Real Estate Investing in Ellston, Iowa (50074)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50074 (Ellston, 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: 82.5% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 29.3 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Ellston, IA (50074)?
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Market Analysis: 50074 Ellston
Looking more closely, ZIP 50074 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $307K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
Rent of $873/mo on a $307K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 50074 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
Statewide comparisons place 50074 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 50074 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Ellston averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 50074 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 Ellston:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50074 Compare?
| Metric | 50074 | Ellston | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $307,131 | $307,131 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.7% | 6.7% | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $873 | $873 | - |
| 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 50074 (Ellston, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $307,131 |
| Monthly Rent | $873 |
| Price-to-Rent | 29.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.4% |
| Cap Rate | 2.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +13.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | N/A |
🏠 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 50074
Population: 218
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Do landlords face vacancy issues in Ellston, IA?
Rental vacancy in Ellston, IA is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
Are landlord laws favorable in Ellston, IA?
Rental owners in Ellston, IA deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
What is the typical renter like in Ellston, IA?
Tenant quality in Ellston, IA ranks as solid. Landlords generally report even-keeled occupancy at market rents of $873/mo.
Does house hacking make sense in Ellston, IA?
House hacking works a challenging in Ellston, IA. Rents of $873/mo against $307K acquisition make the strategy solid for owner-occupants.
Is housing expensive in Ellston, IA?
Ellston, IA median home values land near $307K. That is reasonable territory for investors looking at $873/mo-per-month rentals.
You know 50074 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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