Real Estate Investing in Roland, Iowa (50236)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50236 (Roland, 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 Roland, IA (50236)?
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Market Analysis: 50236 Roland
ZIP 50236 in Roland, IA carries a notable set of headwinds. Home values near $262K and rents of $972/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
For an experienced owner, 50236 can be a a strong candidate for hunting ground — but the discount at $262K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
In practical terms, 50236 offers a low basis, the region around Roland has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Who lives in 50236 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
Strategically, 50236 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Roland:
Property Strategy for 50236
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $241,005 | $1,500 | 4.5% | +6.2% | $80,335 |
| 4BR | $272,613 | $1,810 | 4.8% | +6.3% | $68,153 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50236 Compare?
| Metric | 50236 | Roland | Ames, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $262,342 | $262,342 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.6% | 5.6% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $972 | $972 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% | 2.9% | - | - |
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 50236 (Roland, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $262,342 |
| Monthly Rent | $972 |
| Price-to-Rent | 22.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.5% |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +6.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.7% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.9%). 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 50236
Population: 1,699
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 50236
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 2,052 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roland in IA worth investing in?
Investors tracking Roland, IA will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $262K median home values and $972/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting consistent returns.
Is Roland, IA suited for a house hack?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Roland, IA reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
How tight is the rental market in Roland, IA?
Vacancy risk in Roland, IA is elevated. That supports stable cash flow for typical rental holds.
What are home prices like in Roland, IA?
Median home price in Roland, IA is near $262K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been reliable and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
What do rentals go for in Roland, IA?
Average rent in Roland, IA is approximately $972/mo per month. Against $262K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
You know 50236 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 50236 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 50236 ranks in Ames, IA
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
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