Real Estate Investing in Colby, Wisconsin (54421)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 54421 (Colby, 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.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Colby, WI (54421)?
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Market Analysis: 54421 Colby
ZIP 54421 inside Marathon County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $229K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 54421 registers the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
Nearby ZIPs in Colby have seen price recovery that 54421 has not matched. Marathon County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
The 54421 ZIP's population of 3,724 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that comes in at the need for careful underwriting.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 54421 workable. Turnkey investors from out of state usually find the numbers do not hold up in practice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Colby:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 54421 Compare?
| Metric | 54421 | Colby | Wausau-Weston, WI | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $228,961 | $228,961 | N/A | $320,446 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 7.7% | 7.7% | N/A | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $891 | $891 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% | 3.0% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 54421 (Colby, WI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $228,961 |
| Monthly Rent | $891 |
| Price-to-Rent | 21.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.7% |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +11.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +8.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.7% ▲ |
| 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 (3.0%). 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 54421
Population: 3,724
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 54421
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
Should investors worry about vacancy in Colby, WI?
Vacancy in Colby, WI is elevated, which keeps landlord downtime on reasonable timelines. Most properties lease within the standard window at $891/mo.
How strong is tenant demand in Colby, WI?
Colby, WI draws a stable base of working renters. Demand at the $891/mo rent level is reasonable for standard single-family and small multi rentals.
How much is rent in Colby, WI?
Colby, WI rentals go for roughly $891/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $229K acquisition costs.
What is the best play in Colby, WI?
For Colby, WI, careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management is the standard investor playbook. The market structure makes it a reasonable default approach.
How expensive is real estate in Colby, WI?
Median home price in Colby, WI is near $229K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been consistent and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
You know 54421 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 54421 ranks in Wausau-Weston, WI
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