Real Estate Investing in Merrill, Wisconsin (54452)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 54452 (Merrill, WI)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- Elevated vacancy: 10.2% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Merrill, WI (54452)?
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Market Analysis: 54452 Merrill
ZIP 54452 in Merrill, WI carries a notable set of headwinds. Home values near $227K and rents of $850/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
The investment case in 54452 is durable only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $227K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
In the broader WI picture, 54452 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Demographically, 54452 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.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. durable returns are possible in 54452, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Merrill:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 54452 Compare?
| Metric | 54452 | Merrill | Wausau-Weston, WI | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $226,842 | $226,842 | N/A | $320,446 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.9% | 5.9% | N/A | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $850 | $850 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% | 2.9% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 54452 (Merrill, WI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $226,842 |
| Monthly Rent | $850 |
| Price-to-Rent | 22.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.5% |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.5% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.9%). 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 54452
Population: 18,949
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 54452
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
What strategy should investors use in Merrill, WI?
Merrill, WI investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($227K prices, $850/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
How much do tenants pay in Merrill, WI?
Average rent in Merrill, WI is approximately $850/mo per month. Against $227K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
Is housing expensive in Merrill, WI?
In Merrill, WI the median home value sits at $227K. Against the broader WI market, that reads as reasonable for most investors.
How tight is the rental market in Merrill, WI?
Merrill, WI vacancy trends elevated. Investors running standard buy-and-hold plays see reasonable downtime between tenants.
Is Merrill, WI landlord-friendly?
Merrill, WI operates under WI law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect predictable treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
You know 54452 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 54452 ranks in Wausau-Weston, WI
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