Real Estate Investing in Duluth, Minnesota (55804)

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

Saint Louis County • Population: 16,018 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 55804 (Duluth, MN)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
GOOD FIT
Grade B (75/100)

Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.

📈 For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5 (52/100)

A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.

⚠️ Risks to Know
CLEAN

No major risk flags on the data we track.

What’s happening in Duluth, MN (55804)?

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3.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

3.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

4.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $368,086
Avg Monthly Rent $2,204
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income $103,176
% Renters 12.9%

Market Analysis: 55804 Duluth

ZIP 55804 inside Saint Louis County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $368K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.

If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $368K asset, 55804 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.

On balance, 55804 offers a low basis, the region around Duluth has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.

The demographic picture in 55804 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Duluth averages, and tenant stability requires active management.

Strategy in 55804 is an operator game, not a passive one. Put differently, entry prices of $368K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Duluth:

B Good
Buy Confidence Score: 71/100
Affordability
15/25
Appreciation
22/25
Stability
11/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Moderate
Homes cost 3.6× the median income
Value Trend
Rising (+9.8%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $2,204/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
BALANCED
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
Bottom Line: Mixed signals in this market. Research specific properties carefully and be prepared to negotiate.
⚖️
BALANCED MARKET
Duluth, MN-WI Metro Area
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
49 days
Average time to sell
Average
8.7%
Listings with price cuts
Few Cuts
0.0%
Sale price vs asking
Below Ask
0.0%
Income needed for mortgage
Affordable
📅 Market conditions as of August 29, 2026 — updated weekly from Duluth, MN-WI metro data
🏠

Property Strategy for 55804

Which property type performs best in this market?

Best for Cash Flow
3BR
4.7% cap rate
Best for Appreciation
5BR
+8.5% 5yr CAGR
Best Overall Value
4BR
$112,807/bedroom
📊 Compare All Property Types →
Type Median Value Est. Rent Cap Rate 5yr CAGR $/Bedroom
1BR $224,314 $1,310 4.2% +8.0% $224,314
2BR $273,135 $1,650 4.3% +8.0% $136,567
3BR $345,310 $2,260 4.7% +7.2% $115,103
4BR $451,227 $2,770 4.4% +7.5% $112,807
5BR $608,525 +8.5% $121,705

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$384K$339K$294K$249K$204K$159KJul 2006Jul 2016Jul 2026

Rent History (with trend line)

$2,205$2,201$2,196$2,191$2,187$2,182Jun 2026Jul 2026Jul 2026

📊 How Does 55804 Compare?

Metric 55804 Duluth Duluth, MN-WI Minnesota
Home Value $368,086 $278,655 N/A $340,597
5-Year CAGR 6.3% 6.2% N/A 4.9%
Avg Rent $2,204 $1,528 N/A -
Cap Rate 4.7% 4.0% - -
💡 Why Invest in 55804? Click to expand

With a 3/5 investability rating, this ZIP shows solid fundamentals for buy-and-hold investors.

📊 See where this ZIP ranks in our Best-of lists →
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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 55804 (Duluth, MN). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Investability
Good
Cap Rate
4.7%
Fair
5yr Growth
+6.3%
Strong

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $368,086
Monthly Rent $2,204
Price-to-Rent 13.9:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 7.2%
Cap Rate 4.7%
5-Year IRR 11.0%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +9.8% ▲
3-Year CAGR +5.9% ▲
5-Year CAGR +6.3% ▲
10-Year CAGR +6.2% ▲

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year N/A
3-Year CAGR N/A
5-Year CAGR N/A
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 4.7%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (4.7%). 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.

Vacancy
6.2%
Low risk
Landlord Climate
3.0/5
Balanced
Value Trend (5yr)
+6.3%
Growing
Eviction process: Slow Rent control: Moderate

Demographics in 55804

Population: 16,018

💰 Median Household Income
$103,176
This area
$103,176
State
$77,168
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
12.9%
This area
12.9%
State
18.9%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
0.9%
This area
0.9%
State
-3.2%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
51.9%
This area
51.9%
State
20.0%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
41.3 years
This area
41.3 years
State
37.2 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
6.2%
This area
6.2%
State
17.0%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 92.2%
Other/Mixed 5.6%
Asian 1.3%
Hispanic/Latino 0.9%
Black/African American 0.9%
👶 Under 18
22.6%
This area
22.6%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
18.2%
This area
18.2%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
3.4%
This area
3.4%
USA
11.5%

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 55804

B Avg School Grade
6 Schools
14.3:1 Avg Class Size
$17,357 Avg Per Pupil

Schools in This ZIP Code

A+ Excellent

LESTER PARK ELEMENTARY

📚 K – 05 Elementary
👥
526 Students
👨‍🏫
13.2:1 Class Size
💰
$18,265 Per Student
B+ Above Average

LAKEWOOD ELEMENTARY

📚 K – 05 Elementary
👥
246 Students
👨‍🏫
15.6:1 Class Size
💰
$18,265 Per Student
B+ Above Average

NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY SCHOOL

📚 Pre-K – 06 School Charter
👥
353 Students
👨‍🏫
14.5:1 Class Size
💰
$12,815 Per Student
B Good

Rockridge Academy

📚 K – 12 K-12
👥
45 Students
👨‍🏫
5.4:1 Class Size
💰
$18,265 Per Student
C+ Average

East High School

📚 09 – 12 High School
👥
1,486 Students
👨‍🏫
22.7:1 Class Size
💰
$18,265 Per Student
C Below Average

Bethany Crisis Shelter

📚 K – 12 K-12 Limited Data
👥
2 Students
💰
$18,265 Per Student
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

3 Nearby 2,795 Off-Campus Students
C+
University of Minnesota-Duluth
9,350 students · 11.1 mi
C
The College of Saint Scholastica
2,979 students · 11.8 mi
C
Lake Superior College
4,001 students · 14.7 mi

Investor Insight: With 2,795 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical vacancy rate in Duluth, MN?

Rental vacancy in Duluth, MN is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.

Is it easy to find good tenants in Duluth, MN?

Duluth, MN offers a measured renter base at the $2,204/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.

Should investors consider Duluth, MN?

Yes - Duluth, MN a 3.0/5 investability score. With $368K home prices against $2,204/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.

Is Duluth, MN landlord-friendly?

Landlord-friendliness in Duluth, MN is balanced. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.

What real estate strategy is ideal for Duluth, MN?

The best-fit strategy in Duluth, MN is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.

You know 55804 now. You don’t know where it ranks.

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How 55804 ranks in Duluth, MN-WI

Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.

Cash Flow → Appreciation → Affordable →
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