Real Estate Investing in Prairie City, Iowa (50228)
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Should you buy in 50228 (Prairie City, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
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 Prairie City, IA (50228)?
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Market Analysis: 50228 Prairie City
Investors eyeing 50228 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $273K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $273K asset, 50228 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
In practical terms, 50228 offers a low basis, the region around Prairie City has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Looking more closely, 2,345 residents fill the ZIP, renter turnover runs higher than neighboring postal codes and delinquency risk is a real line item rather than a theoretical one.
The right play in 50228 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Prairie City:
Property Strategy for 50228
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $190,929 | $1,070 | 4.0% | +6.5% | $95,464 |
| 3BR | $264,509 | $1,420 | 3.9% | +7.1% | $88,170 |
| 4BR | $302,571 | $1,450 | 3.5% | +6.8% | $75,643 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50228 Compare?
| Metric | 50228 | Prairie City | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $272,655 | $272,655 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.9% | 5.9% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $963 | $963 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% | 2.8% | - | - |
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 50228 (Prairie City, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $272,655 |
| Monthly Rent | $963 |
| Price-to-Rent | 23.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.2% |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.7% ▲ |
🏠 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 50228
Population: 2,345
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 50228
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is real estate in Prairie City, IA a good investment right now?
Prairie City, IA rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $273K and rents near $963/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
What monthly rent should investors expect in Prairie City, IA?
Rental rates in Prairie City, IA average $963/mo. Tenant demand and $273K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
What strategy should investors use in Prairie City, IA?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Prairie City, IA. With home values at $273K and rents near $963/mo, other strategies can work but produce predictable rather than outsized returns.
How strict are landlord regulations in Prairie City, IA?
Prairie City, IA operates under IA law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect predictable treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
Is it easy to find good tenants in Prairie City, IA?
The renter base in Prairie City, IA is reasonable for the $963/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields steady tenants.
You know 50228 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 50228 ranks in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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