Real Estate Investing in Marathon, Texas (79842)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 79842 (Marathon, 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: 45.6% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Marathon, TX (79842)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 79842 Marathon
The 79842 ZIP in Marathon, TX is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $185K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
The 79842 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
In the broader TX picture, 79842 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
The 79842 ZIP's population of 273 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that reflects the need for careful underwriting.
trends toward the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Marathon:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 79842 Compare?
| Metric | 79842 | Marathon | Texas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $184,881 | $184,881 | $297,000 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $873 | $873 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.7% | 3.7% | - |
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 79842 (Marathon, TX). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $184,881 |
| Monthly Rent | $873 |
| Price-to-Rent | 17.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.7% |
| Cap Rate | 3.7% |
| 5-Year IRR | 4.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +0.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 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 (7.0%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.7%). 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 79842
Population: 273
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 79842
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
What are vacancy rates like in Marathon, TX?
Vacancy risk in Marathon, TX is elevated. That supports even-keeled cash flow for typical rental holds.
Are homes affordable in Marathon, TX?
Expect median prices around $185K in Marathon, TX. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been predictable.
Is Marathon, TX a good place for real estate investing?
With a 2.0/5 investability score, Marathon, TX ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $185K and rents of $873/mo drive the underlying numbers.
Which real estate strategy fits Marathon, TX?
For Marathon, TX, careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management is the standard investor playbook. The market structure makes it a reasonable default approach.
How strong are rents in Marathon, TX?
Rent in Marathon, TX is around $873/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $185K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
You know 79842 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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