Real Estate Investing in West Saint Paul, Minnesota (55118)
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Should you buy in 55118 (West Saint Paul, MN)? 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.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in West Saint Paul, MN (55118)?
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Market Analysis: 55118 West Saint Paul
From an investor standpoint, ZIP 55118 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $373K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
For an experienced owner, 55118 can be a a strong candidate for hunting ground — but the discount at $373K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Within MN, ZIP 55118 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Dakota County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and solid enough to shape underwriting.
Who lives in 55118 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
The 55118 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in West Saint Paul:
Property Strategy for 55118
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $175,328 | $1,270 | 5.2% | +3.1% | $175,328 |
| 2BR | $262,994 | $1,550 | 4.2% | +4.2% | $131,497 |
| 3BR | $346,063 | $2,050 | 4.3% | +4.5% | $115,354 |
| 4BR | $479,608 | $2,300 | 3.5% | +4.9% | $119,902 |
| 5BR | $693,491 | — | — | +5.6% | $138,698 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 55118 Compare?
| Metric | 55118 | West Saint Paul | Minnesota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $372,761 | $372,761 | $340,597 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 2.6% | 2.6% | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,468 | $1,468 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.1% | 3.1% | - |
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 55118 (West Saint Paul, MN). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $372,761 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,468 |
| Price-to-Rent | 21.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.7% |
| Cap Rate | 3.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 5.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +2.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.7% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -5.9% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +0.9% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.1%). 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 55118
Population: 29,396
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 55118
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 3,974 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a house cost in West Saint Paul, MN?
The median home value in West Saint Paul, MN is roughly $373K. That puts it reasonable relative to the MN statewide average.
Should investors consider West Saint Paul, MN?
West Saint Paul, MN reflects an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $373K and average rents around $1,468/mo. That combination puts it in the resilient tier for investor interest.
Is West Saint Paul, MN good for house hacking?
West Saint Paul, MN offers a challenging house-hacking opportunity. Small multifamily or rent-by-the-room plays can pair well with the $1,468/mo rent level.
Are rents high in West Saint Paul, MN?
Average rent in West Saint Paul, MN is approximately $1,468/mo per month. Against $373K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
Is MN a landlord-friendly state?
MN ranks as a balanced state for landlord-tenant law. West Saint Paul generally follows the statewide framework, so landlords face reasonable operating rules.
You know 55118 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 55118 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 55118 ranks in Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
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