Real Estate Investing in Maxwell, Iowa (50161)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50161 (Maxwell, 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.
- Elevated vacancy: 9.5% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 31.7 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Maxwell, IA (50161)?
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Market Analysis: 50161 Maxwell
Looking more closely, ZIP 50161 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $335K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $335K asset, 50161 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Statewide comparisons place 50161 among IA's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
A sturdy renter share of 14% in 50161 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 50161 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 Maxwell:
Property Strategy for 50161
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $255,944 | $980 | 2.8% | +8.3% | $127,972 |
| 3BR | $305,368 | $1,350 | 3.2% | +6.6% | $101,789 |
| 4BR | $374,749 | $1,570 | 3.0% | +7.5% | $93,687 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50161 Compare?
| Metric | 50161 | Maxwell | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $335,386 | $335,386 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.3% | 6.3% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $882 | $882 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.1% | 2.1% | - | - |
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 50161 (Maxwell, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $335,386 |
| Monthly Rent | $882 |
| Price-to-Rent | 31.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.2% |
| Cap Rate | 2.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.3% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.6% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.1%). 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 50161
Population: 2,081
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 50161
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
Investor Insight: With 13,258 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong is Maxwell, IA for real estate investors?
Maxwell, IA rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $335K and rents near $882/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
Is vacancy a concern in Maxwell, IA?
Rental vacancy in Maxwell, IA is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
Which real estate strategy fits Maxwell, IA?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Maxwell, IA. The numbers - $335K homes against $882/mo rents - support that play.
How expensive is real estate in Maxwell, IA?
The median home value in Maxwell, IA is roughly $335K. That puts it reasonable relative to the IA statewide average.
What kind of tenants rent in Maxwell, IA?
Tenant quality in Maxwell, IA ranks as solid. Landlords generally report reliable occupancy at market rents of $882/mo.
You know 50161 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 50161 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 50161 ranks in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
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