Real Estate Investing in Ashton, Nebraska (68817)
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Should you buy in 68817 (Ashton, NE)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- High vacancy: 23.8% 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 Ashton, NE (68817)?
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Market Analysis: 68817 Ashton
ZIP 68817 inside Sherman County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $160K — 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 $160K asset, 68817 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
The gap between 68817 and stronger Ashton ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
Resident income in 68817 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 68817 workable. Turnkey investors from out of state usually find the numbers do not hold up in practice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Ashton:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 68817 Compare?
| Metric | 68817 | Ashton | Grand Island, NE | Nebraska |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $159,815 | $159,815 | N/A | $269,423 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 1.9% | 1.9% | N/A | 6.7% |
| Avg Rent | $864 | $864 | N/A | - |
| 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 68817 (Ashton, NE). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $159,815 |
| Monthly Rent | $864 |
| Price-to-Rent | 15.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.5% |
| Cap Rate | 4.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 6.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -2.1% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -1.8% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.5% ▲ |
🏠 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 68817
Population: 357
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the investability score for Ashton, NE?
Ashton, NE sits at an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $160K and average rents around $864/mo. That combination puts it in the impressive tier for investor interest.
How high is vacancy risk in Ashton, NE?
Ashton, NE carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect measured absorption at market rents of $864/mo.
What does house hacking look like in Ashton, NE?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Ashton, NE reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
What is the best play in Ashton, NE?
For Ashton, NE, careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management is the standard investor playbook. The market structure makes it a reasonable default approach.
What do rentals go for in Ashton, NE?
Average rent in Ashton, NE is approximately $864/mo per month. Against $160K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
You know 68817 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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