Real Estate Investing in El Paso, Texas (79938)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 79938 (El Paso, 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.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in El Paso, TX (79938)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 79938 El Paso
Not every below-median market is a bargain. El Paso's 79938 ZIP registers signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $256K pricing implies.
Rent of $1,769/mo on a $256K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 79938 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
In practical terms, 79938 offers a low basis, the region around El Paso has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Demographically, 79938 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
Strategy in 79938 is an operator game, not a passive one. Stepping back, entry prices of $256K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in El Paso:
Property Strategy for 79938
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $163,572 | $1,540 | 6.8% | +8.7% | $81,786 |
| 3BR | $232,606 | $2,110 | 6.5% | +8.0% | $77,535 |
| 4BR | $274,509 | $2,580 | 6.8% | +6.8% | $68,627 |
| 5BR | $346,891 | — | — | +7.2% | $69,378 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 79938 Compare?
| Metric | 79938 | El Paso | El Paso, TX | Texas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $255,905 | $87,562 | N/A | $297,000 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.7% | 6.4% | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $1,769 | $1,430 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.4% | 4.7% | - | - |
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 79938 (El Paso, TX). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 79938 (El Paso, TX)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $255,905 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,769 |
| Price-to-Rent | 12.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 8.3% |
| Cap Rate | 5.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 11.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +3.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.1% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +2.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.1% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (5.4%). 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 79938
Population: 97,851
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 79938
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.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Frequently Asked Questions
What are rental rates like in El Paso, TX?
Average rent in El Paso, TX is approximately $1,769/mo per month. Against $256K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
Is El Paso, TX good for house hacking?
The house hack math a challenging in El Paso, TX. Owner-occupant buyers benefit from the $1,769/mo rents and $256K home values.
What is the investability score for El Paso, TX?
El Paso, TX clocks in at an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $256K and average rents around $1,769/mo. That combination puts it in the robust tier for investor interest.
Is El Paso, TX better for rentals, flips, or BRRRR?
El Paso, TX investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($256K prices, $1,769/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
What is the rental occupancy rate in El Paso, TX?
Occupancy in El Paso, TX runs reliable with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $1,769/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
You know 79938 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 79938 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 79938 ranks in El Paso, TX
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 79938 (El Paso)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 79938 (El Paso, TX).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.