Real Estate Investing in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin (54512)

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

Vilas County • Population: 1,466 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 54512 (Boulder Junction, WI)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
CAUTION
Grade D (41/100)

Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.

📈 For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5 (47/100)

A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.

⚠️ Risks to Know
2 flags
  • High vacancy: 54.3% of homes vacant — above national norms.
  • High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 34.7 — 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 Boulder Junction, WI (54512)?

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3.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

2.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

3.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $424,019
Avg Monthly Rent $1,017
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income $70,329
% Renters 18.4%

Market Analysis: 54512 Boulder Junction

The 54512 ZIP in Boulder Junction, WI is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $424K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.

If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $424K asset, 54512 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.

Statewide comparisons place 54512 among WI's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.

The demographic picture in 54512 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Boulder Junction averages, and tenant stability requires active management.

Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 54512 workable. Turnkey investors from out of state usually find the numbers do not hold up in practice.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Boulder Junction:

C Below Average
Buy Confidence Score: 58/100
Affordability
10/25
Appreciation
18/25
Stability
7/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Expensive
Homes cost 6× the median income
Value Trend
Rising (+9.8%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $1,017/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
BALANCED
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
Bottom Line: This market may be challenging for buyers. Consider your timing and budget carefully.

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$439K$395K$352K$308K$264K$220KJan 2012May 2019Jul 2026

📊 How Does 54512 Compare?

Metric 54512 Boulder Junction Wisconsin
Home Value $424,019 $424,019 $320,446
5-Year CAGR 4.7% 4.7% 7.3%
Avg Rent $1,017 $1,017 -
Cap Rate 1.9% 1.9% -
💡 Why Invest in 54512? Click to expand

With a 3/5 investability rating, this ZIP shows solid fundamentals for buy-and-hold investors.

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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 54512 (Boulder Junction, WI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Investability
Good
Cap Rate
1.9%
Low
5yr Growth
+4.7%
Moderate

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $424,019
Monthly Rent $1,017
Price-to-Rent 34.7:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 2.9%
Cap Rate 1.9%
5-Year IRR 6.6%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +9.8% ▲
3-Year CAGR +2.8% ▲
5-Year CAGR +4.7% ▲
10-Year CAGR +5.2% ▲

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year N/A
3-Year CAGR N/A
5-Year CAGR N/A
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 1.9%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (1.9%). 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.

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⚠️ Risk Signals

Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.

Vacancy
54.3%
Elevated risk
Landlord Climate
5.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
+4.7%
Stable
Eviction process: Fast Rent control: Favorable

Demographics in 54512

Population: 1,466

💰 Median Household Income
$70,329
This area
$70,329
State
$73,177
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
18.4%
This area
18.4%
State
22.0%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
1.0%
This area
1.0%
State
-1.8%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
24.9%
This area
24.9%
State
17.1%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
54.5 years
This area
54.5 years
State
35.3 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
54.3%
This area
54.3%
State
17.1%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 98.0%
Other/Mixed 2.0%
👶 Under 18
13.8%
This area
13.8%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
29.8%
This area
29.8%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
6.0%
This area
6.0%
USA
11.5%

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

Where do home prices stand in Boulder Junction, WI?

Typical homes in Boulder Junction, WI go for around $424K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% steady price movement.

Is Boulder Junction, WI better for rentals, flips, or BRRRR?

Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Boulder Junction, WI. The numbers - $424K homes against $1,017/mo rents - support that play.

Are there empty rentals in Boulder Junction, WI?

Boulder Junction, WI carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect even-keeled absorption at market rents of $1,017/mo.

Is Boulder Junction, WI a friendly market for rental owners?

Boulder Junction, WI operates under WI law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect reliable treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.

Where do rents currently stand in Boulder Junction, WI?

Expect rents around $1,017/mo per month in Boulder Junction, WI. With home values at $424K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.

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