Waco
Investment Analysis

Waco, TX
Investor Report

Comprehensive real estate investment analysis with cap rates, rental yields, and risk assessment.

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45
Investment Score
Strong Buy
Cap Rate (Est.)
2.7%
Gross Yield
4.5%
P/R Ratio
12.4x
YoY Growth
-3.2%
Median Home Price
$270,000
Average Rent (1BR)
$1,011/mo
Median Income
$52,770
Population
144,820

Investment Breakdown

63
Value Score
18
Growth Score
32
Safety Score
59
Afford Score

Waco has a price-to-rent ratio of 12.4x, which indicates buying is significantly better than renting.

The estimated cap rate of 2.7% is below average, typical of appreciation-focused markets.

Year-over-year price growth of -3.2% suggests a cooling market.

Rental Cash Flow Analysis

Monthly Income

Gross Rent $1,011
Annual Gross $12,132

Est. Monthly Expenses

Property Tax (~1.5%) -$338
Insurance (~0.5%) -$113
Maintenance (~1%) -$225
Est. Net Cash Flow $336/mo

Price Forecast 2026–2028

🔮 Waco Price Forecast 20262028

Based on 5-year Zillow ZHVI trend analysis · Statistical projection
📈 Upward Trend
PROJECTEDNOW$190K2027$211K 10.9%2028$218K 14.2%20232024Now
$228K$181K
Current
$270K
2026
Projected
$211K
10.9% by 2027
Projected
$218K
14.2% by 2028
5yr CAGR:+5.1%
Confidence:Low
R²:0.40

The Waco housing market forecast for 2026-2028 suggests a period of stabilization and modest growth, following a recent cooling phase. After a five-year run-up of 29.7%, the market has seen a slight correction with a -3.0% year-over-year price change, bringing the median home price to $190,491. This adjustment, combined with a price-to-rent ratio of just 13.9x—significantly below the national average of 18x—points to strong underlying value for owner-occupants. For those wondering if Waco home prices will drop further, the data suggests a floor is forming. The local economy, anchored by Baylor University and a growing healthcare sector, continues to provide a stable employment base, while relative affordability compared to larger Texas metros will likely draw sustained demand, even if the rapid appreciation of the past five years moderates.

Looking toward Waco real estate in 2027, the market's temperature rating of 55/100 and an A- risk grade indicate a balanced environment rather than a speculative frenzy. A 67-day average on the market signals that properties are moving, but without the frantic pace seen in hotter markets. The key driver for the next few years will be whether local wage growth can keep pace with any potential price stabilization. While the "BUY" verdict is compelling given the affordability metrics, prospective buyers should be mindful of broader economic headwinds that could impact consumer confidence. Overall, the 2026-2028 period for Waco appears poised for steady, sustainable activity—a market where fundamentals, rather than frenzy, dictate value, making it a potentially attractive long-term hold for those seeking stability over rapid gains.

Projected Cap Rate (2027)
3.5%
5yr CAGR
+5.1%

Job Market

Unemployment 4.0%
National avg: 3.7%
Job Growth (YoY) +3.2%

Healthcare

70
Score
Good

Risk Factors

High Crime Area
Declining Prices

Market Activity

Source: Redfin · 2026-01-31
Sale-to-List 95.5%
Months Supply 6.8
Price Drops 25%
Gone in 2 Wks 19%

Market Position

Affordability Below Avg
Safety Higher Risk

ROI Projector Estimate your total return

Adjust the sliders to model different investment scenarios for Waco.

Total ROI
-115%
on $54,000 invested
Annual ROI
NaN%
compounded
Total Return
-$61,964
appreciation + cashflow
Mo. Cash Flow
-$1,123
year 1 estimate
Equity Growth Over 5 Years
Y156kY259kY361kY464kY567k
Appreciation
$0
Cash Flow
-$61,964
Final Equity
$66,658

* Estimates based on 0.0% annual appreciation, 3% rent growth, 5% vacancy. Does not include closing costs, tax benefits, or capital gains tax. For illustrative purposes only.

Rental Investment Calculator Estimate your monthly cashflow

Rental Income Estimator

Pre-filled for Waco

Property

Purchase Price$270,000
Monthly Rent$1,011
Down Payment20%

Financing

Interest Rate6.5%

Expenses

Property Tax1.2%
Insurance (Annual)$1,500
Maintenance Reserve1%
Vacancy Rate5%
Property Management0%
HOA (Monthly)$0
-$1,025
Monthly Cash Flow
-$12,298/ year
-22.8%
Cash-on-Cash
1.5%
Cap Rate

Monthly Breakdown

+ Rental Income$1,011
− Mortgage (P&I)$1,365
− Property Tax$270
− Insurance$125
− Maintenance$225
− Vacancy Loss$51
= Net Cash Flow-$1,025

Investment Summary

Down Payment
$54,000
Loan Amount
$216,000
Total Monthly Expenses
$2,036
Gross Yield
4.5%

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investment decisions should be made after consulting with qualified professionals. Data sources include Zillow, Census Bureau, and BLS. Cap rates and yields are estimates based on available data.

Last updated: March 2026