Real Estate Investing in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin (53538)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 53538 (Fort Atkinson, 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: 8.7% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Fort Atkinson, WI (53538)?
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Market Analysis: 53538 Fort Atkinson
The 53538 ZIP covers a section of Fort Atkinson that demands careful diligence. Prices near $332K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
The investment case in 53538 is significant only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $332K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
In the broader WI picture, 53538 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 53538 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. robust returns are possible in 53538, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Fort Atkinson:
Property Strategy for 53538
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $259,033 | $1,160 | 3.2% | +8.0% | $129,516 |
| 3BR | $313,016 | $1,540 | 3.5% | +7.9% | $104,339 |
| 4BR | $392,360 | $1,540 | 2.8% | +7.5% | $98,090 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 53538 Compare?
| Metric | 53538 | Fort Atkinson | Watertown-Fort Atkinson, WI | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $332,383 | $332,383 | N/A | $320,446 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.0% | 6.0% | N/A | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,358 | $1,358 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% | 3.2% | - | - |
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 53538 (Fort Atkinson, WI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $332,383 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,358 |
| Price-to-Rent | 20.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.9% |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.0% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.7% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.2%). 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 53538
Population: 18,604
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 53538
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
Investor Insight: With 506 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of market is Fort Atkinson, WI for investors?
Our data puts Fort Atkinson, WI at 3.0/5 for investability. Home prices of $332K and rents around $1,358/mo create a solid backdrop for investor activity.
Are homes affordable in Fort Atkinson, WI?
Fort Atkinson, WI median home values land near $332K. That is reasonable territory for investors looking at $1,358/mo-per-month rentals.
How much rent can I charge in Fort Atkinson, WI?
Rents in Fort Atkinson, WI run near $1,358/mo. Compared with median home prices of $332K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
How strong is tenant demand in Fort Atkinson, WI?
Working renters make up the core of the Fort Atkinson, WI tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
Is vacancy a concern in Fort Atkinson, WI?
Rental vacancy in Fort Atkinson, WI is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
You know 53538 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 53538 ranks in Watertown-Fort Atkinson, WI
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