Real Estate Investing in Markleeville, California (96120)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 96120 (Markleeville, 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: 44.2% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (0.9% CAGR).
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 28.8 — 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 Markleeville, CA (96120)?
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Market Analysis: 96120 Markleeville
The 96120 ZIP covers a section of Markleeville that demands careful diligence. Prices near $532K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
For an experienced owner, 96120 can be a a solid fit for hunting ground — but the discount at $532K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Turning to rents, 96120 offers a low basis, the region around Markleeville has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
A healthy renter share of 12% in 96120 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
The 96120 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 Markleeville:
Property Strategy for 96120
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $413,721 | $1,710 | 3.0% | +5.9% | $206,861 |
| 3BR | $601,743 | $2,380 | 2.8% | +6.1% | $200,581 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 96120 Compare?
| Metric | 96120 | Markleeville | California |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $531,719 | $531,719 | $761,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 0.9% | 0.9% | 5.7% |
| Avg Rent | $1,539 | $1,539 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.3% | 2.3% | - |
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 96120 (Markleeville, CA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $531,719 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,539 |
| Price-to-Rent | 28.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.5% |
| Cap Rate | 2.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 3.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -0.4% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -0.4% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +0.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +3.8% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.3%). 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 96120
Population: 1,273
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 96120
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 1,941 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tight is the rental market in Markleeville, CA?
Rental vacancy in Markleeville, CA is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
What is the tenant pool like in Markleeville, CA?
Tenant demand in Markleeville, CA is solid. The local workforce $1,539/mo rents across most rental classes.
Is real estate in Markleeville, CA a good investment right now?
With a 2.0/5 investability score, Markleeville, CA ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $532K and rents of $1,539/mo drive the underlying numbers.
What is it like being a landlord in Markleeville, CA?
Markleeville, CA falls under CA landlord-tenant law, which is tenant-protective. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Markleeville, CA?
Homes in Markleeville, CA typically sell near $532K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which consistent long-term demand.
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