Real Estate Investing in Des Moines, Iowa (50310)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50310 (Des Moines, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — stable market with a reasonable entry point and good rental backup if you ever need to move.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Des Moines, IA (50310)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 50310 Des Moines
Looking more closely, ZIP 50310 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $237K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 50310 posts the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
Within IA, ZIP 50310 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Polk County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and healthy enough to shape underwriting.
The 50310 ZIP's population of 31,283 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that posts the need for careful underwriting.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 50310 workable. Turnkey investors from out of state usually find the numbers do not hold up in practice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Des Moines:
Property Strategy for 50310
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $134,134 | $1,080 | 5.8% | +4.4% | $134,134 |
| 2BR | $190,259 | $1,280 | 4.8% | +6.3% | $95,130 |
| 3BR | $246,743 | $1,740 | 5.1% | +6.2% | $82,248 |
| 4BR | $291,518 | $1,790 | 4.4% | +6.3% | $72,880 |
| 5BR | $318,830 | — | — | +6.0% | $63,766 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50310 Compare?
| Metric | 50310 | Des Moines | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $236,782 | $212,617 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.4% | 4.6% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $989 | $1,115 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.3% | 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 50310 (Des Moines, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $236,782 |
| Monthly Rent | $989 |
| Price-to-Rent | 20.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.0% |
| Cap Rate | 3.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.6% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -2.7% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +2.1% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.3%). 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 50310
Population: 31,283
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 50310
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Clive Learning Academy
Edmunds Elementary School
King Elementary School
Windsor Elementary
Moulton 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
Is Des Moines, IA a smart market for rental property?
Investors tracking Des Moines, IA will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $237K median home values and $989/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting consistent returns.
Do rentals sit vacant long in Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines, IA sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader IA rental market.
Is Des Moines, IA better for rentals, flips, or BRRRR?
A careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy Des Moines, IA best. The market produces steady results for that approach at the $237K price point.
How expensive is real estate in Des Moines, IA?
Expect median prices around $237K in Des Moines, IA. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been measured.
Can I live-in-and-rent in Des Moines, IA?
House hacking in Des Moines, IA is reasonable to execute. Prices around $237K and rents of $989/mo solid owner-occupant economics.
You know 50310 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 50310 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 50310 ranks in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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