Real Estate Investing in Ellsworth, Iowa (50271)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50271 (Ellsworth, 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: 21.4% 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 Ellsworth, IA (50271)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 50271 Ellsworth
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Ellsworth's 50271 ZIP registers signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $166K pricing implies.
Distressed does not mean uninvestable. It means the margin for error is thinner. ZIP 50271 rewards the prepared, punishes the overconfident, and leaves the math unchanged either way.
The gap between 50271 and stronger Ellsworth ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
A robust renter share of 17% in 50271 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
Strategy in 50271 is an operator game, not a passive one. Stepping back, entry prices of $166K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Ellsworth:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50271 Compare?
| Metric | 50271 | Ellsworth | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $165,895 | $191,767 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.7% | 6.5% | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $828 | $914 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% | 3.7% | - |
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 50271 (Ellsworth, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 50271 (Ellsworth, IA)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $165,895 |
| Monthly Rent | $828 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.0% |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +11.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.0% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.9%). 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 50271
Population: 594
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
How should investors approach Ellsworth, IA?
In Ellsworth, IA the impressive play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $166K prices and $828/mo rents suits that approach.
How high is vacancy risk in Ellsworth, IA?
Vacancy risk in Ellsworth, IA is elevated. That supports stable cash flow for typical rental holds.
What is the average home sale price in Ellsworth, IA?
Expect median prices around $166K in Ellsworth, IA. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been even-keeled.
Is Ellsworth, IA a good market for FHA house hackers?
Ellsworth, IA is a a challenging market for house hackers. FHA or conventional owner-occupant buyers find the $166K price point reasonable to enter.
Are tenants stable in Ellsworth, IA?
Working renters make up the core of the Ellsworth, IA tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
You know 50271 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 50271 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 50271 (Ellsworth)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 50271 (Ellsworth, IA).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.