Real Estate Investing in Wetmore, Colorado (81253)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 81253 (Wetmore, CO)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 25.5% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Higher unemployment: 11.1% unemployment — tenant risk signal.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 32.0 — 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 Wetmore, CO (81253)?
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Market Analysis: 81253 Wetmore
ZIP 81253 inside Custer County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $404K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
For an experienced owner, 81253 can be a a strong candidate for hunting ground — but the discount at $404K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Within CO, ZIP 81253 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Custer County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and significant enough to shape underwriting.
The demographic picture in 81253 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Wetmore averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
The 81253 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Wetmore:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 81253 Compare?
| Metric | 81253 | Wetmore | Colorado |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $404,077 | $404,077 | $535,778 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.9% | 3.9% | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,053 | $1,053 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.0% | 2.0% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 81253 (Wetmore, CO). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $404,077 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,053 |
| Price-to-Rent | 32.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.1% |
| Cap Rate | 2.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 5.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -2.5% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.9% ▲ |
| 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 (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.0%). 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 81253
Population: 516
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
Is housing expensive in Wetmore, CO?
Expect median prices around $404K in Wetmore, CO. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been steady.
How much do tenants pay in Wetmore, CO?
Investors in Wetmore, CO typically see rents near $1,053/mo per month against $404K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
Are tenants stable in Wetmore, CO?
Expect a solid tenant pool in Wetmore, CO. The rental market absorbs $1,053/mo rents without meaningful friction.
Is Wetmore, CO a friendly market for rental owners?
Wetmore, CO operates under CO law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect even-keeled treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
How should investors approach Wetmore, CO?
A careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy Wetmore, CO best. The market produces reliable results for that approach at the $404K price point.
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