Real Estate Investing in Grimes, Iowa (50111)
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Should you buy in 50111 (Grimes, 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 Grimes, IA (50111)?
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Market Analysis: 50111 Grimes
ZIP 50111 inside Polk County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $349K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
Stepping back, the numbers look inviting — $349K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 50111 is substantial and deserves full respect.
Nearby ZIPs in Grimes have seen price recovery that 50111 has not matched. Polk County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
Who lives in 50111 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 50111 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 Grimes:
Property Strategy for 50111
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $221,891 | $1,290 | 4.2% | +5.7% | $110,946 |
| 3BR | $323,230 | $1,760 | 3.9% | +5.5% | $107,743 |
| 4BR | $405,449 | $1,800 | 3.2% | +5.4% | $101,362 |
| 5BR | $542,885 | — | — | +5.7% | $108,577 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50111 Compare?
| Metric | 50111 | Grimes | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $348,772 | $348,772 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.6% | 3.6% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,367 | $1,367 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.1% | 3.1% | - | - |
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 50111 (Grimes, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $348,772 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,367 |
| Price-to-Rent | 21.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.7% |
| Cap Rate | 3.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 6.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +0.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.6% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -8.4% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.1%). 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 50111
Population: 16,254
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 50111
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 13,258 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grimes, IA a good market for buy-and-hold investors?
Investors tracking Grimes, IA will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $349K median home values and $1,367/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting reliable returns.
How should investors approach Grimes, IA?
Most investors in Grimes, IA run a careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy. It aligns with the 3.0/5 investability profile and the market fundamentals.
Does house hacking make sense in Grimes, IA?
House hacking works a challenging in Grimes, IA. Rents of $1,367/mo against $349K acquisition make the strategy solid for owner-occupants.
How do home values compare in Grimes, IA?
Homes in Grimes, IA typically sell near $349K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which stable long-term demand.
What do rentals go for in Grimes, IA?
Average rent in Grimes, IA is approximately $1,367/mo per month. Against $349K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
You know 50111 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 50111 ranks in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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