Real Estate Investing in Plain, Wisconsin (53937)
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Should you buy in 53937 (Plain, WI)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 13.2% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 31.1 — 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 Plain, WI (53937)?
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Market Analysis: 53937 Plain
ZIP 53937 inside Sauk County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $365K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
The 53937 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
Nearby ZIPs in Plain have seen price recovery that 53937 has not matched. Sauk County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
The 53937 ZIP's population of 1,085 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that shows the need for careful underwriting.
The 53937 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Plain:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 53937 Compare?
| Metric | 53937 | Plain | Baraboo, WI | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $365,477 | $341,938 | N/A | $320,446 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.2% | 5.8% | N/A | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $981 | $990 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.1% | 2.3% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 53937 (Plain, WI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $365,477 |
| Monthly Rent | $981 |
| Price-to-Rent | 31.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.2% |
| Cap Rate | 2.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +11.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.2% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.1% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.1%). 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 53937
Population: 1,085
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WI a landlord-friendly state?
WI ranks as a landlord-friendly state for landlord-tenant law. Plain generally follows the statewide framework, so landlords face reasonable operating rules.
Is Plain, WI a smart market for rental property?
Plain, WI records an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $365K and average rents around $981/mo. That combination puts it in the sturdy tier for investor interest.
What is the smart move for investors in Plain, WI?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Plain, WI. With home values at $365K and rents near $981/mo, other strategies can work but produce consistent rather than outsized returns.
Is house hacking profitable in Plain, WI?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Plain, WI reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
What price range are homes in Plain, WI?
In Plain, WI the median home value sits at $365K. Against the broader WI market, that reads as reasonable for most investors.
You know 53937 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 53937 ranks in Baraboo, WI
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