Real Estate Investing in Russell, Iowa

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

1 ZIP codes • Population: 1,089 • Lucas County

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

🏠 For Homebuyers
CAUTION
Grade D (47/100)

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
  • High vacancy: 15.5% of homes vacant — above national norms.
  • Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (0.0% CAGR).

What’s happening in Russell, 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 $182,515
Avg Monthly Rent $828
ZIP Codes 1

Investing in Russell Real Estate

Russell 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.

Investors considering Russell, IA should understand what the ★★☆☆☆ rating represents — a market with material structural headwinds, not a temporary rough patch.

Rents in Russell at $828/mo have struggled to keep pace with cost increases, and vacancy has risen in pockets — a dynamic that compresses realized returns well below headline cap rates.

Russell's population trends and income levels suggest a market where affordability is strained, which constrains how aggressively rents can rise without hurting collections.

A great house in the wrong ZIP is still a bad deal — screen every market by cash flow & cap rate.
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Landlord Ground Truth

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Avg Home Value
$182,515
Avg Monthly Rent
$828
1% Rule
✗ Below
Landlord Friendly (IA)

ZIP Codes in Russell, IA

Screen every ZIP in Russell

Filter Russell’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 Russell, IA

What do landlords charge for rent in Russell, IA?

Expect rents around $828/mo per month in Russell, IA. With home values at $183K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.

What is the average home sale price in Russell, IA?

Typical homes in Russell, IA go for around $183K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% steady price movement.

Is Russell, IA a good market for buy-and-hold investors?

Our data puts Russell, IA at 2.0/5 for investability. Home prices of $183K and rents around $828/mo create a solid backdrop for investor activity.

Is vacancy a concern in Russell, IA?

Rental vacancy in Russell, IA is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.

How should investors approach Russell, IA?

In Russell, IA the healthy play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $183K prices and $828/mo rents suits that approach.

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