Real Estate Investing in Knoxville, Iowa (50138)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50138 (Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, IA (50138)?
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Market Analysis: 50138 Knoxville
The 50138 ZIP covers a section of Knoxville that demands careful diligence. Prices near $215K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
Rent of $950/mo on a $215K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 50138 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
Nearby ZIPs in Knoxville have seen price recovery that 50138 has not matched. Marion County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
Employment concentration in 50138 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
Strategically, 50138 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Knoxville:
Property Strategy for 50138
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $88,251 | $760 | 6.2% | — | $88,251 |
| 2BR | $138,150 | $960 | 5.0% | +5.6% | $69,075 |
| 3BR | $215,636 | $1,150 | 3.8% | +6.8% | $71,879 |
| 4BR | $280,408 | $1,280 | 3.3% | +7.8% | $70,102 |
| 5BR | $350,636 | — | — | +7.8% | $70,127 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50138 Compare?
| Metric | 50138 | Knoxville | Pella, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $214,774 | $214,774 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.0% | 5.0% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $950 | $950 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% | 3.5% | - | - |
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 50138 (Knoxville, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $214,774 |
| Monthly Rent | $950 |
| Price-to-Rent | 18.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.3% |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +6.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.0% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.1% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -8.3% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.5%). 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 50138
Population: 11,374
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 50138
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Knoxville, IA rate as a rental market?
Knoxville, IA sits at an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $215K and average rents around $950/mo. That combination puts it in the healthy tier for investor interest.
How high is vacancy risk in Knoxville, IA?
Occupancy in Knoxville, IA runs stable with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $950/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
Is housing expensive in Knoxville, IA?
Homes in Knoxville, IA typically sell near $215K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which steady long-term demand.
Is Knoxville, IA suited for a house hack?
Knoxville, IA offers a challenging house-hacking opportunity. Small multifamily or rent-by-the-room plays can pair well with the $950/mo rent level.
What monthly rent should investors expect in Knoxville, IA?
Rent in Knoxville, IA is around $950/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $215K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
You know 50138 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 50138 ranks in Pella, IA
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