Real Estate Investing in Highland, Wisconsin (53543)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 53543 (Highland, 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.
- High vacancy: 14.4% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 29.1 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Highland, WI (53543)?
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Market Analysis: 53543 Highland
This part of Iowa County is not an easy win. The 53543 ZIP registers softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 53543 reports the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
The gap between 53543 and stronger Highland ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
The demographic picture in 53543 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Highland averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
The right play in 53543 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 Highland:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 53543 Compare?
| Metric | 53543 | Highland | Madison, WI | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $304,911 | $304,911 | N/A | $320,446 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.2% | 6.2% | N/A | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $873 | $873 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.2% | 2.2% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 53543 (Highland, WI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $304,911 |
| Monthly Rent | $873 |
| Price-to-Rent | 29.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.4% |
| Cap Rate | 2.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.2% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.6% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.2%). 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 53543
Population: 1,787
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 53543
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 790 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What investment strategy works best in Highland, WI?
In Highland, WI the substantial play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $305K prices and $873/mo rents suits that approach.
How deep is the rental pool in Highland, WI?
Expect a solid tenant pool in Highland, WI. The rental market absorbs $873/mo rents without meaningful friction.
What price range are homes in Highland, WI?
Median home price in Highland, WI is near $305K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been stable and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
How strict are landlord regulations in Highland, WI?
Highland, WI operates under WI law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect stable treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
How strong are rents in Highland, WI?
Investors in Highland, WI typically see rents near $873/mo per month against $305K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
You know 53543 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 53543 ranks in Madison, WI
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