Real Estate Investing in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin (54810)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 54810 (Balsam Lake, 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: 47.1% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 30.8 — 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 Balsam Lake, WI (54810)?
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Market Analysis: 54810 Balsam Lake
This part of Polk County is not an easy win. The 54810 ZIP reports softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
The 54810 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
Nearby ZIPs in Balsam Lake have seen price recovery that 54810 has not matched. Polk County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
A significant renter share of 17% in 54810 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. robust returns are possible in 54810, 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 Balsam Lake:
Property Strategy for 54810
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $310,741 | $1,270 | 2.9% | +7.1% | $155,370 |
| 3BR | $408,298 | $1,570 | 2.8% | +8.1% | $136,099 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 54810 Compare?
| Metric | 54810 | Balsam Lake | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $421,837 | $421,837 | $320,446 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.1% | 5.1% | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,143 | $1,143 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.1% | 2.1% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 54810 (Balsam Lake, WI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $421,837 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,143 |
| Price-to-Rent | 30.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.3% |
| Cap Rate | 2.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +9.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.4% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.1%). 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 54810
Population: 2,911
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 54810
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 is the typical home price in Balsam Lake, WI?
Median home price in Balsam Lake, WI is near $422K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been predictable and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
How does Balsam Lake, WI rate as a rental market?
Our data puts Balsam Lake, WI at 3.0/5 for investability. Home prices of $422K and rents around $1,143/mo create a solid backdrop for investor activity.
What is it like being a landlord in Balsam Lake, WI?
The landlord environment in Balsam Lake, WI is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
Does a duplex house hack pencil in Balsam Lake, WI?
House hacking in Balsam Lake, WI is reasonable to execute. Prices around $422K and rents of $1,143/mo solid owner-occupant economics.
What is the renter demographic in Balsam Lake, WI?
The renter base in Balsam Lake, WI is reasonable for the $1,143/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields consistent tenants.
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