Real Estate Investing in Powderhorn, Colorado (81243)

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

Gunnison County • Population: 137 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 81243 (Powderhorn, CO)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
WEAK FIT
Grade F (20/100)

Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.

📈 For Investors
WEAK
2.0 / 5 (33/100)

Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.

⚠️ Risks to Know
3 flags
  • High vacancy: 75.4% of homes vacant — above national norms.
  • 1-year downturn: Values declined 5.0% in the last year.
  • High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 37.4 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.

• 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 Powderhorn, CO (81243)?

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2.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

0.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

3.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $492,096
Avg Monthly Rent $1,098
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income $74,250
% Renters 32.7%

Market Analysis: 81243 Powderhorn

Not every below-median market is a bargain. Powderhorn's 81243 ZIP reports signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $492K pricing implies.

Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 81243 reports the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.

Nearby ZIPs in Powderhorn have seen price recovery that 81243 has not matched. Gunnison County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.

Employment concentration in 81243 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.

tilts 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.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Powderhorn:

D Needs Caution
Buy Confidence Score: 35/100
Affordability
5/25
Appreciation
0/25
Stability
7/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Expensive
Homes cost 6.6× the median income
Value Trend
Declining (-5.0%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $1,098/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
BALANCED
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
Bottom Line: This market may be challenging for buyers. Consider your timing and budget carefully.

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$527K$516K$505K$494K$482K$471KDec 2023Apr 2025Jul 2026

📊 How Does 81243 Compare?

Metric 81243 Powderhorn Colorado
Home Value $492,096 $492,096 $535,778
5-Year CAGR N/A N/A 4.9%
Avg Rent $1,098 $1,098 -
Cap Rate 1.7% 1.7% -
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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 81243 (Powderhorn, CO). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Investability
Fair
Cap Rate
1.7%
Low

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $492,096
Monthly Rent $1,098
Price-to-Rent 37.4:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 2.7%
Cap Rate 1.7%
5-Year IRR N/A

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year -5.0% ▼
3-Year CAGR N/A
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
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 1.7%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (1.7%). 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.

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⚠️ Risk Signals

Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.

Vacancy
75.4%
Elevated risk
Landlord Climate
5.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
N/A
Stable
Eviction process: Moderate Rent control: Favorable

Demographics in 81243

Population: 137

💰 Median Household Income
$74,250
This area
$74,250
State
$79,719
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
32.7%
This area
32.7%
State
26.4%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
0.0%
This area
0.0%
State
-25.8%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
47.4%
This area
47.4%
State
5.8%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
58.2 years
This area
58.2 years
State
-0.1 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
75.4%
This area
75.4%
State
18.7%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 100.0%
👶 Under 18
9.3%
This area
9.3%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
37.3%
This area
37.3%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
0.0%
This area
0.0%
USA
11.5%

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How strong is Powderhorn, CO for real estate investors?

Investors tracking Powderhorn, CO will find a 2.0/5 rating supported by $492K median home values and $1,098/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting even-keeled returns.

What does house hacking look like in Powderhorn, CO?

House hacking in Powderhorn, CO is reasonable to execute. Prices around $492K and rents of $1,098/mo solid owner-occupant economics.

How should investors approach Powderhorn, CO?

Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Powderhorn, CO. With home values at $492K and rents near $1,098/mo, other strategies can work but produce reliable rather than outsized returns.

How high is vacancy risk in Powderhorn, CO?

Powderhorn, CO sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader CO rental market.

How much does a house cost in Powderhorn, CO?

Median home price in Powderhorn, CO is near $492K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been consistent and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.

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