Real Estate Investing in Brainard, Nebraska (68626)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 68626 (Brainard, NE)? 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: 16.3% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 26.9 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• 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 Brainard, NE (68626)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 68626 Brainard
The 68626 ZIP in Brainard, NE is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $300K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
Distressed does not mean uninvestable. It means the margin for error is thinner. ZIP 68626 rewards the prepared, punishes the overconfident, and leaves the math unchanged either way.
Within NE, ZIP 68626 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Butler County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and sturdy enough to shape underwriting.
Employment concentration in 68626 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
The 68626 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Brainard:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 68626 Compare?
| Metric | 68626 | Brainard | Nebraska |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $299,631 | $299,631 | $269,423 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 8.6% | 8.6% | 6.7% |
| Avg Rent | $927 | $927 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.4% | 2.4% | - |
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 68626 (Brainard, NE). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 68626 (Brainard, NE)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $299,631 |
| Monthly Rent | $927 |
| Price-to-Rent | 26.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.7% |
| Cap Rate | 2.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 11.0% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +9.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +8.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +8.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +8.5% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.4%). 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 68626
Population: 511
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 68626
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
Where do home prices stand in Brainard, NE?
Brainard, NE home values average about $300K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $927/mo in monthly income.
How strong is tenant demand in Brainard, NE?
Working renters make up the core of the Brainard, NE tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
How tight is the rental market in Brainard, NE?
Vacancy risk in Brainard, NE is elevated. That supports even-keeled cash flow for typical rental holds.
Are landlord laws favorable in Brainard, NE?
Rental owners in Brainard, NE deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
Where do rents currently stand in Brainard, NE?
Investors in Brainard, NE typically see rents near $927/mo per month against $300K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
You know 68626 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 68626 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.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 68626 (Brainard)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 68626 (Brainard, NE).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.