Real Estate Investing in Decatur, Nebraska (68020)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 68020 (Decatur, NE)? 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: 30.6% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Higher unemployment: 7.9% unemployment — tenant risk signal.
• 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 Decatur, NE (68020)?
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Market Analysis: 68020 Decatur
ZIP 68020 inside Burt County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $149K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $149K asset, 68020 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Within NE, ZIP 68020 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Burt County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and notable enough to shape underwriting.
The 68020 ZIP's population of 655 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that records the need for careful underwriting.
tilts toward the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Decatur:
Property Strategy for 68020
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $92,649 | $960 | 7.5% | — | $46,324 |
| 3BR | $158,031 | $1,230 | 5.6% | — | $52,677 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 68020 Compare?
| Metric | 68020 | Decatur | Nebraska |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $149,199 | $149,199 | $269,423 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 9.9% | 9.9% | 6.7% |
| Avg Rent | $864 | $864 | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.5% | 4.5% | - |
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 68020 (Decatur, NE). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $149,199 |
| Monthly Rent | $864 |
| Price-to-Rent | 14.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 7.0% |
| Cap Rate | 4.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 14.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +20.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +13.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +9.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +9.8% ▲ |
🏠 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 (4.5%). 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 68020
Population: 655
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
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Frequently Asked Questions
What approach is best for Decatur, NE real estate?
The best-fit strategy in Decatur, NE is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
How strong is tenant demand in Decatur, NE?
Decatur, NE draws a measured base of working renters. Demand at the $864/mo rent level is reasonable for standard single-family and small multi rentals.
What is it like being a landlord in Decatur, NE?
NE law landlord-friendly for landlords, and Decatur inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.
Is house hacking profitable in Decatur, NE?
House hacking works a challenging in Decatur, NE. Rents of $864/mo against $149K acquisition make the strategy solid for owner-occupants.
What kind of vacancy should I budget for in Decatur, NE?
Decatur, NE vacancy trends elevated. Investors running standard buy-and-hold plays see reasonable downtime between tenants.
You know 68020 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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