Real Estate Investing in Lake Benton, Minnesota (56149)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 56149 (Lake Benton, 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: 23.5% 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 Lake Benton, MN (56149)?
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Market Analysis: 56149 Lake Benton
The 56149 ZIP covers a section of Lake Benton that demands careful diligence. Prices near $218K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
From an investor standpoint, the numbers look inviting — $218K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 56149 is substantial and deserves full respect.
In the broader MN picture, 56149 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Resident income in 56149 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 56149 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 Lake Benton:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 56149 Compare?
| Metric | 56149 | Lake Benton | Minnesota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $218,180 | $218,180 | $340,597 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.8% | 5.8% | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $891 | $891 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% | 3.2% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 56149 (Lake Benton, MN). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $218,180 |
| Monthly Rent | $891 |
| Price-to-Rent | 20.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.9% |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.0% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.8% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.9% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.2%). 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 56149
Population: 1,205
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 56149
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
Is Lake Benton, MN a smart market for rental property?
Lake Benton, MN reports an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $218K and average rents around $891/mo. That combination puts it in the notable tier for investor interest.
How do home values compare in Lake Benton, MN?
The median home value in Lake Benton, MN is roughly $218K. That puts it reasonable relative to the MN statewide average.
What is the typical vacancy rate in Lake Benton, MN?
Expect elevated vacancy in Lake Benton, MN. Rents at $891/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
What is the tenant pool like in Lake Benton, MN?
Lake Benton, MN draws a stable base of working renters. Demand at the $891/mo rent level is reasonable for standard single-family and small multi rentals.
What are rental rates like in Lake Benton, MN?
Rents in Lake Benton, MN run near $891/mo. Compared with median home prices of $218K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
You know 56149 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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