Real Estate Investing in Columbia, Illinois (62236)
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Should you buy in 62236 (Columbia, IL)? 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 price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 25.3 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
What’s happening in Columbia, IL (62236)?
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Market Analysis: 62236 Columbia
ZIP 62236 in Columbia, IL carries a solid set of headwinds. Home values near $347K and rents of $1,140/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
For an experienced owner, 62236 can be a a strong candidate for hunting ground — but the discount at $347K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Looking more closely, 62236 offers a low basis, the region around Columbia has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Looking more closely, 14,175 residents fill the ZIP, renter turnover runs higher than neighboring postal codes and delinquency risk is a real line item rather than a theoretical one.
Strategically, 62236 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Columbia:
Property Strategy for 62236
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $216,667 | $1,220 | 4.1% | +7.5% | $108,334 |
| 3BR | $325,149 | $1,570 | 3.5% | +6.9% | $108,383 |
| 4BR | $424,380 | $1,810 | 3.1% | +6.7% | $106,095 |
| 5BR | $547,883 | — | — | +7.0% | $109,577 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 62236 Compare?
| Metric | 62236 | Columbia | St. Louis, MO-IL | Illinois |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $346,621 | $346,621 | N/A | $279,761 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.6% | 5.6% | N/A | 6.6% |
| Avg Rent | $1,140 | $1,140 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% | 2.6% | - | - |
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 62236 (Columbia, IL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $346,621 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,140 |
| Price-to-Rent | 25.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.0% |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.4% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.6%). 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 62236
Population: 14,175
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 62236
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is real estate in Columbia, IL a good investment right now?
Columbia, IL rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $347K and rents near $1,140/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
What approach is best for Columbia, IL real estate?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Columbia, IL. The numbers - $347K homes against $1,140/mo rents - support that play.
What is the median home value in Columbia, IL?
Expect median prices around $347K in Columbia, IL. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been measured.
How do landlord-tenant laws work in Columbia, IL?
IL law landlord-friendly for landlords, and Columbia inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.
How tight is the rental market in Columbia, IL?
Columbia, IL carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect reliable absorption at market rents of $1,140/mo.
You know 62236 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 62236 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 62236 ranks in St. Louis, MO-IL
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
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