Real Estate Investing in Austin, Texas (78702)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 78702 (Austin, TX)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- Declining values: -3.0% 5-year CAGR — values have moved lower.
- Elevated vacancy: 8.0% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Austin, TX (78702)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 78702 Austin
This part of Travis County is not an easy win. The 78702 ZIP clocks in at softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
For an experienced owner, 78702 can be a worth a close look for hunting ground — but the discount at $556K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
In the broader TX picture, 78702 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Put differently, 26,495 residents fill the ZIP, renter turnover runs higher than neighboring postal codes and delinquency risk is a real line item rather than a theoretical one.
Strategy in 78702 is an operator game, not a passive one. On balance, entry prices of $556K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Austin:
Property Strategy for 78702
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $362,410 | $2,140 | 4.3% | +1.7% | $362,410 |
| 2BR | $521,102 | $2,540 | 3.5% | +2.8% | $260,551 |
| 3BR | $683,851 | $3,220 | 3.4% | +3.5% | $227,950 |
| 4BR | $887,565 | $3,790 | 3.1% | +4.8% | $221,891 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 78702 Compare?
| Metric | 78702 | Austin | Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX | Texas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $556,037 | $561,613 | N/A | $297,000 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $2,101 | $1,810 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% | 2.7% | - | - |
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 78702 (Austin, TX). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $556,037 |
| Monthly Rent | $2,101 |
| Price-to-Rent | 22.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.5% |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | N/A |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -1.5% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -5.7% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | -3.0% ▼ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +3.5% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -1.9% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -1.2% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +0.2% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.0%). 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 78702
Population: 26,495
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 78702
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 5,732 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are homes affordable in Austin, TX?
Homes in Austin, TX typically sell near $556K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which stable long-term demand.
Can owner-occupants cash flow in Austin, TX?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Austin, TX reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
How strict are landlord regulations in Austin, TX?
TX law landlord-friendly for landlords, and Austin inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.
Is Austin, TX a smart market for rental property?
Our data puts Austin, TX at 2.0/5 for investability. Home prices of $556K and rents around $2,101/mo create a solid backdrop for investor activity.
What kind of tenants rent in Austin, TX?
The tenant pool in Austin, TX is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $2,101/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
You know 78702 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 78702 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 78702 ranks in Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
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