Real Estate Investing in Clay Center, Nebraska (68933)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 68933 (Clay Center, NE)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 13.0% 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 Clay Center, NE (68933)?
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Market Analysis: 68933 Clay Center
Looking more closely, ZIP 68933 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $190K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
For an experienced owner, 68933 can be a an appealing option for hunting ground — but the discount at $190K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
ZIP 68933's metrics run below Clay County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
Demographically, 68933 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.
leans 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 Clay Center:
Property Strategy for 68933
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $136,298 | $960 | 5.1% | +6.3% | $68,149 |
| 3BR | $205,077 | $1,150 | 4.0% | +8.3% | $68,359 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 68933 Compare?
| Metric | 68933 | Clay Center | Nebraska |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $189,574 | $189,574 | $269,423 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 7.2% | 7.2% | 6.7% |
| Avg Rent | $864 | $864 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.6% | 3.6% | - |
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 68933 (Clay Center, NE). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $189,574 |
| Monthly Rent | $864 |
| Price-to-Rent | 18.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.5% |
| Cap Rate | 3.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +9.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.9% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.2% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.2% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.6%). 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 68933
Population: 860
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 Clay Center, NE?
Yes - Clay Center, NE a 3.0/5 investability score. With $190K home prices against $864/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
Where do rents currently stand in Clay Center, NE?
The typical rental in Clay Center, NE commands about $864/mo monthly. That rent profile stable cash flow against the $190K purchase basis.
What is the tenant pool like in Clay Center, NE?
The tenant pool in Clay Center, NE is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $864/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
Which real estate strategy fits Clay Center, NE?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Clay Center, NE. The numbers - $190K homes against $864/mo rents - support that play.
What does house hacking look like in Clay Center, NE?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Clay Center, NE reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
You know 68933 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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