Real Estate Investing in Union, Iowa (50258)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50258 (Union, 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: 13.9% 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 Union, IA (50258)?
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Market Analysis: 50258 Union
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Union's 50258 ZIP stands at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $201K pricing implies.
For an experienced owner, 50258 can be a an appealing option for hunting ground — but the discount at $201K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
ZIP 50258's metrics run below Hardin County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
A resilient renter share of 10% in 50258 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
Strategy in 50258 is an operator game, not a passive one. On balance, entry prices of $201K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Union:
Property Strategy for 50258
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $104,984 | $920 | 6.3% | — | $52,492 |
| 3BR | $133,533 | $1,210 | 6.5% | — | $44,511 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50258 Compare?
| Metric | 50258 | Union | Marshalltown, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $200,887 | $200,887 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $828 | $828 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% | 3.2% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 50258 (Union, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $200,887 |
| Monthly Rent | $828 |
| Price-to-Rent | 20.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.0% |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 5.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +14.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.7% ▲ |
| 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 (3.2%). 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 50258
Population: 989
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 50258
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
How do experienced investors play Union, IA?
The best-fit strategy in Union, IA is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
What kind of vacancy should I budget for in Union, IA?
Occupancy in Union, IA runs measured with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $828/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
What is the average monthly rent in Union, IA?
Expect rents around $828/mo per month in Union, IA. With home values at $201K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
Can owner-occupants cash flow in Union, IA?
Union, IA offers a challenging house-hacking opportunity. Small multifamily or rent-by-the-room plays can pair well with the $828/mo rent level.
What is the typical renter like in Union, IA?
Union, IA offers a predictable renter base at the $828/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
You know 50258 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 50258 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 50258 ranks in Marshalltown, IA
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