Real Estate Investing in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois (60096)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 60096 (Winthrop Harbor, IL)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- Higher unemployment: 7.5% unemployment — tenant risk signal.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Winthrop Harbor, IL (60096)?
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Market Analysis: 60096 Winthrop Harbor
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Winthrop Harbor's 60096 ZIP comes in at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $314K pricing implies.
For an experienced owner, 60096 can be a a viable market for hunting ground — but the discount at $314K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
On balance, 60096 offers a low basis, the region around Winthrop Harbor has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
The 60096 ZIP's population of 6,626 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that registers the need for careful underwriting.
The 60096 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 Winthrop Harbor:
Property Strategy for 60096
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $199,387 | $1,510 | 5.5% | +8.6% | $99,693 |
| 3BR | $281,627 | $1,940 | 5.0% | +9.4% | $93,876 |
| 4BR | $359,952 | $2,250 | 4.5% | +8.8% | $89,988 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 60096 Compare?
| Metric | 60096 | Winthrop Harbor | Illinois |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $314,364 | $314,364 | $279,761 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 9.8% | 9.8% | 6.6% |
| Avg Rent | $1,359 | $1,359 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.4% | 3.4% | - |
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 60096 (Winthrop Harbor, IL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $314,364 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,359 |
| Price-to-Rent | 19.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.2% |
| Cap Rate | 3.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 13.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +18.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +11.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +9.8% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.8% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.4%). 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 60096
Population: 6,626
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 60096
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Zion Central Middle School
Beulah Park Elem School
Elmwood Elem School
Oak Crest School
Shiloh Park Middle School
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 5,231 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Winthrop Harbor, IL make sense for an investment property?
With a 3.0/5 investability score, Winthrop Harbor, IL ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $314K and rents of $1,359/mo drive the underlying numbers.
How much is rent in Winthrop Harbor, IL?
Winthrop Harbor, IL rentals go for roughly $1,359/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $314K acquisition costs.
Is vacancy a concern in Winthrop Harbor, IL?
Expect elevated vacancy in Winthrop Harbor, IL. Rents at $1,359/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
What approach is best for Winthrop Harbor, IL real estate?
The best-fit strategy in Winthrop Harbor, IL is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
Are tenants stable in Winthrop Harbor, IL?
Working renters make up the core of the Winthrop Harbor, IL tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
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