Real Estate Investing in Johnston, Iowa (50131)
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Should you buy in 50131 (Johnston, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — stable market with a reasonable entry point and good rental backup if you ever need to move.
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 Johnston, IA (50131)?
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Market Analysis: 50131 Johnston
This part of Polk County is not an easy win. The 50131 ZIP stands at softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 50131 records the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
Statewide comparisons place 50131 among IA's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
Demographically, 50131 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.
New investors are better served looking at Johnston's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 50131. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Johnston:
Property Strategy for 50131
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $250,377 | $1,510 | 4.3% | +5.0% | $125,189 |
| 3BR | $334,774 | $2,060 | 4.4% | +5.6% | $111,591 |
| 4BR | $455,429 | $2,110 | 3.3% | +5.4% | $113,857 |
| 5BR | $587,014 | — | — | +5.5% | $117,403 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50131 Compare?
| Metric | 50131 | Johnston | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $403,780 | $403,780 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.1% | 4.1% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,432 | $1,432 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% | 2.8% | - | - |
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 50131 (Johnston, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $403,780 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,432 |
| Price-to-Rent | 23.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.3% |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 6.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.2% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +5.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.8%). 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 50131
Population: 24,388
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 50131
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
Where do home prices stand in Johnston, IA?
Johnston, IA home values average about $404K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $1,432/mo in monthly income.
How viable is house hacking in Johnston, IA?
House hacking in Johnston, IA is a challenging. With home values around $404K and rents at $1,432/mo, owner-occupants can offset a meaningful share of PITI.
Is it easy to find good tenants in Johnston, IA?
The renter base in Johnston, IA is reasonable for the $1,432/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields even-keeled tenants.
What is the average monthly rent in Johnston, IA?
Expect rents around $1,432/mo per month in Johnston, IA. With home values at $404K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
How strict are landlord regulations in Johnston, IA?
Rental owners in Johnston, IA deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
You know 50131 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 50131 ranks in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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