Real Estate Investing in Port Lavaca, Texas (77979)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 77979 (Port Lavaca, TX)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- High vacancy: 16.3% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (1.2% CAGR).
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Port Lavaca, TX (77979)?
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Market Analysis: 77979 Port Lavaca
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Port Lavaca's 77979 ZIP clocks in at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $189K pricing implies.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $189K asset, 77979 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Looking more closely, 77979 offers a low basis, the region around Port Lavaca has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
The demographic picture in 77979 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Port Lavaca averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
The 77979 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Port Lavaca:
Property Strategy for 77979
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $131,278 | $990 | 5.4% | +1.3% | $131,278 |
| 2BR | $154,184 | $1,260 | 5.9% | +4.2% | $77,092 |
| 3BR | $209,909 | $1,520 | 5.2% | +4.0% | $69,970 |
| 4BR | $307,198 | $1,670 | 3.9% | +3.9% | $76,800 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 77979 Compare?
| Metric | 77979 | Port Lavaca | Port Lavaca, TX | Texas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $188,553 | $188,553 | N/A | $297,000 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 1.2% | 1.2% | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $1,134 | $1,134 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.7% | 4.7% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 77979 (Port Lavaca, TX). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $188,553 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,134 |
| Price-to-Rent | 13.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 7.2% |
| Cap Rate | 4.7% |
| 5-Year IRR | 5.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -0.6% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.2% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +3.5% ▲ |
🏠 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 (4.7%). 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 77979
Population: 16,179
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 77979
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
Are homes affordable in Port Lavaca, TX?
Homes in Port Lavaca, TX typically sell near $189K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which even-keeled long-term demand.
What is the average monthly rent in Port Lavaca, TX?
Rental rates in Port Lavaca, TX average $1,134/mo. Tenant demand and $189K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
Is Port Lavaca, TX landlord-friendly?
Rental owners in Port Lavaca, TX deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
What does house hacking look like in Port Lavaca, TX?
Port Lavaca, TX offers a challenging house-hacking opportunity. Small multifamily or rent-by-the-room plays can pair well with the $1,134/mo rent level.
How strong is tenant demand in Port Lavaca, TX?
Tenant demand in Port Lavaca, TX is solid. The local workforce $1,134/mo rents across most rental classes.
You know 77979 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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