Real Estate Investing in Denver, Colorado (80231)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 80231 (Denver, CO)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- Elevated vacancy: 11.3% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
- Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (0.3% CAGR).
What’s happening in Denver, CO (80231)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 80231 Denver
Investors eyeing 80231 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $407K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
The 80231 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
Nearby ZIPs in Denver have seen price recovery that 80231 has not matched. Arapahoe County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
Resident income in 80231 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
New investors are better served looking at Denver's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 80231. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Denver:
Property Strategy for 80231
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $176,453 | $1,820 | 7.4% | +2.8% | $176,453 |
| 2BR | $322,415 | $2,170 | 4.8% | +3.3% | $161,207 |
| 3BR | $530,633 | $2,840 | 3.9% | +3.6% | $176,878 |
| 4BR | $648,527 | $3,170 | 3.5% | +3.8% | $162,132 |
| 5BR | $757,163 | — | — | +3.9% | $151,433 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 80231 Compare?
| Metric | 80231 | Denver | Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | Colorado |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $406,681 | $476,211 | N/A | $535,778 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 0.3% | 0.5% | N/A | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,457 | $1,946 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% | 2.9% | - | - |
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 80231 (Denver, CO). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $406,681 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,457 |
| Price-to-Rent | 23.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.3% |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 3.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -1.6% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -2.9% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +0.3% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +3.8% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -4.4% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -3.6% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | -0.2% ▼ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.8%). 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 80231
Population: 35,297
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 80231
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Eastridge Community Elementary School
Ellis Elementary School
Holly Hills Elementary School
Polton Community Elementary School
Highline Academy Southeast
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
How much is rent in Denver, CO?
Rents in Denver, CO run near $1,457/mo. Compared with median home prices of $407K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
Which real estate strategy fits Denver, CO?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Denver, CO. The numbers - $407K homes against $1,457/mo rents - support that play.
Is Denver in CO worth investing in?
Our data puts Denver, CO at 2.0/5 for investability. Home prices of $407K and rents around $1,457/mo create a solid backdrop for investor activity.
Is rental property easy to operate in Denver, CO?
The landlord environment in Denver, CO is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
What is the rental occupancy rate in Denver, CO?
Occupancy in Denver, CO runs consistent with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $1,457/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
You know 80231 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 80231 ranks in Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
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