Real Estate Investing in San Antonio, Texas (78261)
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Should you buy in 78261 (San Antonio, TX)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in San Antonio, TX (78261)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 78261 San Antonio
This part of Bexar County is not an easy win. The 78261 ZIP comes in at softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
The 78261 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
The gap between 78261 and stronger San Antonio ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
The demographic picture in 78261 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than San Antonio averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
The right play in 78261 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in San Antonio:
Property Strategy for 78261
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $369,207 | $2,360 | 4.6% | +5.6% | $123,069 |
| 4BR | $464,613 | $2,750 | 4.3% | +5.8% | $116,153 |
| 5BR | $544,287 | — | — | +6.5% | $108,857 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 78261 Compare?
| Metric | 78261 | San Antonio | San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | Texas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $439,072 | $279,541 | N/A | $297,000 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.0% | 1.3% | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $2,033 | $1,452 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.6% | 4.8% | - | - |
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 78261 (San Antonio, TX). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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Property managers serving Bexar County
Manage rentals here? List your business →Forefront Property Management offers residential, multi-family, and commercial property management services in San Antonio, aiming to simplify property ownership. summary from their website
Hill Country Homeowners Association Management specializes in personalized financial and administrative management services for homeowner's associations in San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country. summary from their website
PMI San Antonio offers residential and commercial property management services in San Antonio, including marketing, tenant screening, rent collection, and financial reporting. summary from their website
Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $439,072 |
| Monthly Rent | $2,033 |
| Price-to-Rent | 18.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.6% |
| Cap Rate | 3.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 6.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -0.4% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -1.5% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.0% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +3.9% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +21.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.6% ▲ |
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 78261
Population: 27,060
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 78261
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 1,967 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do landlords charge for rent in San Antonio, TX?
Rental rates in San Antonio, TX average $2,033/mo. Tenant demand and $439K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
Are there empty rentals in San Antonio, TX?
Rental vacancy in San Antonio, TX is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
What is the investability score for San Antonio, TX?
San Antonio, TX rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $439K and rents near $2,033/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
Is housing expensive in San Antonio, TX?
In San Antonio, TX the median home value sits at $439K. Against the broader TX market, that reads as reasonable for most investors.
How deep is the rental pool in San Antonio, TX?
San Antonio, TX offers a consistent renter base at the $2,033/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
You know 78261 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 78261 ranks in San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX
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