Real Estate Investing in Salem, Wisconsin (53170)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 53170 (Salem, 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.
- Elevated vacancy: 10.9% 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 (53170)?
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Market Analysis: 53170 Salem
ZIP 53170 inside Kenosha County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $348K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
The 53170 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
Nearby ZIPs in Salem have seen price recovery that 53170 has not matched. Kenosha County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
A healthy renter share of 21% in 53170 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
The 53170 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 53170
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $253,928 | $1,310 | 3.7% | +8.7% | $126,964 |
| 3BR | $343,774 | $1,750 | 3.7% | +7.7% | $114,591 |
| 4BR | $398,857 | $2,000 | 3.6% | +7.5% | $99,714 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 53170 Compare?
| Metric | 53170 | Salem | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $348,096 | $362,913 | $320,446 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.4% | 6.9% | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,179 | $1,239 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% | 2.7% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 53170 (Salem, WI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $348,096 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,179 |
| Price-to-Rent | 24.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.1% |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.4% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.6%). 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 53170
Population: 1,979
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 53170
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (2 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Salem Elementary
Central High
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
Should investors worry about vacancy in Salem, WI?
Salem, WI carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect consistent absorption at market rents of $1,179/mo.
Is Salem, WI landlord-friendly?
Landlord-friendliness in Salem, WI is landlord-friendly. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.
What are home prices like in Salem, WI?
In Salem, WI the median home value sits at $348K. Against the broader WI market, that reads as reasonable for most investors.
Is house hacking profitable in Salem, WI?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Salem, WI reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
How deep is the rental pool in Salem, WI?
Salem, WI draws a predictable base of working renters. Demand at the $1,179/mo rent level is reasonable for standard single-family and small multi rentals.
You know 53170 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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