Real Estate Investing in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin (53965)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 53965 (Wisconsin Dells, 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: 27.7% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 25.4 — 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 Wisconsin Dells, WI (53965)?
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Market Analysis: 53965 Wisconsin Dells
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Wisconsin Dells's 53965 ZIP reports signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $312K pricing implies.
For an experienced owner, 53965 can be a a viable market for hunting ground — but the discount at $312K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Within WI, ZIP 53965 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Adams County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and substantial enough to shape underwriting.
Employment concentration in 53965 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
Strategy in 53965 is an operator game, not a passive one. In practical terms, entry prices of $312K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Wisconsin Dells:
Property Strategy for 53965
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $134,573 | $930 | 5.0% | +9.5% | $134,573 |
| 2BR | $242,246 | $1,140 | 3.4% | +9.2% | $121,123 |
| 3BR | $314,660 | $1,490 | 3.4% | +8.6% | $104,887 |
| 4BR | $383,335 | $1,580 | 3.0% | +8.4% | $95,834 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 53965 Compare?
| Metric | 53965 | Wisconsin Dells | Madison, WI | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $312,340 | $312,340 | N/A | $320,446 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.9% | 4.9% | N/A | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,026 | $1,026 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% | 2.6% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 53965 (Wisconsin Dells, WI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $312,340 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,026 |
| Price-to-Rent | 25.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.9% |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +6.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.1% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.6%). 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 53965
Population: 11,197
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 53965
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
How expensive is real estate in Wisconsin Dells, WI?
The median home value in Wisconsin Dells, WI is roughly $312K. That puts it reasonable relative to the WI statewide average.
How viable is house hacking in Wisconsin Dells, WI?
The house hack math a challenging in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Owner-occupant buyers benefit from the $1,026/mo rents and $312K home values.
Is the tenant base reliable in Wisconsin Dells, WI?
Tenant demand in Wisconsin Dells, WI is solid. The local workforce $1,026/mo rents across most rental classes.
Is rental property easy to operate in Wisconsin Dells, WI?
Landlord-friendliness in Wisconsin Dells, WI is landlord-friendly. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.
What do landlords charge for rent in Wisconsin Dells, WI?
Rent in Wisconsin Dells, WI is around $1,026/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $312K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
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How 53965 ranks in Madison, WI
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