Real Estate Investing in Tracy, Iowa (50256)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50256 (Tracy, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 14.7% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• 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 Tracy, IA (50256)?
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Market Analysis: 50256 Tracy
ZIP 50256 in Tracy, IA carries a significant set of headwinds. Home values near $190K and rents of $864/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
Rent of $864/mo on a $190K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 50256 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
Looking more closely, 50256 offers a low basis, the region around Tracy has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
The 50256 ZIP's population of 620 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that posts the need for careful underwriting.
Strategically, 50256 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 Tracy:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50256 Compare?
| Metric | 50256 | Tracy | Pella, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $190,391 | $190,391 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.7% | 4.7% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $864 | $864 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% | 3.5% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 50256 (Tracy, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $190,391 |
| Monthly Rent | $864 |
| Price-to-Rent | 18.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.5% |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +8.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.7% ▲ |
| 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 50256
Population: 620
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 home prices stand in Tracy, IA?
Tracy, IA home values average about $190K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $864/mo in monthly income.
What is it like being a landlord in Tracy, IA?
IA ranks as a landlord-friendly state for landlord-tenant law. Tracy generally follows the statewide framework, so landlords face reasonable operating rules.
How strong is Tracy, IA for real estate investors?
Tracy, IA rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $190K and rents near $864/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
How much is rent in Tracy, IA?
Rents in Tracy, IA run near $864/mo. Compared with median home prices of $190K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
Is the tenant base reliable in Tracy, IA?
The renter base in Tracy, IA is reasonable for the $864/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields reliable tenants.
You know 50256 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 50256 ranks in Pella, IA
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