Real Estate Investing in Martensdale, Iowa (50160)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50160 (Martensdale, 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.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
• 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 Martensdale, IA (50160)?
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Market Analysis: 50160 Martensdale
On the rental side, ZIP 50160 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $224K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
The investment case in 50160 is sturdy only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $224K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
Within IA, ZIP 50160 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Warren County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and notable enough to shape underwriting.
Employment concentration in 50160 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 50160 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 Martensdale:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50160 Compare?
| Metric | 50160 | Martensdale | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $224,313 | $224,313 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.4% | 5.4% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $891 | $891 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.1% | 3.1% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 50160 (Martensdale, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $224,313 |
| Monthly Rent | $891 |
| Price-to-Rent | 21.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.8% |
| Cap Rate | 3.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +8.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.4% ▲ |
| 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 (3.1%). 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 50160
Population: 588
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 50160
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
Can I live-in-and-rent in Martensdale, IA?
The house hack math a challenging in Martensdale, IA. Owner-occupant buyers benefit from the $891/mo rents and $224K home values.
What is the renter demographic in Martensdale, IA?
Tenant quality in Martensdale, IA ranks as solid. Landlords generally report reliable occupancy at market rents of $891/mo.
How does Martensdale, IA rate as a rental market?
Martensdale, IA scores 3.0/5 for investability. Home values sit at $224K and rents near $891/mo, which keeps the rent-to-price ratio in reasonable territory for buy-and-hold investors.
Are rents high in Martensdale, IA?
Martensdale, IA rentals go for roughly $891/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $224K acquisition costs.
How strict are landlord regulations in Martensdale, IA?
Rental owners in Martensdale, IA deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
You know 50160 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 50160 ranks in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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