Real Estate Investing in Linden, Iowa (50146)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50146 (Linden, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 18.0% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Elevated poverty: 29.3% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
- Higher unemployment: 16.1% unemployment — tenant risk signal.
• 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 Linden, IA (50146)?
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Market Analysis: 50146 Linden
The 50146 ZIP in Linden, IA is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $297K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 50146 comes in at the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
Nearby ZIPs in Linden have seen price recovery that 50146 has not matched. Dallas County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
Demographically, 50146 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.
seems to the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Linden:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50146 Compare?
| Metric | 50146 | Linden | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $296,879 | $296,879 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.4% | 6.4% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,476 | $1,476 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% | 3.9% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 50146 (Linden, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $296,879 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,476 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.0% |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +11.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.4% ▲ |
| 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 (3.9%). 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 50146
Population: 519
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
What monthly rent should investors expect in Linden, IA?
Rents in Linden, IA run near $1,476/mo. Compared with median home prices of $297K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
How qualified is the tenant pool in Linden, IA?
Working renters make up the core of the Linden, IA tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
How do home values compare in Linden, IA?
The median home value in Linden, IA is roughly $297K. That puts it reasonable relative to the IA statewide average.
What approach is best for Linden, IA real estate?
Linden, IA investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($297K prices, $1,476/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
How high is vacancy risk in Linden, IA?
Linden, IA sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader IA rental market.
You know 50146 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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