Real Estate Investing in Earlham, Iowa (50072)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50072 (Earlham, 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 price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 29.4 — 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 Earlham, IA (50072)?
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Market Analysis: 50072 Earlham
ZIP 50072 in Earlham, IA carries a durable set of headwinds. Home values near $372K and rents of $1,053/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 50072 records the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
In practical terms, 50072 offers a low basis, the region around Earlham has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Demographically, 50072 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. notable returns are possible in 50072, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Earlham:
Property Strategy for 50072
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $239,416 | $1,170 | 3.5% | — | $119,708 |
| 3BR | $344,259 | $1,590 | 3.3% | +7.2% | $114,753 |
| 4BR | $397,229 | $1,630 | 3.0% | +7.4% | $99,307 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50072 Compare?
| Metric | 50072 | Earlham | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $371,659 | $371,659 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.1% | 6.1% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,053 | $1,053 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.2% | 2.2% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 50072 (Earlham, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $371,659 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,053 |
| Price-to-Rent | 29.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.4% |
| Cap Rate | 2.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.1% ▲ |
| 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 (2.2%). 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 50072
Population: 2,787
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 50072
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How expensive is real estate in Earlham, IA?
Median home price in Earlham, IA is near $372K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been reliable and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
What type of investing works in Earlham, IA?
A careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy Earlham, IA best. The market produces reliable results for that approach at the $372K price point.
What do landlords charge for rent in Earlham, IA?
Expect rents around $1,053/mo per month in Earlham, IA. With home values at $372K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
Do landlords face vacancy issues in Earlham, IA?
Rental vacancy in Earlham, IA is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
Is Earlham, IA good for landlords?
Earlham, IA falls under IA landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
You know 50072 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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