Real Estate Investing in Refugio, Texas (77990)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 77990 (Refugio, TX)? 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: 29.8% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Declining values: -4.5% 5-year CAGR — values have moved lower.
- Higher unemployment: 10.4% unemployment — tenant risk signal.
• 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 Refugio, TX (77990)?
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Market Analysis: 77990 Refugio
The 77990 ZIP covers a section of Refugio that demands careful diligence. Prices near $132K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
For an experienced owner, 77990 can be a a viable market for hunting ground — but the discount at $132K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Within TX, ZIP 77990 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Refugio County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and notable enough to shape underwriting.
Employment concentration in 77990 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
Strategically, 77990 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 Refugio:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 77990 Compare?
| Metric | 77990 | Refugio | Port Lavaca, TX | Texas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $132,174 | $131,936 | N/A | $297,000 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $990 | $932 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.8% | 5.5% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 77990 (Refugio, TX). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $132,174 |
| Monthly Rent | $990 |
| Price-to-Rent | 11.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 9.0% |
| Cap Rate | 5.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 1.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +1.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -3.7% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | -4.5% ▼ |
| 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 (5.8%). 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 77990
Population: 783
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 77990
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
Does house hacking work in Refugio, TX?
House hacking works a challenging in Refugio, TX. Rents of $990/mo against $132K acquisition make the strategy solid for owner-occupants.
How strong is tenant demand in Refugio, TX?
Working renters make up the core of the Refugio, TX tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
Are eviction rules reasonable in Refugio, TX?
For rental operators, Refugio, TX rates as landlord-friendly. The regulatory environment standard buy-and-hold operations.
Is real estate in Refugio, TX a good investment right now?
Refugio, TX scores 3.0/5 for investability. Home values sit at $132K and rents near $990/mo, which keeps the rent-to-price ratio in reasonable territory for buy-and-hold investors.
Is housing expensive in Refugio, TX?
Refugio, TX median home values land near $132K. That is reasonable territory for investors looking at $990/mo-per-month rentals.
You know 77990 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 77990 ranks in Port Lavaca, TX
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