Real Estate Investing in Leon, Iowa (50144)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50144 (Leon, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — values have been flat. OK for long-horizon buyers, less attractive if you may need to sell soon.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- High vacancy: 16.2% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (0.5% CAGR).
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Leon, IA (50144)?
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Market Analysis: 50144 Leon
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Leon's 50144 ZIP registers signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $148K pricing implies.
The investment case in 50144 is substantial only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $148K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
In the broader IA picture, 50144 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Demographically, 50144 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.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 50144 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 Leon:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50144 Compare?
| Metric | 50144 | Leon | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $147,845 | $147,845 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 0.5% | 0.5% | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $828 | $828 | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.4% | 4.4% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 50144 (Leon, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $147,845 |
| Monthly Rent | $828 |
| Price-to-Rent | 14.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.7% |
| Cap Rate | 4.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 4.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +9.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +0.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +1.6% ▲ |
🏠 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 (4.4%). 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 50144
Population: 2,715
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 50144
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
What is the typical home price in Leon, IA?
The median home value in Leon, IA is roughly $148K. That puts it reasonable relative to the IA statewide average.
What is the typical rental rate in Leon, IA?
Rent in Leon, IA is around $828/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $148K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
Is Leon, IA a friendly market for rental owners?
Leon, IA operates under IA law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect predictable treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
How strong is Leon, IA for real estate investors?
Investors tracking Leon, IA will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $148K median home values and $828/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting reliable returns.
What is the renter demographic in Leon, IA?
The renter base in Leon, IA is reasonable for the $828/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields stable tenants.
You know 50144 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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