Real Estate Investing in Star Prairie, Wisconsin (54026)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 54026 (Star Prairie, 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: 13.7% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Star Prairie, WI (54026)?
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Market Analysis: 54026 Star Prairie
The 54026 ZIP covers a section of Star Prairie that demands careful diligence. Prices near $400K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 54026 posts the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
Within WI, ZIP 54026 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Polk County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and substantial enough to shape underwriting.
A significant renter share of 12% in 54026 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
Strategically, 54026 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Star Prairie:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 54026 Compare?
| Metric | 54026 | Star Prairie | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $400,314 | $400,314 | $320,446 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.8% | 4.8% | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,368 | $1,368 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.7% | 2.7% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 54026 (Star Prairie, WI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $400,314 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,368 |
| Price-to-Rent | 24.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.1% |
| Cap Rate | 2.7% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +8.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.8% ▲ |
| 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 (2.7%). 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 54026
Population: 2,217
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
What type of investing works in Star Prairie, WI?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Star Prairie, WI. With home values at $400K and rents near $1,368/mo, other strategies can work but produce measured rather than outsized returns.
Where do rents currently stand in Star Prairie, WI?
The typical rental in Star Prairie, WI commands about $1,368/mo monthly. That rent profile reliable cash flow against the $400K purchase basis.
Is it easy to find good tenants in Star Prairie, WI?
The renter base in Star Prairie, WI is reasonable for the $1,368/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields measured tenants.
Does Star Prairie, WI favor landlords or tenants?
Star Prairie, WI operates under WI law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect measured treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
Does a duplex house hack pencil in Star Prairie, WI?
For house hackers, Star Prairie, WI is a challenging. The $1,368/mo rent on a unit helps defray the mortgage on a $400K property.
You know 54026 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 54026 ranks in Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
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