Real Estate Investing in Merkel, Texas (79536)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 79536 (Merkel, TX)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 17.9% of homes vacant — above national norms.
What’s happening in Merkel, TX (79536)?
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Market Analysis: 79536 Merkel
ZIP 79536 in Merkel, TX carries a solid set of headwinds. Home values near $202K and rents of $1,550/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
The 79536 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
The gap between 79536 and stronger Merkel ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
Who lives in 79536 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
Strategically, 79536 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Merkel:
Property Strategy for 79536
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $108,915 | $1,460 | 9.7% | +6.5% | $54,457 |
| 3BR | $189,911 | $1,890 | 7.2% | +7.7% | $63,304 |
| 4BR | $298,737 | $2,270 | 5.5% | +7.9% | $74,684 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 79536 Compare?
| Metric | 79536 | Merkel | Abilene, TX | Texas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $202,063 | $202,063 | N/A | $297,000 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.3% | 6.3% | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $1,550 | $1,550 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 6.0% | 6.0% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 79536 (Merkel, TX). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $202,063 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,550 |
| Price-to-Rent | 10.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 9.2% |
| Cap Rate | 6.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 12.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +15.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.3% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.3% ▲ |
🏠 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 (6.0%). 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 79536
Population: 6,080
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 79536
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 rents currently stand in Merkel, TX?
Investors in Merkel, TX typically see rents near $1,550/mo per month against $202K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Merkel, TX?
Typical homes in Merkel, TX go for around $202K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% even-keeled price movement.
How should investors approach Merkel, TX?
Most investors in Merkel, TX run a careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy. It aligns with the 3.0/5 investability profile and the market fundamentals.
What is the tenant pool like in Merkel, TX?
The tenant pool in Merkel, TX is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $1,550/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
Are there empty rentals in Merkel, TX?
Vacancy in Merkel, TX is elevated, which keeps landlord downtime on reasonable timelines. Most properties lease within the standard window at $1,550/mo.
You know 79536 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 79536 ranks in Abilene, TX
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