Real Estate Investing in Manawa, Wisconsin (54949)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 54949 (Manawa, 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.
- High vacancy: 12.9% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 25.8 — 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 Manawa, WI (54949)?
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Market Analysis: 54949 Manawa
ZIP 54949 inside Waupaca County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $270K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
For an experienced owner, 54949 can be a a solid fit for hunting ground — but the discount at $270K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
The gap between 54949 and stronger Manawa ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
The 54949 ZIP's population of 3,549 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 54949 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 Manawa:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 54949 Compare?
| Metric | 54949 | Manawa | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $269,836 | $269,836 | $320,446 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 7.5% | 7.5% | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $873 | $873 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.5% | 2.5% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 54949 (Manawa, WI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $269,836 |
| Monthly Rent | $873 |
| Price-to-Rent | 25.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.9% |
| Cap Rate | 2.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.0% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +7.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.7% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.5%). 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 54949
Population: 3,549
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 54949
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
How strong is Manawa, WI for real estate investors?
Manawa, WI rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $270K and rents near $873/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
What are vacancy rates like in Manawa, WI?
Manawa, WI sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader WI rental market.
What are rental rates like in Manawa, WI?
Average rent in Manawa, WI is approximately $873/mo per month. Against $270K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
What is the best play in Manawa, WI?
Manawa, WI investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($270K prices, $873/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
What is the typical renter like in Manawa, WI?
Tenant quality in Manawa, WI ranks as solid. Landlords generally report consistent occupancy at market rents of $873/mo.
You know 54949 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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