Real Estate Investing in Wausa, Nebraska (68786)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 68786 (Wausa, NE)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- High vacancy: 24.9% 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 Wausa, NE (68786)?
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Market Analysis: 68786 Wausa
ZIP 68786 in Wausa, NE carries a notable set of headwinds. Home values near $198K and rents of $864/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
For an experienced owner, 68786 can be a a credible choice for hunting ground — but the discount at $198K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Statewide comparisons place 68786 among NE's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
Who lives in 68786 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
Strategically, 68786 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 Wausa:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 68786 Compare?
| Metric | 68786 | Wausa | Nebraska |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $197,557 | $213,549 | $269,423 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | 3.3% | 6.7% |
| Avg Rent | $864 | $864 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.4% | 3.2% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 68786 (Wausa, NE). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $197,557 |
| Monthly Rent | $864 |
| Price-to-Rent | 19.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.3% |
| Cap Rate | 3.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 11.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +18.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +8.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 10-Year CAGR | N/A |
🏠 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 68786
Population: 1,009
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 68786
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
Is Wausa in NE worth investing in?
Our data puts Wausa, NE at 2.0/5 for investability. Home prices of $198K and rents around $864/mo create a solid backdrop for investor activity.
What is the tenant pool like in Wausa, NE?
Expect a solid tenant pool in Wausa, NE. The rental market absorbs $864/mo rents without meaningful friction.
What is the average monthly rent in Wausa, NE?
Expect rents around $864/mo per month in Wausa, NE. With home values at $198K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
Can I live-in-and-rent in Wausa, NE?
The house hack math a challenging in Wausa, NE. Owner-occupant buyers benefit from the $864/mo rents and $198K home values.
What kind of vacancy should I budget for in Wausa, NE?
Occupancy in Wausa, NE runs even-keeled with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $864/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
You know 68786 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 68786 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.
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