Real Estate Investing in Zearing, Iowa (50278)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50278 (Zearing, 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.
- Elevated poverty: 21.3% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Zearing, IA (50278)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 50278 Zearing
On the rental side, ZIP 50278 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $266K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
Distressed does not mean uninvestable. It means the margin for error is thinner. ZIP 50278 rewards the prepared, punishes the overconfident, and leaves the math unchanged either way.
Nearby ZIPs in Zearing have seen price recovery that 50278 has not matched. Story County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
The demographic picture in 50278 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Zearing averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
tilts toward the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Zearing:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50278 Compare?
| Metric | 50278 | Zearing | Ames, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $266,387 | $266,387 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.1% | 6.1% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,017 | $1,017 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% | 3.0% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 50278 (Zearing, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $266,387 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,017 |
| Price-to-Rent | 21.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.6% |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +8.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.3% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.0%). 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 50278
Population: 819
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 50278
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
What are rental rates like in Zearing, IA?
Average rent in Zearing, IA is approximately $1,017/mo per month. Against $266K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
Is rental property easy to operate in Zearing, IA?
Landlord-friendliness in Zearing, IA is landlord-friendly. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.
What price range are homes in Zearing, IA?
The median home value in Zearing, IA is roughly $266K. That puts it reasonable relative to the IA statewide average.
Is Zearing in IA worth investing in?
Investors tracking Zearing, IA will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $266K median home values and $1,017/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting stable returns.
How do experienced investors play Zearing, IA?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Zearing, IA. The numbers - $266K homes against $1,017/mo rents - support that play.
You know 50278 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 50278 ranks in Ames, IA
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