Real Estate Investing in Lakewood, Colorado (80214)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 80214 (Lakewood, CO)? 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.
- Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (1.2% CAGR).
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 26.6 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
What’s happening in Lakewood, CO (80214)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 80214 Lakewood
In practical terms, ZIP 80214 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $536K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $536K asset, 80214 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Within CO, ZIP 80214 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Jefferson County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and impressive enough to shape underwriting.
The demographic picture in 80214 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Lakewood averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 80214 workable. Turnkey investors from out of state usually find the numbers do not hold up in practice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Lakewood:
Property Strategy for 80214
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $298,466 | $1,620 | 3.9% | +4.4% | $298,466 |
| 2BR | $438,300 | $1,930 | 3.2% | +3.9% | $219,150 |
| 3BR | $578,956 | $2,520 | 3.1% | +4.2% | $192,985 |
| 4BR | $677,202 | $2,820 | 3.0% | +4.5% | $169,300 |
| 5BR | $793,429 | — | — | +5.7% | $158,686 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 80214 Compare?
| Metric | 80214 | Lakewood | Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | Colorado |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $536,043 | $557,095 | N/A | $535,778 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 1.2% | 1.8% | N/A | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,679 | $1,785 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.4% | 2.6% | - | - |
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 80214 (Lakewood, CO). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $536,043 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,679 |
| Price-to-Rent | 26.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.8% |
| Cap Rate | 2.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 3.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +0.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -0.6% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.2% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.5% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +4.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.4% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.4%). 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 80214
Population: 26,759
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 80214
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Cheltenham Elementary School
Center for Talent Development at Greenlee
Denver Center for International Studies
West High School
Colfax Elementary School
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
Investor Insight: With 11,029 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lakewood, CO a good place for real estate investing?
Yes - Lakewood, CO a 2.0/5 investability score. With $536K home prices against $1,679/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
Are rents high in Lakewood, CO?
Lakewood, CO rentals go for roughly $1,679/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $536K acquisition costs.
What is the median home value in Lakewood, CO?
Expect median prices around $536K in Lakewood, CO. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been predictable.
Does a duplex house hack pencil in Lakewood, CO?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Lakewood, CO reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
How do experienced investors play Lakewood, CO?
The best-fit strategy in Lakewood, CO is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
You know 80214 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 80214 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 80214 ranks in Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
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