Real Estate Investing in Lakewood, Wisconsin (54138)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 54138 (Lakewood, WI)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — home prices are stretched relative to local incomes. Run the math on your specific situation.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 68.3% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Lakewood, WI (54138)?
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Market Analysis: 54138 Lakewood
ZIP 54138 in Lakewood, WI carries a durable set of headwinds. Home values near $302K and rents of $1,017/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
The investment case in 54138 is resilient only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $302K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
The gap between 54138 and stronger Lakewood ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
Demographically, 54138 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
The right play in 54138 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 Lakewood:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 54138 Compare?
| Metric | 54138 | Lakewood | Green Bay, WI | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $302,336 | $302,336 | N/A | $320,446 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 10.1% | 10.1% | N/A | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,017 | $1,017 | 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 54138 (Lakewood, WI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $302,336 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,017 |
| Price-to-Rent | 24.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.0% |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 12.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +11.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +8.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +10.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +8.6% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.6%). 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 54138
Population: 860
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 Lakewood, WI a good market for buy-and-hold investors?
Lakewood, WI scores 3.0/5 for investability. Home values sit at $302K and rents near $1,017/mo, which keeps the rent-to-price ratio in reasonable territory for buy-and-hold investors.
Are homes affordable in Lakewood, WI?
Typical homes in Lakewood, WI go for around $302K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% predictable price movement.
What is the average monthly rent in Lakewood, WI?
Investors in Lakewood, WI typically see rents near $1,017/mo per month against $302K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
What is the tenant pool like in Lakewood, WI?
Working renters make up the core of the Lakewood, WI tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
What kind of vacancy should I budget for in Lakewood, WI?
Expect elevated vacancy in Lakewood, WI. Rents at $1,017/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
You know 54138 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 54138 ranks in Green Bay, WI
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