6.5% | $43,728 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 45638 Compare?
| Metric | 45638 | Ironton | Ohio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $122,926 | $122,926 | $237,530 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.4% | 4.4% | 7.4% |
| Avg Rent | $873 | $873 | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.5% | 5.5% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 45638 (Ironton, OH). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $122,926 |
| Monthly Rent | $873 |
| Price-to-Rent | 11.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 8.5% |
| Cap Rate | 5.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.0% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +10.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.5% ▲ |
🏠 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 (5.5%). 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 45638
Population: 19,921
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 45638
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 2,137 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are rents high in Ironton, OH?
Investors in Ironton, OH typically see rents near $873/mo per month against $123K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
Which investment style suits Ironton, OH?
Ironton, OH investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($123K prices, $873/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
What is the median home value in Ironton, OH?
Median home price in Ironton, OH is near $123K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been measured and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
Is Ironton, OH good for house hacking?
House hacking works a challenging in Ironton, OH. Rents of $873/mo against $123K acquisition make the strategy solid for owner-occupants.
Is Ironton, OH good for landlords?
The landlord environment in Ironton, OH is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
You know 45638 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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