Real Estate Investing in Darlington, Wisconsin (53530)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 53530 (Darlington, 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.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Darlington, WI (53530)?
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Market Analysis: 53530 Darlington
This part of Lafayette County is not an easy win. The 53530 ZIP stands at softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
The 53530 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
ZIP 53530's metrics run below Lafayette County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
A impressive renter share of 23% in 53530 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
New investors are better served looking at Darlington's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 53530. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Darlington:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 53530 Compare?
| Metric | 53530 | Darlington | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $236,885 | $236,885 | $320,446 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 7.5% | 7.5% | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $945 | $945 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.1% | 3.1% | - |
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 53530 (Darlington, WI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $236,885 |
| Monthly Rent | $945 |
| Price-to-Rent | 20.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.8% |
| Cap Rate | 3.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +12.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +8.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +8.2% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.1%). 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 53530
Population: 4,581
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 53530
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Darlington, WI make sense for an investment property?
With a 3.0/5 investability score, Darlington, WI ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $237K and rents of $945/mo drive the underlying numbers.
How do experienced investors play Darlington, WI?
The best-fit strategy in Darlington, WI is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
Is Darlington, WI a friendly market for rental owners?
For rental operators, Darlington, WI rates as landlord-friendly. The regulatory environment standard buy-and-hold operations.
What is the renter demographic in Darlington, WI?
Darlington, WI offers a predictable renter base at the $945/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
How much do tenants pay in Darlington, WI?
Expect rents around $945/mo per month in Darlington, WI. With home values at $237K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
You know 53530 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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