Kaufman County, TX

Kaufman County’s decision tension is a reported 7.43% gross yield on measured market rent, set against soft price signals and carrying costs that can absorb it. Investors seeking existing rental cash flow should investigate property-level taxes, insurance, and flood history; buyers relying on appreciation or thin debt-service coverage should be cautious. Zillow’s county observation is 2026-06, whereas FHFA’s annual repeat-transaction HPI is 2025: Zillow shows a 4.2% annual value decline, while FHFA rose 1.19%. These distinct vintages and methods cannot be merged into a growth rate.

The Zillow median home value is $299,700. Published median asking market rent is $1,856 per month, up 1.96% annually, and supports the stated gross yield before taxes, insurance, vacancy, repairs, or financing; it is not net operating income. HUD’s two-bedroom FMR is $1,931 per month, a payment standard rather than an asking-rent estimate, so it must not replace measured market rent. The effective property-tax rate is 1.68%, making assessment and appeal status central to a parcel-level expense case.

Annual QCEW covered workplace employment was 45,725, up 5.03%; this is neither resident employment nor unemployment, and Trade, transportation, and utilities is the largest disclosed private supersector rather than the whole economy. Net migration was positive, but incoming movers averaged $5,388 less AGI than outgoing movers, limiting what headcounts say about purchasing power. Investor purchases were 11.2% of total purchases, evidence of participation but not dominance. Realtor.com’s active MLS listings contracted and 23.08% carried price reductions; these are visible supply and seller-concession evidence, while its listing prices are asks, not closed sales or proof of buyer demand.

Modeled expected annual climate loss is 0.11% of building value, with inland flood the dominant hazard; this is modeled county-level loss, not a property claim estimate. Property-specific flood zone, claims, insurance quotes, condition, rent comparables, operating expenses, vacancy, financing, and assessment data are not published in the record. Their absence prevents a net-yield, insurance-cost, and acquisition-price conclusion; verify them alongside closed sales and the target parcel’s tax bill.