Real Estate Investing in Rensselaer, Indiana (47978)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 47978 (Rensselaer, IN)? 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.
- Elevated vacancy: 8.5% 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 Rensselaer, IN (47978)?
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Market Analysis: 47978 Rensselaer
The 47978 ZIP in Rensselaer, IN is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $254K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 47978 clocks in at the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
Nearby ZIPs in Rensselaer have seen price recovery that 47978 has not matched. Jasper County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
The 47978 ZIP's population of 10,097 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that shows the need for careful underwriting.
Strategy in 47978 is an operator game, not a passive one. On the rental side, entry prices of $254K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Rensselaer:
Property Strategy for 47978
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $171,169 | $1,150 | 4.8% | +9.4% | $85,584 |
| 3BR | $250,147 | $1,500 | 4.3% | +9.0% | $83,382 |
| 4BR | $307,546 | $1,520 | 3.6% | +8.7% | $76,887 |
| 5BR | $333,846 | — | — | +7.7% | $66,769 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 47978 Compare?
| Metric | 47978 | Rensselaer | Indiana |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $253,749 | $253,749 | $248,442 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 7.1% | 7.1% | 7.7% |
| Avg Rent | $1,035 | $1,035 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% | 3.2% | - |
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 47978 (Rensselaer, IN). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $253,749 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,035 |
| Price-to-Rent | 20.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.9% |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +6.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.5% ▲ |
🏠 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 (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 47978
Population: 10,097
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 47978
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
Should investors consider Rensselaer, IN?
Investors tracking Rensselaer, IN will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $254K median home values and $1,035/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting predictable returns.
What is the renter demographic in Rensselaer, IN?
The tenant pool in Rensselaer, IN is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $1,035/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
What is the best play in Rensselaer, IN?
A careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy Rensselaer, IN best. The market produces predictable results for that approach at the $254K price point.
Is Rensselaer, IN good for house hacking?
House hacking in Rensselaer, IN is reasonable to execute. Prices around $254K and rents of $1,035/mo solid owner-occupant economics.
What are rental rates like in Rensselaer, IN?
Rent in Rensselaer, IN is around $1,035/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $254K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
You know 47978 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 47978 ranks in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
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