Real Estate Investing in Salem, Wisconsin (53168)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 53168 (Salem, WI)? 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: 9.2% 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 Salem, WI (53168)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 53168 Salem
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Salem's 53168 ZIP reports signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $373K pricing implies.
The 53168 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
Regionally, 53168 sits on the difficult end of the WI spectrum. The a credible choice for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
Resident income in 53168 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
The 53168 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.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Salem:
Property Strategy for 53168
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $242,083 | $1,510 | 4.5% | +9.7% | $121,042 |
| 3BR | $348,821 | $2,050 | 4.2% | +8.1% | $116,274 |
| 4BR | $479,373 | $2,340 | 3.5% | +8.1% | $119,843 |
| 5BR | $586,112 | — | — | +7.7% | $117,222 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 53168 Compare?
| Metric | 53168 | Salem | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $373,414 | $362,913 | $320,446 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 7.1% | 6.9% | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,359 | $1,239 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% | 2.7% | - |
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 53168 (Salem, WI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $373,414 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,359 |
| Price-to-Rent | 22.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.4% |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.0% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +9.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +7.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.8% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.8%). 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 53168
Population: 9,381
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 53168
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (1 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Riverview Elementary
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 5,231 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salem in WI worth investing in?
Our data puts Salem, WI at 3.0/5 for investability. Home prices of $373K and rents around $1,359/mo create a solid backdrop for investor activity.
What monthly rent should investors expect in Salem, WI?
Rental rates in Salem, WI average $1,359/mo. Tenant demand and $373K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
What is the typical vacancy rate in Salem, WI?
Occupancy in Salem, WI runs consistent with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $1,359/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
What is the tenant pool like in Salem, WI?
The tenant pool in Salem, WI is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $1,359/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
How strict are landlord regulations in Salem, WI?
Rental owners in Salem, WI deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
You know 53168 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 53168 ranks in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
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