Real Estate Investing in Ann Arbor, Michigan (48104)

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

Washtenaw County • Population: 43,762 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 48104 (Ann Arbor, MI)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
CAUTION
Grade D (51/100)

Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.

📈 For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5 (47/100)

A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.

⚠️ Risks to Know
1 flag
  • Elevated vacancy: 8.0% vacancy may signal weakening demand.

What’s happening in Ann Arbor, MI (48104)?

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3.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

3.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

3.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $587,722
Avg Monthly Rent $2,241
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income $58,224
% Renters 64.6%

Market Analysis: 48104 Ann Arbor

Not every below-median market is a bargain. Ann Arbor's 48104 ZIP records signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $588K pricing implies.

For an experienced owner, 48104 can be a a credible choice for hunting ground — but the discount at $588K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.

Regionally, 48104 sits on the difficult end of the MI spectrum. The a solid fit for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.

The 48104 ZIP's population of 43,762 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that reflects the need for careful underwriting.

The 48104 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.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Ann Arbor:

C Below Average
Buy Confidence Score: 58/100
Affordability
0/25
Appreciation
22/25
Stability
13/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Expensive
Homes cost 10.1× the median income
Value Trend
Rising (+7.7%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $2,241/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
BALANCED
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
Bottom Line: This market may be challenging for buyers. Consider your timing and budget carefully.
⚖️
BALANCED MARKET
Ann Arbor, MI Metro Area
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
35 days
Average time to sell
Average
10.7%
Listings with price cuts
Few Cuts
0.0%
Sale price vs asking
Below Ask
0.0%
Income needed for mortgage
Affordable
📅 Market conditions as of August 29, 2026 — updated weekly from Ann Arbor, MI metro data
🏠

Property Strategy for 48104

Which property type performs best in this market?

Best for Cash Flow
2BR
4.6% cap rate
Best for Appreciation
4BR
+6.5% 5yr CAGR
Best Overall Value
2BR
$153,044/bedroom
📊 Compare All Property Types →
Type Median Value Est. Rent Cap Rate 5yr CAGR $/Bedroom
1BR $287,942 $1,650 4.1% +4.3% $287,942
2BR $306,087 $1,970 4.6% +5.3% $153,044
3BR $499,742 $2,360 3.4% +6.2% $166,581
4BR $750,911 $2,610 2.5% +6.5% $187,728
5BR $865,081 +5.7% $173,016

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$624K$542K$460K$378K$295K$213KJul 2006Jul 2016Jul 2026

Rent History (with trend line)

$3,033$2,688$2,344$1,999$1,654$1,309Jul 2016Jul 2021Jul 2026

📊 How Does 48104 Compare?

Metric 48104 Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI Michigan
Home Value $587,722 $237,355 N/A $253,279
5-Year CAGR 5.2% 4.9% N/A 6.8%
Avg Rent $2,241 $2,084 N/A -
Cap Rate 3.0% 3.0% - -
💡 Why Invest in 48104? Click to expand

With a 3/5 investability rating, this ZIP shows solid fundamentals for buy-and-hold investors.

65% of households rent in this area, creating consistent tenant demand for landlords.

📊 See where this ZIP ranks in our Best-of lists →
A great house in the wrong ZIP is still a bad deal — screen every market by cash flow & cap rate.
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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 48104 (Ann Arbor, MI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Investability
Good
Cap Rate
3.0%
Low
5yr Growth
+5.2%
Moderate

📉 Market Crash Risk Index

Based on Ann Arbor, MI metro

0/10
Low Risk
Price YoY
0/3
N/A
Rent YoY
0/2
N/A
Below List
0/3
39%
Days Pending
0/2
35 days

View all metro crash risk rankings →

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $587,722
Monthly Rent $2,241
Price-to-Rent 21.9:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 4.6%
Cap Rate 3.0%
5-Year IRR 8.2%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +7.7% ▲
3-Year CAGR +4.9% ▲
5-Year CAGR +5.2% ▲
10-Year CAGR +5.2% ▲

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year -3.2% ▼
3-Year CAGR +1.8% ▲
5-Year CAGR +4.3% ▲
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 3.0%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.0%). 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.

Vacancy
8.0%
Moderate risk
Landlord Climate
5.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
+5.2%
Stable
Eviction process: Fast Rent control: Favorable

Demographics in 48104

Population: 43,762

💰 Median Household Income
$58,224
This area
$58,224
State
$68,013
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
64.6%
This area
64.6%
State
19.4%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
2.9%
This area
2.9%
State
-2.8%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
81.5%
This area
81.5%
State
16.5%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
22.9 years
This area
22.9 years
State
36.1 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
8.0%
This area
8.0%
State
20.4%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 76.2%
Asian 13.8%
Other/Mixed 5.3%
Black/African American 4.7%
Hispanic/Latino 1.9%
👶 Under 18
7.5%
This area
7.5%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
8.3%
This area
8.3%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
5.4%
This area
5.4%
USA
11.5%

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 48104

A+ Avg School Grade
9 Schools
13.5:1 Avg Class Size
$21,726 Avg Per Pupil

Schools in This ZIP Code

A+ Excellent

Pattengill School

📚 03 – 05 Elementary
👥
229 Students
👨‍🏫
11.7:1 Class Size
💰
$22,548 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Pittsfield School

📚 K – 05 Elementary
👥
230 Students
👨‍🏫
10.8:1 Class Size
💰
$22,548 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Burns Park Elementary School

📚 K – 05 Elementary
👥
497 Students
👨‍🏫
14.8:1 Class Size
💰
$22,548 Per Student
A+ Excellent

John Allen School

📚 K – 05 Elementary
👥
402 Students
👨‍🏫
13.2:1 Class Size
💰
$22,548 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Tappan Middle School

📚 06 – 08 Middle
👥
640 Students
👨‍🏫
14.0:1 Class Size
💰
$22,548 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Angell School

📚 K – 05 Elementary
👥
288 Students
👨‍🏫
13.5:1 Class Size
💰
$22,548 Per Student
A Very Good

Community High School

📚 09 – 12 High School
👥
509 Students
👨‍🏫
15.2:1 Class Size
💰
$22,548 Per Student
A Very Good

Pathways To Success Academic Campus

📚 09 – 12 High School
👥
218 Students
👨‍🏫
12.2:1 Class Size
💰
$22,548 Per Student
B+ Above Average

Central Academy

📚 Pre-K – 12 K-12 Charter
👥
559 Students
👨‍🏫
16.0:1 Class Size
💰
$15,152 Per Student

Nearby Schools (5 more)

Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area

A+ Excellent

Mary D Mitchell School

📚 K – 05 Elementary
📍 3550 PITTSVIEW DR, ANN ARBOR
👥
395 Students
👨‍🏫
11.6:1 Class Size
💰
$22,548 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Clifford E Bryant Comm School

📚 K – 02 Elementary
📍 2150 SANTA ROSA DR, ANN ARBOR
👥
222 Students
👨‍🏫
10.4:1 Class Size
💰
$22,548 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Carpenter School

📚 K – 05 Elementary
📍 4250 CENTRAL BLVD, ANN ARBOR
👥
408 Students
👨‍🏫
14.1:1 Class Size
💰
$22,548 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Scarlett Middle School

📚 06 – 08 Middle
📍 3300 LORRAINE ST, ANN ARBOR
👥
629 Students
👨‍🏫
12.8:1 Class Size
💰
$22,548 Per Student
B Good

Multicultural Academy

📚 Pre-K – 10 High School Charter
📍 5550 PLATT RD, ANN ARBOR
👥
278 Students
👨‍🏫
12.8:1 Class Size
💰
$13,141 Per Student
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

8 Nearby 6,143 Off-Campus Students
A+
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
52,065 students · 1.4 mi
C
Concordia University Ann Arbor
1,351 students · 1.9 mi
C
Washtenaw Community College
10,756 students · 2.7 mi
D
Ross Medical Education Center-Ann Arbor
33 students · 2.7 mi
C+
Eastern Michigan University
13,324 students · 4.7 mi
D
Ross Medical Education Center-Canton
90 students · 12.7 mi
C
L'esprit Academy
273 students · 13.9 mi
D
MIAT College of Technology
1,645 students · 14.0 mi

Investor Insight: With 6,143 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do landlords charge for rent in Ann Arbor, MI?

Expect rents around $2,241/mo per month in Ann Arbor, MI. With home values at $588K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.

Is housing expensive in Ann Arbor, MI?

Ann Arbor, MI home values average about $588K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $2,241/mo in monthly income.

What investment strategy works best in Ann Arbor, MI?

Most investors in Ann Arbor, MI run a careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy. It aligns with the 3.0/5 investability profile and the market fundamentals.

What is it like being a landlord in Ann Arbor, MI?

MI ranks as a landlord-friendly state for landlord-tenant law. Ann Arbor generally follows the statewide framework, so landlords face reasonable operating rules.

What kind of vacancy should I budget for in Ann Arbor, MI?

Occupancy in Ann Arbor, MI runs measured with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $2,241/mo lease on reasonable timelines.

You know 48104 now. You don’t know where it ranks.

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How 48104 ranks in Ann Arbor, MI

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