Real Estate Investing in Rice Lake, Wisconsin (54868)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 54868 (Rice 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: 12.1% of homes vacant — above national norms.
What’s happening in Rice Lake, WI (54868)?
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Market Analysis: 54868 Rice Lake
ZIP 54868 inside Barron County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $283K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
Distressed does not mean uninvestable. It means the margin for error is thinner. ZIP 54868 rewards the prepared, punishes the overconfident, and leaves the math unchanged either way.
Regionally, 54868 sits on the difficult end of the WI spectrum. The a credible choice for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
The 54868 ZIP's population of 16,054 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.
tilts toward the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Rice Lake:
Property Strategy for 54868
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $232,683 | $980 | 3.0% | +8.7% | $116,342 |
| 3BR | $277,524 | $1,260 | 3.3% | +8.8% | $92,508 |
| 4BR | $332,383 | $1,580 | 3.4% | +8.6% | $83,096 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 54868 Compare?
| Metric | 54868 | Rice Lake | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $283,457 | $283,457 | $320,446 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.4% | 6.4% | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,050 | $1,050 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% | 2.9% | - |
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 54868 (Rice Lake, WI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $283,457 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,050 |
| Price-to-Rent | 22.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.5% |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +6.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.4% ▲ |
| 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 (2.9%). 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 54868
Population: 16,054
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 54868
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.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 1,374 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should investors consider Rice Lake, WI?
Investors tracking Rice Lake, WI will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $283K median home values and $1,050/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting reliable returns.
How high is vacancy risk in Rice Lake, WI?
Occupancy in Rice Lake, WI runs steady with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $1,050/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
How qualified is the tenant pool in Rice Lake, WI?
Rice Lake, WI offers a reliable renter base at the $1,050/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
Is rental property easy to operate in Rice Lake, WI?
For rental operators, Rice Lake, WI rates as landlord-friendly. The regulatory environment standard buy-and-hold operations.
What is the average monthly rent in Rice Lake, WI?
Average rent in Rice Lake, WI is approximately $1,050/mo per month. Against $283K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
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