Real Estate Investing in Ferndale, California (95536)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 95536 (Ferndale, CA)? 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.
- High vacancy: 12.4% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Declining values: -3.7% 5-year CAGR — values have moved lower.
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 30.9 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Ferndale, CA (95536)?
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Market Analysis: 95536 Ferndale
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Ferndale's 95536 ZIP registers signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $508K pricing implies.
For an experienced owner, 95536 can be a an appealing option for hunting ground — but the discount at $508K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
ZIP 95536's metrics run below Humboldt County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
The demographic picture in 95536 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Ferndale averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
New investors are better served looking at Ferndale's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 95536. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Ferndale:
Property Strategy for 95536
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $458,344 | $1,520 | 2.4% | — | $229,172 |
| 3BR | $529,565 | $2,110 | 2.9% | +4.3% | $176,522 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 95536 Compare?
| Metric | 95536 | Ferndale | Eureka-Arcata, CA | California |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $507,953 | $507,953 | N/A | $761,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5.7% |
| Avg Rent | $1,368 | $1,368 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.1% | 2.1% | - | - |
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 95536 (Ferndale, CA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $507,953 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,368 |
| Price-to-Rent | 30.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.2% |
| Cap Rate | 2.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | N/A |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +1.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -5.5% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | -3.7% ▼ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +1.4% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.1%). 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 95536
Population: 3,360
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 95536
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
Investor Insight: With 1,635 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are homes affordable in Ferndale, CA?
Median home price in Ferndale, CA is near $508K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been reliable and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
Is it easy to find good tenants in Ferndale, CA?
Expect a solid tenant pool in Ferndale, CA. The rental market absorbs $1,368/mo rents without meaningful friction.
Does Ferndale, CA favor landlords or tenants?
Landlord-friendliness in Ferndale, CA is tenant-protective. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.
What monthly rent should investors expect in Ferndale, CA?
The typical rental in Ferndale, CA commands about $1,368/mo monthly. That rent profile steady cash flow against the $508K purchase basis.
Are there empty rentals in Ferndale, CA?
Occupancy in Ferndale, CA runs measured with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $1,368/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
You know 95536 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 95536 ranks in Eureka-Arcata, CA
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