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MarketsNebraskaNorfolkRental Property Investment Guide

Rental Property Investment Guide: Norfolk, NE

Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Norfolk, NE

Cap Rate
3.38%
Median Price
$245K
Rent/Mo
$1,250
1% Rule
0.51%
Fails

Market Snapshot

Norfolk sits in the Midwest with a population of 50,000 growing at 0.7% annually. The median home costs $245,000 while rents average $1,250/mo, producing an estimated cap rate of 3.38%. Cash flow investing here requires creative strategies like BRRRR or value-add approaches.

Who Should Invest Here

Norfolk works best for experienced investors with a clear strategy — Section 8, student housing, or deep value-add rehabs. The 3.38% cap rate at median prices is tight, so success depends on buying below market, forcing appreciation through renovation, or accessing above-market rent streams through niche tenant bases.

Deal Criteria for Norfolk

Target properties priced 15-25% below the $245,000 median — around $196,000 or less. At this price point with $1,250/mo rents, your cap rate improves to roughly 4.8%. Factor in 1.62% property taxes ($3,969/yr), budget 5% of gross rent for maintenance, and underwrite to a 5.2% vacancy rate. On a 20% down conventional loan at 7%, monthly PITI will run approximately $1,734.

Risks and Considerations

Property taxes at 1.62% are notably high — this is a significant drag on NOI that some investors underestimate. Every deal should be evaluated individually using our calculator tools. Median data provides a starting point; actual returns depend on the specific property, financing, and your management approach.

Next Steps

Run the numbers on a specific Norfolk property using our cap rate calculator (pre-filled with Norfolk data). Compare Norfolk against similar markets in the Midwest region. If you're considering a value-add approach, try our BRRRR calculator to model a rehab scenario.

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How Norfolk Compares

Norfolk vs Nebraska state average and national average across key investment metrics. Norfolk's cap rate is below both benchmarks — deal sourcing is critical here.

Metric
Norfolk
Nebraska Avg
National Avg
Cap Rate
3.38%
3.33%
3.81%
Median Price
$245K
$250K
$333K
Median Rent
$1,250
$1,258
$1,524
Property Tax
1.62%
1.62%
1.08%
Vacancy
5.2%
5.2%
5.6%
Pop. Growth
0.7%/yr
0.7%/yr
0.9%/yr

Nearby Midwest Markets

City
Cap Rate
Price
Rent
Tax
Norfolk, NE
3.4%
$245K
$1,250
1.62%
Branson, MO
4.8%
$245K
$1,480
1.25%
Michigan City, IN
3.9%
$245K
$1,190
0.84%
Dayton, OH
1.9%
$250K
$960
1.6%
Fort Wayne, IN
3.5%
$250K
$1,150
0.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Norfolk, NE a good place to invest in rental property?
Norfolk has an estimated cap rate of 3.38%, which is below the national average of 3.81%. With median home prices at $245K and rents of $1,250/mo, pure cash flow investing in Norfolk is challenging at median prices, but value-add strategies can work. Population growth of 0.7% and 5.2% vacancy rate indicate healthy tenant demand.
What is the average cap rate in Norfolk?
The estimated cap rate for Norfolk is 3.38%, based on median home prices of $245K, median rents of $1,250/mo, a 1.62% property tax rate, and 5.2% vacancy. This compares to a 3.33% average across Nebraska and 3.81% nationally. Cap rates for individual properties will vary based on purchase price, actual rents, and property condition.
How much does a rental property cost in Norfolk?
The median home price in Norfolk is $245,000, which is 27% below the national average of $333,419. A 20% down payment would be approximately $49,000. Investment properties in Norfolk range significantly — targeting properties 15-25% below median can improve your cap rate substantially.
What are Norfolk property taxes for investors?
Norfolk's effective property tax rate is 1.62%, which is above the Nebraska average of 1.62% and above the national average of 1.08%. On a $245K property, annual taxes are approximately $3,969 ($331/mo). Higher property taxes are one of the largest operating expenses — model this carefully.
Full Norfolk Analysis →Cap Rate CalculatorBRRRR Calculator

Explore Norfolk & Related Markets

More Norfolk Guides

Rent AnalysisProperty Tax GuideCost of Living & AffordabilityAppreciation & Growth ForecastNeighborhood Investment Guide

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