Real Estate Investing in Waterford, Wisconsin (53185)
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Should you buy in 53185 (Waterford, WI)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Waterford, WI (53185)?
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Market Analysis: 53185 Waterford
Investors eyeing 53185 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $460K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
The 53185 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
In the broader WI picture, 53185 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Who lives in 53185 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
The right play in 53185 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Waterford:
Property Strategy for 53185
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $343,978 | $1,420 | 3.0% | +7.6% | $171,989 |
| 3BR | $448,930 | $1,830 | 2.9% | +7.6% | $149,643 |
| 4BR | $539,751 | $2,260 | 3.0% | +7.9% | $134,938 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 53185 Compare?
| Metric | 53185 | Waterford | Racine, WI | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $460,270 | $460,270 | N/A | $320,446 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.9% | 5.9% | N/A | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,750 | $1,750 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% | 3.0% | - | - |
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 53185 (Waterford, WI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $460,270 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,750 |
| Price-to-Rent | 21.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.6% |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.6% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.0%). 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.
Demographics in 53185
Population: 18,786
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 53185
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Waterford, WI a good market for buy-and-hold investors?
Investors tracking Waterford, WI will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $460K median home values and $1,750/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting predictable returns.
What is it like being a landlord in Waterford, WI?
WI law landlord-friendly for landlords, and Waterford inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.
How much is rent in Waterford, WI?
Rents in Waterford, WI run near $1,750/mo. Compared with median home prices of $460K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
What are vacancy rates like in Waterford, WI?
Waterford, WI sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader WI rental market.
Which investment style suits Waterford, WI?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Waterford, WI. With home values at $460K and rents near $1,750/mo, other strategies can work but produce stable rather than outsized returns.
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