Real Estate Investing in Volcano, Hawaii (96785)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 96785 (Volcano, HI)? 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: 19.4% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Volcano, HI (96785)?
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Market Analysis: 96785 Volcano
The 96785 ZIP covers a section of Volcano that demands careful diligence. Prices near $372K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $372K asset, 96785 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Put differently, 96785 offers a low basis, the region around Volcano has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Demographically, 96785 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
New investors are better served looking at Volcano's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 96785. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Volcano:
Property Strategy for 96785
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $241,005 | $1,460 | 4.4% | +6.7% | $241,005 |
| 2BR | $339,629 | $1,870 | 4.0% | +6.5% | $169,815 |
| 3BR | $422,222 | $2,440 | 4.2% | +7.6% | $140,741 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 96785 Compare?
| Metric | 96785 | Volcano | Hilo, HI | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $371,595 | $371,595 | N/A | $824,731 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.6% | 4.6% | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $1,683 | $1,683 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% | 3.5% | - | - |
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 96785 (Volcano, HI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $371,595 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,683 |
| Price-to-Rent | 18.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.4% |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +3.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +0.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.1% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.5%). 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 96785
Population: 4,224
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 96785
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Volcano, HI a friendly market for rental owners?
Volcano, HI operates under HI law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect predictable treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
What is the renter demographic in Volcano, HI?
Tenant demand in Volcano, HI is solid. The local workforce $1,683/mo rents across most rental classes.
Are homes affordable in Volcano, HI?
Expect median prices around $372K in Volcano, HI. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been steady.
Is Volcano, HI a good market for FHA house hackers?
House hacking in Volcano, HI is a challenging. With home values around $372K and rents at $1,683/mo, owner-occupants can offset a meaningful share of PITI.
What is the average monthly rent in Volcano, HI?
Investors in Volcano, HI typically see rents near $1,683/mo per month against $372K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
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How 96785 ranks in Hilo, HI
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