Real Estate Investing in Austin, Texas (78717)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 78717 (Austin, TX)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- Declining values: -1.4% 5-year CAGR — values have moved lower.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 27.9 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
What’s happening in Austin, TX (78717)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 78717 Austin
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Austin's 78717 ZIP clocks in at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $562K pricing implies.
On balance, the numbers look inviting — $562K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 78717 is substantial and deserves full respect.
Regionally, 78717 sits on the difficult end of the TX spectrum. The a solid fit for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
Who lives in 78717 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
Strategy in 78717 is an operator game, not a passive one. From an investor standpoint, entry prices of $562K 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 78717
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $340,790 | $2,010 | 4.2% | +4.5% | $170,395 |
| 3BR | $460,670 | $2,550 | 4.0% | +5.5% | $153,557 |
| 4BR | $606,783 | $3,000 | 3.6% | +6.1% | $151,696 |
| 5BR | $785,984 | — | — | +7.0% | $157,197 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 78717 Compare?
| Metric | 78717 | Austin | Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX | Texas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $561,761 | $561,613 | N/A | $297,000 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $1,676 | $1,810 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.3% | 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 78717 (Austin, TX). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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Property managers serving Williamson County
Manage rentals here? List your business →PS Property Management is an Austin HOA Management Company. summary from their website
PURE Property Management of Texas aims to provide simple and satisfying rental experiences for all. summary from their website
MBM Property Management offers property management services for rentals in various Central Texas communities, including Austin, Cedar Park, Georgetown, and Round Rock. 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 | $561,761 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,676 |
| Price-to-Rent | 27.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.6% |
| Cap Rate | 2.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 0.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -1.9% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -2.8% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | -1.4% ▼ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.9% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +6.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -1.2% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | -0.3% ▼ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.3%). 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 78717
Population: 36,085
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 78717
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
LIVE OAK EL
POND SPRINGS EL
FOREST NORTH EL
JOLLYVILLE EL
DEERPARK MIDDLE
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average monthly rent in Austin, TX?
Investors in Austin, TX typically see rents near $1,676/mo per month against $562K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
Does Austin, TX favor landlords or tenants?
Austin, TX falls under TX landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
What kind of market is Austin, TX for investors?
Austin, TX rates 2.0/5 for investability. With median values at $562K and rents near $1,676/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
Are renters plentiful in Austin, TX?
The tenant pool in Austin, TX is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $1,676/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
What is the typical vacancy rate in Austin, TX?
Rental vacancy in Austin, TX is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
You know 78717 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 78717 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 78717 ranks in Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX
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