Real Estate Investing in Melbourne, Iowa (50162)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50162 (Melbourne, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Strong fundamentals — affordable, appreciating, and stable. A confident pick for primary residence.
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.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Melbourne, IA (50162)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 50162 Melbourne
The 50162 ZIP covers a section of Melbourne that demands careful diligence. Prices near $249K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
From a cash-flow lens, the numbers look inviting — $249K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 50162 is substantial and deserves full respect.
Nearby ZIPs in Melbourne have seen price recovery that 50162 has not matched. Marshall County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
Demographically, 50162 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.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. significant returns are possible in 50162, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Melbourne:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50162 Compare?
| Metric | 50162 | Melbourne | Marshalltown, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $249,454 | $249,454 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 7.9% | 7.9% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,296 | $1,296 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.1% | 4.1% | - | - |
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 50162 (Melbourne, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 50162 (Melbourne, IA)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $249,454 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,296 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.2% |
| Cap Rate | 4.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 12.0% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +7.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +8.5% ▲ |
🏠 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 (4.1%). 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 50162
Population: 1,190
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
Where do rents currently stand in Melbourne, IA?
The typical rental in Melbourne, IA commands about $1,296/mo monthly. That rent profile even-keeled cash flow against the $249K purchase basis.
What kind of vacancy should I budget for in Melbourne, IA?
Occupancy in Melbourne, IA runs predictable with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $1,296/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
Is Melbourne, IA a good place for real estate investing?
Yes - Melbourne, IA a 3.0/5 investability score. With $249K home prices against $1,296/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
What type of investing works in Melbourne, IA?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Melbourne, IA. With home values at $249K and rents near $1,296/mo, other strategies can work but produce steady rather than outsized returns.
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Melbourne, IA?
Typical homes in Melbourne, IA go for around $249K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% reliable price movement.
You know 50162 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 50162 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 50162 ranks in Marshalltown, IA
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 50162 (Melbourne)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 50162 (Melbourne, IA).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.