Real Estate Investing in Wiota, Iowa (50274)

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

Cass County • Population: 170 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 50274 (Wiota, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
GOOD FIT
Grade B (73/100)

Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.

📈 For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5 (47/100)

A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.

⚠️ Risks to Know
1 flag
  • High vacancy: 36.5% 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 Wiota, IA (50274)?

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3.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

3.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

3.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $214,143
Avg Monthly Rent $837
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income $72,847
% Renters 16.1%

Market Analysis: 50274 Wiota

Not every below-median market is a bargain. Wiota's 50274 ZIP shows signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $214K pricing implies.

The investment case in 50274 is solid only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $214K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.

In the broader IA picture, 50274 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.

The demographic picture in 50274 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Wiota averages, and tenant stability requires active management.

Strategy in 50274 is an operator game, not a passive one. Looking more closely, entry prices of $214K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Wiota:

B Good
Buy Confidence Score: 75/100
Affordability
20/25
Appreciation
25/25
Stability
7/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Affordable
Homes cost 2.9× the median income
Value Trend
Rising (+13.2%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $837/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
BALANCED
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
Bottom Line: Mixed signals in this market. Research specific properties carefully and be prepared to negotiate.

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$222K$201K$181K$160K$140K$119KFeb 2019Nov 2022Jul 2026

📊 How Does 50274 Compare?

Metric 50274 Wiota Iowa
Home Value $214,143 $214,143 $227,232
5-Year CAGR 7.9% 7.9% 6.0%
Avg Rent $837 $837 -
Cap Rate 3.1% 3.1% -
💡 Why Invest in 50274? Click to expand

With a 3/5 investability rating, this ZIP shows solid fundamentals for buy-and-hold investors.

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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 50274 (Wiota, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Investability
Good
Cap Rate
3.1%
Low
5yr Growth
+7.9%
Strong

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $214,143
Monthly Rent $837
Price-to-Rent 21.3:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 4.7%
Cap Rate 3.1%
5-Year IRR 11.0%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +13.2% ▲
3-Year CAGR +7.7% ▲
5-Year CAGR +7.9% ▲
10-Year CAGR N/A

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year N/A
3-Year CAGR N/A
5-Year CAGR N/A
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 3.1%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.1%). 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.

Vacancy
36.5%
Elevated risk
Landlord Climate
5.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
+7.9%
Growing
Eviction process: Fast Rent control: Favorable

Demographics in 50274

Population: 170

💰 Median Household Income
$72,847
This area
$72,847
State
$71,886
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
16.1%
This area
16.1%
State
19.7%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
0.0%
This area
0.0%
State
0.0%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
14.5%
This area
14.5%
State
18.8%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
62.0 years
This area
62.0 years
State
40.2 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
36.5%
This area
36.5%
State
11.7%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 100.0%
👶 Under 18
0.0%
This area
0.0%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
47.0%
This area
47.0%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
2.4%
This area
2.4%
USA
11.5%

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

How high is vacancy risk in Wiota, IA?

Wiota, IA carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect consistent absorption at market rents of $837/mo.

Is Wiota, IA better for rentals, flips, or BRRRR?

Wiota, IA investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($214K prices, $837/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.

Is Wiota in IA worth investing in?

Investors tracking Wiota, IA will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $214K median home values and $837/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting even-keeled returns.

How strict are landlord regulations in Wiota, IA?

Rental owners in Wiota, IA deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.

What is the typical home price in Wiota, IA?

Homes in Wiota, IA typically sell near $214K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which steady long-term demand.

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