Real Estate Investing in Russell, Iowa (50238)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50238 (Russell, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- High vacancy: 15.5% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Russell, IA (50238)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 50238 Russell
Investors eyeing 50238 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $183K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
The 50238 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
Within IA, ZIP 50238 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Lucas County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and robust enough to shape underwriting.
The 50238 ZIP's population of 1,089 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that sits at the need for careful underwriting.
The right play in 50238 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 Russell:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50238 Compare?
| Metric | 50238 | Russell | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $182,515 | $182,515 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $828 | $828 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% | 3.5% | - |
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 50238 (Russell, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 50238 (Russell, IA)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $182,515 |
| Monthly Rent | $828 |
| Price-to-Rent | 18.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.4% |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +12.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 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 (3.5%). 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 50238
Population: 1,089
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best play in Russell, IA?
For Russell, IA, careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management is the standard investor playbook. The market structure makes it a reasonable default approach.
How much is rent in Russell, IA?
Russell, IA rentals go for roughly $828/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $183K acquisition costs.
What is the rental occupancy rate in Russell, IA?
Occupancy in Russell, IA runs stable with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $828/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
What is it like being a landlord in Russell, IA?
IA ranks as a landlord-friendly state for landlord-tenant law. Russell generally follows the statewide framework, so landlords face reasonable operating rules.
What is the average home sale price in Russell, IA?
Expect median prices around $183K in Russell, IA. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been reliable.
You know 50238 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 50238 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.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 50238 (Russell)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 50238 (Russell, IA).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.