Real Estate Investing in Des Moines, Iowa (50309)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50309 (Des Moines, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- Elevated vacancy: 9.3% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Des Moines, IA (50309)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 50309 Des Moines
This part of Polk County is not an easy win. The 50309 ZIP shows softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
Distressed does not mean uninvestable. It means the margin for error is thinner. ZIP 50309 rewards the prepared, punishes the overconfident, and leaves the math unchanged either way.
The gap between 50309 and stronger Des Moines ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
Demographically, 50309 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
The right play in 50309 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Des Moines:
Property Strategy for 50309
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $189,944 | $1,150 | 4.4% | +2.8% | $189,944 |
| 2BR | $296,913 | $1,370 | 3.3% | +2.8% | $148,457 |
| 3BR | $358,023 | $1,860 | 3.7% | +2.6% | $119,341 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50309 Compare?
| Metric | 50309 | Des Moines | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $244,736 | $212,617 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.4% | 4.6% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,272 | $1,115 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.1% | 4.0% | - | - |
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 50309 (Des Moines, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $244,736 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,272 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.2% |
| Cap Rate | 4.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -2.1% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -0.2% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.0% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -2.9% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -1.0% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +0.8% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (4.1%). 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.
Demographics in 50309
Population: 9,199
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 50309
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Carver Elementary
Cattell Elementary School
Hanawalt Elementary
Howe Elementary
South Union Elementary School
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.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 13,258 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What price range are homes in Des Moines, IA?
The median home value in Des Moines, IA is roughly $245K. That puts it reasonable relative to the IA statewide average.
Are tenants stable in Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines, IA draws a steady base of working renters. Demand at the $1,272/mo rent level is reasonable for standard single-family and small multi rentals.
What is the average monthly rent in Des Moines, IA?
Expect rents around $1,272/mo per month in Des Moines, IA. With home values at $245K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
Are there empty rentals in Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines, IA sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader IA rental market.
How should investors approach Des Moines, IA?
Most investors in Des Moines, IA run a careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy. It aligns with the 3.0/5 investability profile and the market fundamentals.
You know 50309 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 50309 ranks in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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