Real Estate Investing in Cambridge, Iowa (50046)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50046 (Cambridge, 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.
- High vacancy: 18.2% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 25.3 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Cambridge, IA (50046)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 50046 Cambridge
ZIP 50046 inside Story County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $333K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
The 50046 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
Statewide comparisons place 50046 among IA's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
The demographic picture in 50046 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Cambridge averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
tilts toward the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Cambridge:
Property Strategy for 50046
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $236,033 | $1,220 | 3.7% | +5.2% | $118,017 |
| 3BR | $280,601 | $1,690 | 4.3% | +6.6% | $93,534 |
| 4BR | $404,868 | $1,990 | 3.5% | +7.2% | $101,217 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50046 Compare?
| Metric | 50046 | Cambridge | Ames, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $332,983 | $332,983 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.9% | 5.9% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,098 | $1,098 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% | 2.6% | - | - |
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 50046 (Cambridge, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $332,983 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,098 |
| Price-to-Rent | 25.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.0% |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.4% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.6%). 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 50046
Population: 1,696
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 50046
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 15,310 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Cambridge, IA stack up for property investment?
Yes - Cambridge, IA a 3.0/5 investability score. With $333K home prices against $1,098/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
Where do rents currently stand in Cambridge, IA?
Investors in Cambridge, IA typically see rents near $1,098/mo per month against $333K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
How do experienced investors play Cambridge, IA?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Cambridge, IA. The numbers - $333K homes against $1,098/mo rents - support that play.
Do rentals sit vacant long in Cambridge, IA?
Rental vacancy in Cambridge, IA is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
How qualified is the tenant pool in Cambridge, IA?
Expect a solid tenant pool in Cambridge, IA. The rental market absorbs $1,098/mo rents without meaningful friction.
You know 50046 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 50046 ranks in Ames, IA
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