Real Estate Investing in Nelson, Nebraska (68961)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 68961 (Nelson, NE)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — values have been flat. OK for long-horizon buyers, less attractive if you may need to sell soon.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- High vacancy: 27.4% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (0.1% CAGR).
- 1-year downturn: Values declined 3.7% in the last year.
• 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 Nelson, NE (68961)?
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Market Analysis: 68961 Nelson
The 68961 ZIP covers a section of Nelson that demands careful diligence. Prices near $104K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
The 68961 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
Statewide comparisons place 68961 among NE's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
The demographic picture in 68961 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Nelson averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
Strategically, 68961 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 Nelson:
Property Strategy for 68961
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $64,275 | $960 | 10.8% | — | $32,137 |
| 3BR | $137,978 | $1,170 | 6.1% | +5.9% | $45,993 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 68961 Compare?
| Metric | 68961 | Nelson | Nebraska |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $104,017 | $104,017 | $269,423 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 0.1% | 0.1% | 6.7% |
| Avg Rent | $864 | $864 | - |
| Cap Rate | 6.5% | 6.5% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 68961 (Nelson, NE). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $104,017 |
| Monthly Rent | $864 |
| Price-to-Rent | 10.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 10.0% |
| Cap Rate | 6.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 6.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -3.7% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -2.7% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +0.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.9% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) is close to the estimated cap rate (6.5%). Financing this market at current rates produces a cash-on-cash return near the cap rate. Appreciation and tax benefits may still support the investment.
⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 68961
Population: 615
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 68961
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
What investment strategy works best in Nelson, NE?
The best-fit strategy in Nelson, NE is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
What do rentals go for in Nelson, NE?
Rent in Nelson, NE is around $864/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $104K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
Are there empty rentals in Nelson, NE?
Expect elevated vacancy in Nelson, NE. Rents at $864/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
Is rental property easy to operate in Nelson, NE?
For rental operators, Nelson, NE rates as landlord-friendly. The regulatory environment standard buy-and-hold operations.
Are renters plentiful in Nelson, NE?
Tenant demand in Nelson, NE is solid. The local workforce $864/mo rents across most rental classes.
You know 68961 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 68961 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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