Real Estate Investing in Downs, Illinois (61736)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 61736 (Downs, 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.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Downs, IL (61736)?
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Market Analysis: 61736 Downs
This part of McLean County is not an easy win. The 61736 ZIP clocks in at softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
The investment case in 61736 is significant only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $327K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
In the broader IL picture, 61736 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
The 61736 ZIP's population of 2,658 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that sits at the need for careful underwriting.
The right play in 61736 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Downs:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 61736 Compare?
| Metric | 61736 | Downs | Bloomington, IL | Illinois |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $327,050 | $327,050 | N/A | $279,761 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.8% | 6.8% | N/A | 6.6% |
| Avg Rent | $1,233 | $1,233 | N/A | - |
| 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 61736 (Downs, IL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $327,050 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,233 |
| Price-to-Rent | 22.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.5% |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +6.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.8% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.6% ▲ |
🏠 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 61736
Population: 2,658
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 61736
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.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 3,442 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do home values compare in Downs, IL?
Homes in Downs, IL typically sell near $327K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which consistent long-term demand.
Is Downs, IL a smart market for rental property?
With a 3.0/5 investability score, Downs, IL ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $327K and rents of $1,233/mo drive the underlying numbers.
Is it easy to find good tenants in Downs, IL?
The renter base in Downs, IL is reasonable for the $1,233/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields predictable tenants.
Is Downs, IL good for house hacking?
The house hack math a challenging in Downs, IL. Owner-occupant buyers benefit from the $1,233/mo rents and $327K home values.
Are eviction rules reasonable in Downs, IL?
Downs, IL falls under IL landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
You know 61736 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 61736 ranks in Bloomington, IL
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