Real Estate Investing in Ames, Iowa (50010)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50010 (Ames, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Ames, IA (50010)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 50010 Ames
ZIP 50010 inside Story County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $299K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $299K asset, 50010 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
ZIP 50010's metrics run below Story County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
Turning to rents, 33,428 residents fill the ZIP, renter turnover runs higher than neighboring postal codes and delinquency risk is a real line item rather than a theoretical one.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 50010 workable. Turnkey investors from out of state usually find the numbers do not hold up in practice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Ames:
Property Strategy for 50010
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $198,535 | $1,150 | 4.2% | +4.4% | $99,268 |
| 3BR | $275,036 | $1,600 | 4.2% | +5.3% | $91,679 |
| 4BR | $348,728 | $1,930 | 4.0% | +5.7% | $87,182 |
| 5BR | $445,298 | — | — | +6.3% | $89,060 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50010 Compare?
| Metric | 50010 | Ames | Ames, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $299,328 | $123,326 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.5% | 5.8% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,212 | $1,161 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% | 2.9% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 50010 (Ames, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 50010 (Ames, IA)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $299,328 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,212 |
| Price-to-Rent | 20.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.9% |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +10.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.9% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.1% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +14.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +7.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.0% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.2%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 50010
Population: 33,428
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 50010
Schools in This ZIP Code
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 2,052 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is real estate in Ames, IA a good investment right now?
Investors tracking Ames, IA will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $299K median home values and $1,212/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting even-keeled returns.
What approach is best for Ames, IA real estate?
For Ames, IA, careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management is the standard investor playbook. The market structure makes it a reasonable default approach.
What are vacancy rates like in Ames, IA?
Vacancy risk in Ames, IA is elevated. That supports consistent cash flow for typical rental holds.
Can I house hack in Ames, IA?
The house hack math a challenging in Ames, IA. Owner-occupant buyers benefit from the $1,212/mo rents and $299K home values.
How strict are landlord regulations in Ames, IA?
Ames, IA falls under IA landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
You know 50010 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 50010 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 50010 ranks in Ames, IA
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 50010 (Ames)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 50010 (Ames, IA).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.