Real Estate Investing in Duluth, Minnesota (55812)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 55812 (Duluth, MN)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — home prices are stretched relative to local incomes. Run the math on your specific situation.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- Elevated vacancy: 8.4% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Duluth, MN (55812)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 55812 Duluth
ZIP 55812 inside Saint Louis County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $358K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
Rent of $1,389/mo on a $358K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 55812 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
Regionally, 55812 sits on the difficult end of the MN spectrum. The worth a close look for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
Employment concentration in 55812 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 55812 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 Duluth:
Property Strategy for 55812
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $281,604 | $1,490 | 3.8% | +6.3% | $140,802 |
| 3BR | $317,002 | $2,040 | 4.6% | +6.8% | $105,667 |
| 4BR | $372,437 | $2,500 | 4.8% | +6.7% | $93,109 |
| 5BR | $469,977 | — | — | +7.2% | $93,995 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 55812 Compare?
| Metric | 55812 | Duluth | Duluth, MN-WI | Minnesota |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $357,535 | $278,655 | N/A | $340,597 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.3% | 6.2% | N/A | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,389 | $1,528 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% | 4.0% | - | - |
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 55812 (Duluth, MN). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $357,535 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,389 |
| Price-to-Rent | 21.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.7% |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.3% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.9% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -29.0% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.0%). 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 55812
Population: 11,016
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 55812
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (1 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
MYERS-WILKINS ELEMENTARY
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 2,991 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Duluth, MN stack up for property investment?
The 3.0/5 investability rating in Duluth, MN reflects its $358K prices and $1,389/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within MN.
How much rent can I charge in Duluth, MN?
Average rent in Duluth, MN is approximately $1,389/mo per month. Against $358K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
Is it easy to find good tenants in Duluth, MN?
Duluth, MN offers a consistent renter base at the $1,389/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
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.
How high is vacancy risk in Duluth, MN?
Duluth, MN sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader MN rental market.
You know 55812 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 55812 ranks in Duluth, MN-WI
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