Real Estate Investing in Waelder, Texas (78959)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 78959 (Waelder, 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.
- High vacancy: 22.9% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Declining values: -1.1% 5-year CAGR — values have moved lower.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Waelder, TX (78959)?
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Market Analysis: 78959 Waelder
ZIP 78959 in Waelder, TX carries a healthy set of headwinds. Home values near $311K and rents of $1,584/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
Rent of $1,584/mo on a $311K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 78959 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
Within TX, ZIP 78959 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Gonzales County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and significant enough to shape underwriting.
A solid renter share of 22% in 78959 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
The right play in 78959 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 Waelder:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 78959 Compare?
| Metric | 78959 | Waelder | Texas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $310,652 | $310,652 | $297,000 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $1,584 | $1,584 | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.0% | 4.0% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 78959 (Waelder, TX). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $310,652 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,584 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.1% |
| Cap Rate | 4.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 2.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -2.7% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -3.5% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | -1.1% ▼ |
| 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 (4.0%). 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 78959
Population: 1,401
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 78959
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
How strong is Waelder, TX for real estate investors?
Our data puts Waelder, TX at 2.0/5 for investability. Home prices of $311K and rents around $1,584/mo create a solid backdrop for investor activity.
How tight is the rental market in Waelder, TX?
Vacancy in Waelder, TX is elevated, which keeps landlord downtime on reasonable timelines. Most properties lease within the standard window at $1,584/mo.
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Waelder, TX?
Waelder, TX median home values land near $311K. That is reasonable territory for investors looking at $1,584/mo-per-month rentals.
What strategy should investors use in Waelder, TX?
In Waelder, TX the notable play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $311K prices and $1,584/mo rents suits that approach.
Are rents high in Waelder, TX?
Average rent in Waelder, TX is approximately $1,584/mo per month. Against $311K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
You know 78959 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 78959 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.
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