Real Estate Investing in Laurel, Iowa

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

1 ZIP codes • Population: 537 • Jasper County

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Should you buy in Laurel, IA? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
CAUTION
Grade D (45/100)

Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.

📈 For Investors
WEAK
2.0 / 5 (33/100)

Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.

⚠️ Risks to Know
2 flags
  • Elevated vacancy: 11.2% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
  • Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (0.0% CAGR).

What’s happening in Laurel, IA?

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2.0/ 5

Investability

Citywide average

0.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

5.0/ 5

Landlord Climate

Regulatory friendliness

🏦 30-yr Fixed Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS
Avg Investability
Avg Home Value $248,548
Avg Monthly Rent $936
ZIP Codes 1

Investing in Laurel Real Estate

Laurel in Iowa is one of the markets where the numbers warn before they reward — 1 ZIPs, a sizable population, and a rating that reflects material risk.

A 2.0 rating and a 5-year CAGR of 0.0% are the kinds of numbers that warrant real local underwriting, not spreadsheet tourism. Laurel is in that category.

Rent trends and price trends in Laurel are both soft, which is the uncomfortable combination that defines distressed-leaning markets in Iowa.

A an established population with $N/AK household income profile is what makes Laurel a challenging rental market — the tenant base is present, but the affordability math is tight.

A great house in the wrong ZIP is still a bad deal — screen every market by cash flow & cap rate.
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Best ZIP codes in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Laurel is part of this metro. Every ZIP in it, ranked. Free.

Cash Flow → Appreciation → Affordable →

Landlord Ground Truth

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Avg Home Value
$248,548
Avg Monthly Rent
$936
1% Rule
✗ Below
Landlord Friendly (IA)

ZIP Codes in Laurel, IA

Screen every ZIP in Laurel

Filter Laurel’s ZIPs by cap rate, vacancy, appreciation and 30+ more criteria, and export your shortlist to CSV — with the Investor plan ($19/mo).

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Frequently Asked Questions About Laurel, IA

What is the investability score for Laurel, IA?

Laurel, IA reports an investability rating of 2.0/5, with median home values near $249K and average rents around $936/mo. That combination puts it in the notable tier for investor interest.

Does Laurel, IA favor landlords or tenants?

Rental owners in Laurel, IA deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.

Should investors worry about vacancy in Laurel, IA?

Vacancy in Laurel, IA is elevated, which keeps landlord downtime on reasonable timelines. Most properties lease within the standard window at $936/mo.

Can owner-occupants cash flow in Laurel, IA?

Laurel, IA is a a challenging market for house hackers. FHA or conventional owner-occupant buyers find the $249K price point reasonable to enter.

What type of investing works in Laurel, IA?

A careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy Laurel, IA best. The market produces consistent results for that approach at the $249K price point.

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