Real Estate Investing in Racine, Wisconsin (53404)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 53404 (Racine, WI)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
Rare combination of both appreciation and cash flow. These markets don't last long — worth serious consideration.
- Elevated vacancy: 9.6% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
- Higher unemployment: 9.6% unemployment — tenant risk signal.
What’s happening in Racine, WI (53404)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 53404 Racine
The 53404 ZIP in Racine, WI is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $201K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
For an experienced owner, 53404 can be a a solid fit for hunting ground — but the discount at $201K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
In practical terms, 53404 offers a low basis, the region around Racine has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Resident income in 53404 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
The right play in 53404 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 Racine:
Property Strategy for 53404
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $161,594 | $1,150 | 5.1% | +10.4% | $80,797 |
| 3BR | $213,183 | $1,480 | 5.0% | +9.2% | $71,061 |
| 4BR | $180,205 | $1,830 | 7.3% | — | $45,051 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 53404 Compare?
| Metric | 53404 | Racine | Racine, WI | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $200,606 | $219,931 | N/A | $320,446 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 8.7% | 8.2% | N/A | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,208 | $1,269 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.7% | 4.5% | - | - |
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 53404 (Racine, WI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $200,606 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,208 |
| Price-to-Rent | 13.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 7.2% |
| Cap Rate | 4.7% |
| 5-Year IRR | 13.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +9.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +9.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +8.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +9.3% ▲ |
🏠 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 (4.7%). 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 53404
Population: 12,438
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 53404
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Fratt Elementary
Jerstad-Agerholm School
Red Apple Elementary
Roosevelt Elementary
Johnson 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
What is the investability score for Racine, WI?
Racine, WI sits at an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $201K and average rents around $1,208/mo. That combination puts it in the resilient tier for investor interest.
Do rentals sit vacant long in Racine, WI?
Expect elevated vacancy in Racine, WI. Rents at $1,208/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
What kind of tenants rent in Racine, WI?
Racine, WI offers a predictable renter base at the $1,208/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
Are eviction rules reasonable in Racine, WI?
For rental operators, Racine, WI rates as landlord-friendly. The regulatory environment standard buy-and-hold operations.
Are rents high in Racine, WI?
Racine, WI rentals go for roughly $1,208/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $201K acquisition costs.
You know 53404 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 53404 ranks in Racine, WI
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