Real Estate Investing in Luling, Texas (78661)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 78661 (Luling, 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.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
• 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 Luling, TX (78661)?
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Market Analysis: 78661 Luling
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Luling's 78661 ZIP clocks in at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $201K pricing implies.
From an investor standpoint, the numbers look inviting — $201K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 78661 is substantial and deserves full respect.
Nearby ZIPs in Luling have seen price recovery that 78661 has not matched. Caldwell County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
Resident income in 78661 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
New investors are better served looking at Luling's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 78661. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Luling:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 78661 Compare?
| Metric | 78661 | Luling | Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX | Texas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $201,423 | $221,514 | N/A | $297,000 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | 0.6% | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $1,584 | $1,381 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 6.1% | 4.9% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 78661 (Luling, TX). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $201,423 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,584 |
| Price-to-Rent | 10.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 9.4% |
| Cap Rate | 6.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 2.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +1.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -3.7% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 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 (6.1%). 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 78661
Population: 658
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 78661
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 is the investability score for Luling, TX?
Luling, TX reflects an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $201K and average rents around $1,584/mo. That combination puts it in the resilient tier for investor interest.
What do rentals go for in Luling, TX?
Average rent in Luling, TX is approximately $1,584/mo per month. Against $201K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
What are home prices like in Luling, TX?
Median home price in Luling, TX is near $201K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been reliable and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
What is the typical vacancy rate in Luling, TX?
Luling, TX vacancy trends elevated. Investors running standard buy-and-hold plays see reasonable downtime between tenants.
What is the renter demographic in Luling, TX?
Tenant quality in Luling, TX ranks as solid. Landlords generally report stable occupancy at market rents of $1,584/mo.
You know 78661 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 78661 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.
How 78661 ranks in Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX
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