Real Estate Investing in Waterville, Kansas (66548)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 66548 (Waterville, KS)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
Rare combination of both appreciation and cash flow. These markets don't last long — worth serious consideration.
- High vacancy: 18.2% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Waterville, KS (66548)?
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Market Analysis: 66548 Waterville
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Waterville's 66548 ZIP sits at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $156K pricing implies.
For an experienced owner, 66548 can be a a strong candidate for hunting ground — but the discount at $156K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Regionally, 66548 sits on the difficult end of the KS spectrum. The worth a close look for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
Demographically, 66548 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
Strategy in 66548 is an operator game, not a passive one. Put differently, entry prices of $156K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Waterville:
Property Strategy for 66548
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $110,534 | $920 | 6.0% | +8.0% | $55,267 |
| 3BR | $153,979 | $1,230 | 5.8% | +8.3% | $51,326 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 66548 Compare?
| Metric | 66548 | Waterville | Kansas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $155,513 | $155,513 | $237,409 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 8.7% | 8.7% | 7.2% |
| Avg Rent | $828 | $828 | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.2% | 4.2% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 66548 (Waterville, KS). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $155,513 |
| Monthly Rent | $828 |
| Price-to-Rent | 15.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.4% |
| Cap Rate | 4.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 12.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +13.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +7.9% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +8.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.5% ▲ |
🏠 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 (4.2%). 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 66548
Population: 924
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 66548
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
How does Waterville, KS stack up for property investment?
Yes - Waterville, KS a 3.0/5 investability score. With $156K home prices against $828/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
How strong is the working-renter base in Waterville, KS?
Tenant demand in Waterville, KS is solid. The local workforce $828/mo rents across most rental classes.
What is the average monthly rent in Waterville, KS?
Expect rents around $828/mo per month in Waterville, KS. With home values at $156K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
What is the rental occupancy rate in Waterville, KS?
Occupancy in Waterville, KS runs measured with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $828/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
Which investment style suits Waterville, KS?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Waterville, KS. With home values at $156K and rents near $828/mo, other strategies can work but produce measured rather than outsized returns.
You know 66548 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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