Real Estate Investing in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota (55314)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 55314 (Buffalo Lake, 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.
- High vacancy: 19.2% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Buffalo Lake, MN (55314)?
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Market Analysis: 55314 Buffalo Lake
This part of Renville County is not an easy win. The 55314 ZIP clocks in at softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $233K asset, 55314 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
The gap between 55314 and stronger Buffalo Lake ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
Employment concentration in 55314 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
The 55314 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 Buffalo Lake:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 55314 Compare?
| Metric | 55314 | Buffalo Lake | Minnesota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $232,971 | $232,971 | $340,597 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.4% | 6.4% | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $873 | $873 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% | 2.9% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 55314 (Buffalo Lake, MN). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $232,971 |
| Monthly Rent | $873 |
| Price-to-Rent | 22.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.5% |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +11.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.9% ▲ |
🏠 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 55314
Population: 1,148
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
How high is vacancy risk in Buffalo Lake, MN?
Buffalo Lake, MN sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader MN rental market.
How strong is the working-renter base in Buffalo Lake, MN?
Buffalo Lake, MN offers a measured renter base at the $873/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
How does Buffalo Lake, MN stack up for property investment?
The 3.0/5 investability rating in Buffalo Lake, MN reflects its $233K prices and $873/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within MN.
Is Buffalo Lake, MN good for landlords?
Rental owners in Buffalo Lake, MN deal with a balanced legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
Are rents high in Buffalo Lake, MN?
Average rent in Buffalo Lake, MN is approximately $873/mo per month. Against $233K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
You know 55314 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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