Real Estate Investing in Lafayette, Indiana (47901)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 47901 (Lafayette, IN)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- Elevated poverty: 23.0% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
What’s happening in Lafayette, IN (47901)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 47901 Lafayette
The 47901 ZIP in Lafayette, IN is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $252K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
The investment case in 47901 is significant only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $252K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
Meanwhile, 47901 offers a low basis, the region around Lafayette has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Employment concentration in 47901 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
Strategy in 47901 is an operator game, not a passive one. Looking more closely, entry prices of $252K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Lafayette:
Property Strategy for 47901
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $283,538 | $1,130 | 2.9% | +6.0% | $141,769 |
| 3BR | $249,211 | $1,350 | 3.9% | +6.0% | $83,070 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 47901 Compare?
| Metric | 47901 | Lafayette | Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | Indiana |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $251,621 | $255,056 | N/A | $248,442 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.8% | 6.1% | N/A | 7.7% |
| Avg Rent | $1,180 | $1,303 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.7% | 4.0% | - | - |
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 47901 (Lafayette, IN). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $251,621 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,180 |
| Price-to-Rent | 17.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.6% |
| Cap Rate | 3.7% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +0.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.8% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.5% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -59.1% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -23.0% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.7%). 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 47901
Population: 4,342
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 47901
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Oakland Elementary School
Murdock Elementary School
Vinton Elementary School
Lafayette Sunnyside Intermediate
Paramount School of Excellence Lafayette
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 47,013 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What real estate strategy is ideal for Lafayette, IN?
A careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy Lafayette, IN best. The market produces predictable results for that approach at the $252K price point.
How strict are landlord regulations in Lafayette, IN?
IN law landlord-friendly for landlords, and Lafayette inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.
How does Lafayette, IN rate as a rental market?
Lafayette, IN shows an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $252K and average rents around $1,180/mo. That combination puts it in the solid tier for investor interest.
Does a duplex house hack pencil in Lafayette, IN?
Lafayette, IN is a a challenging market for house hackers. FHA or conventional owner-occupant buyers find the $252K price point reasonable to enter.
What are vacancy rates like in Lafayette, IN?
Rental vacancy in Lafayette, IN is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
You know 47901 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 47901 ranks in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
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