Real Estate Investing in Killeen, Texas (76542)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 76542 (Killeen, TX)? 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.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Killeen, TX (76542)?
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Market Analysis: 76542 Killeen
Meanwhile, ZIP 76542 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $258K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
The 76542 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 76542 among TX's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
A impressive renter share of 39% in 76542 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. substantial returns are possible in 76542, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Killeen:
Property Strategy for 76542
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $160,490 | $1,360 | 6.1% | +2.9% | $80,245 |
| 3BR | $221,004 | $1,890 | 6.2% | +7.6% | $73,668 |
| 4BR | $276,825 | $2,280 | 5.9% | +6.6% | $69,206 |
| 5BR | $338,284 | — | — | +5.9% | $67,657 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 76542 Compare?
| Metric | 76542 | Killeen | Killeen-Temple, TX | Texas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $257,824 | $196,057 | N/A | $297,000 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.7% | 3.8% | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $1,468 | $1,227 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.4% | 5.0% | - | - |
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 76542 (Killeen, TX). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $257,824 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,468 |
| Price-to-Rent | 14.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.8% |
| Cap Rate | 4.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +0.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -0.8% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.3% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -2.4% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +0.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +2.0% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (4.4%). 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 76542
Population: 53,631
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 76542
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.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 3,931 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are eviction rules reasonable in Killeen, TX?
Killeen, TX falls under TX landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
How high is vacancy risk in Killeen, TX?
Killeen, TX carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect predictable absorption at market rents of $1,468/mo.
Which real estate strategy fits Killeen, TX?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Killeen, TX. The numbers - $258K homes against $1,468/mo rents - support that play.
Does house hacking work in Killeen, TX?
House hacking in Killeen, TX is reasonable to execute. Prices around $258K and rents of $1,468/mo solid owner-occupant economics.
How strong is tenant demand in Killeen, TX?
Killeen, TX draws a predictable base of working renters. Demand at the $1,468/mo rent level is reasonable for standard single-family and small multi rentals.
You know 76542 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 76542 ranks in Killeen-Temple, TX
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