Real Estate Investing in Portage, Wisconsin (53901)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 53901 (Portage, 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.
- Elevated vacancy: 9.2% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Portage, WI (53901)?
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Market Analysis: 53901 Portage
The 53901 ZIP in Portage, WI is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $295K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
Rent of $1,225/mo on a $295K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 53901 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
Statewide comparisons place 53901 among WI's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
The 53901 ZIP's population of 14,654 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that reflects the need for careful underwriting.
Strategy in 53901 is an operator game, not a passive one. In practical terms, entry prices of $295K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Portage:
Property Strategy for 53901
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $226,486 | $1,230 | 3.9% | +8.6% | $113,243 |
| 3BR | $274,095 | $1,690 | 4.4% | +9.1% | $91,365 |
| 4BR | $311,865 | $1,850 | 4.3% | +8.9% | $77,966 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 53901 Compare?
| Metric | 53901 | Portage | Madison, WI | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $295,395 | $295,395 | N/A | $320,446 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 7.1% | 7.1% | N/A | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,225 | $1,225 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% | 3.2% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 53901 (Portage, WI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $295,395 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,225 |
| Price-to-Rent | 20.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.0% |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +6.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +7.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.8% ▲ |
🏠 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 53901
Population: 14,654
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 53901
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
What strategy should investors use in Portage, WI?
Portage, WI investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($295K prices, $1,225/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
What do landlords charge for rent in Portage, WI?
Average rent in Portage, WI is approximately $1,225/mo per month. Against $295K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
Where do home prices stand in Portage, WI?
In Portage, WI the median home value sits at $295K. Against the broader WI market, that reads as reasonable for most investors.
How quickly do rentals get leased in Portage, WI?
Occupancy in Portage, WI runs reliable with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $1,225/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
How do landlord-tenant laws work in Portage, WI?
Portage, WI operates under WI law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect measured treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
You know 53901 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 53901 ranks in Madison, WI
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