Real Estate Investing in Union Star, Missouri (64494)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 64494 (Union Star, MO)? 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: 13.0% 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 Union Star, MO (64494)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 64494 Union Star
This part of DeKalb County is not an easy win. The 64494 ZIP comes in at softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $221K asset, 64494 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Turning to rents, 64494 offers a low basis, the region around Union Star has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
A significant renter share of 19% in 64494 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
New investors are better served looking at Union Star's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 64494. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Union Star:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 64494 Compare?
| Metric | 64494 | Union Star | St. Joseph, MO-KS | Missouri |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $221,275 | $221,275 | N/A | $254,657 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.9% | 6.9% | N/A | 7.0% |
| Avg Rent | $954 | $954 | N/A | - |
| 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 64494 (Union Star, MO). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 64494 (Union Star, MO)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $221,275 |
| Monthly Rent | $954 |
| Price-to-Rent | 19.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.2% |
| Cap Rate | 3.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +8.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +7.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.4% ▲ |
🏠 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 (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 64494
Population: 1,066
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 64494
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
Does Union Star, MO make sense for an investment property?
With a 3.0/5 investability score, Union Star, MO ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $221K and rents of $954/mo drive the underlying numbers.
What is the typical vacancy rate in Union Star, MO?
Occupancy in Union Star, MO runs reliable with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $954/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
What is the tenant pool like in Union Star, MO?
The tenant pool in Union Star, MO is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $954/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
Which investment style suits Union Star, MO?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Union Star, MO. With home values at $221K and rents near $954/mo, other strategies can work but produce steady rather than outsized returns.
Where do rents currently stand in Union Star, MO?
Investors in Union Star, MO typically see rents near $954/mo per month against $221K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
You know 64494 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 64494 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 64494 ranks in St. Joseph, MO-KS
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 64494 (Union Star)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 64494 (Union Star, MO).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.