Real Estate Investing in Malcom, Iowa (50157)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50157 (Malcom, 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.
- High vacancy: 14.5% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Higher unemployment: 12.7% 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 Malcom, IA (50157)?
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Market Analysis: 50157 Malcom
The 50157 ZIP in Malcom, IA is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $229K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
The 50157 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
The gap between 50157 and stronger Malcom ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
Who lives in 50157 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
New investors are better served looking at Malcom's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 50157. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Malcom:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50157 Compare?
| Metric | 50157 | Malcom | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $228,589 | $228,589 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.4% | 6.4% | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $828 | $828 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% | 2.8% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 50157 (Malcom, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $228,589 |
| Monthly Rent | $828 |
| Price-to-Rent | 23.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.4% |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +13.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.4% ▲ |
🏠 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 (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 50157
Population: 686
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
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average monthly rent in Malcom, IA?
Rent in Malcom, IA is around $828/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $229K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
Are landlord laws favorable in Malcom, IA?
Rental owners in Malcom, IA deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
Is real estate in Malcom, IA a good investment right now?
Malcom, IA rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $229K and rents near $828/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
Do rentals sit vacant long in Malcom, IA?
Rental vacancy in Malcom, IA is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
Is Malcom, IA suited for a house hack?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Malcom, IA reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
You know 50157 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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