Real County

TexasPopulation: 2,830
38
/100
Avoid
#761 of 1,000 counties
#208 in Texas (243 counties)
Analysis by RentalCalcs ResearchIndependent data + algorithm-driven scoring
Updated January 1, 2026Sources: Zillow ZHVI, Zillow ZORI, US Census ACS, Tax Foundation

Market Snapshot

$273,282
Median Home Price
19% above national median
$16,512/mo
Est. Rent
Based on regional data
6.04%
Rent-to-Price Ratio
Estimated from price data
+$0
Est. Monthly Cash Flow
With 20% down at 6.9% rate

Price History

Median Home Price

Median Rent

Historical data from Zillow ZHVI/ZORI

Score Breakdown

Overall Investment Score
38/100
38
Cash Flow(30%)
0/100

Rent data not available for cash flow calculation.

Appreciation(25%)
25/100

Based on -5.0% YoY price growth. Moderate growth (3-8%) scores highest.

Stability(25%)
50/100

Population data not available.

Affordability(20%)
42/100

Price-to-income ratio of 5.8x. Lower ratios indicate more affordable markets.

Scores are calculated using real Zillow home value and rent data, Census population data, and economic indicators. The weighted average produces the overall investment score. Markets with missing rent data use estimated values based on regional averages.

Investment Outlook

Strengths

No significant strengths identified based on current data.

Challenges

  • -Declining home values (-5.0% YoY)
  • -Negative leverage (cap rate 0.0% < mortgage rate 6.9%)
  • -Limited rent data (estimates used)

Economic Indicators

Population
2,830
Median Income
$46,842
vs $54,921 national est.
Unemployment Rate
—
Data pending
Price-to-Income
5.8x
Less affordable

Who this market fits

Skip if
  • −You can't tolerate negative leverage (cap rate below mortgage rate today)
  • −You expect appreciation to carry the deal, but prices have declined year over year
  • −You want a market with broad institutional consensus on fundamentals

Compare to Nearby Counties

CountyVerdict
ShackelfordTX
44$148,074Est. pending—AvoidView
BanderaTX
44$329,463Est. pending—AvoidView
WillacyTX
42$169,393Est. pending—AvoidView
CampTX
42$208,864Est. pending—AvoidView
CurrentRealTX
38$273,282Est. pending—Avoid
BlancoTX
36$591,088Est. pending—AvoidView

The Bottom Line

AvoidReal may be challenging for traditional rentals. High prices or low rents make cash flow difficult.

Real County in Texas scores 38/100, ranking #761 of 1,000 US counties (top 97%). At 20% down and current rates, a median-priced rental roughly breaks even on cash flow. The deal works on appreciation or with better terms, not on month-one cash flow.

Monthly Cash Flow
+$0/mo
Cap Rate
0.0%
Cash-on-Cash
0.0%

Related markets

All counties in Texas →

Rent vs buy in Texas cities

Rent vs buy in Houston, TXMedian $277,740 · rent $1,584/moRent vs buy in San Antonio, TXMedian $252,853 · rent $1,362/moRent vs buy in Dallas, TXMedian $303,490 · rent $1,635/moRent vs buy in Austin, TXMedian $467,178 · rent $1,595/moRent vs buy in Fort Worth, TXMedian $316,863 · rent $1,616/moAll Texas citiesFull rent-vs-buy directory for the state

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