Real Estate Investing in Smithville, Texas (78957)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 78957 (Smithville, 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.
- High vacancy: 18.2% of homes vacant — above national norms.
What’s happening in Smithville, TX (78957)?
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Market Analysis: 78957 Smithville
Investors eyeing 78957 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $345K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $345K asset, 78957 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Nearby ZIPs in Smithville have seen price recovery that 78957 has not matched. Bastrop County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
Resident income in 78957 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
The right play in 78957 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 Smithville:
Property Strategy for 78957
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $267,123 | $1,760 | 4.7% | +5.0% | $133,561 |
| 3BR | $326,128 | $2,240 | 4.9% | +6.2% | $108,709 |
| 4BR | $457,374 | $2,600 | 4.1% | +7.3% | $114,344 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 78957 Compare?
| Metric | 78957 | Smithville | Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX | Texas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $345,213 | $345,213 | N/A | $297,000 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 1.8% | 1.8% | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $1,717 | $1,717 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% | 3.9% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 78957 (Smithville, TX). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $345,213 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,717 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.0% |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 5.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +1.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -1.6% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.8% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.8% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.9%). 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 78957
Population: 10,282
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 78957
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
Where do home prices stand in Smithville, TX?
Smithville, TX home values average about $345K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $1,717/mo in monthly income.
How strong is the working-renter base in Smithville, TX?
The renter base in Smithville, TX is reasonable for the $1,717/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields steady tenants.
How much is rent in Smithville, TX?
Smithville, TX rentals go for roughly $1,717/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $345K acquisition costs.
How landlord-friendly is Smithville, TX?
The landlord environment in Smithville, TX is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
How quickly do rentals get leased in Smithville, TX?
Smithville, TX carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect stable absorption at market rents of $1,717/mo.
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