Real Estate Investing in Des Moines, Iowa (50311)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50311 (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 (50311)?
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Market Analysis: 50311 Des Moines
The 50311 ZIP covers a section of Des Moines that demands careful diligence. Prices near $233K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
On balance, the numbers look inviting — $233K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 50311 is substantial and deserves full respect.
The gap between 50311 and stronger Des Moines ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
Employment concentration in 50311 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. impressive returns are possible in 50311, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Des Moines:
Property Strategy for 50311
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $184,152 | $1,150 | 4.5% | +6.1% | $92,076 |
| 3BR | $241,204 | $1,570 | 4.7% | +5.7% | $80,401 |
| 4BR | $274,196 | $1,610 | 4.2% | +5.5% | $68,549 |
| 5BR | $282,358 | — | — | +5.6% | $56,472 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50311 Compare?
| Metric | 50311 | Des Moines | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $232,728 | $212,617 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.3% | 4.6% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $963 | $1,115 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% | 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 50311 (Des Moines, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $232,728 |
| Monthly Rent | $963 |
| Price-to-Rent | 20.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.0% |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.3% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.6% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -2.2% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.4% ▲ |
| 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 50311
Population: 15,889
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 50311
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Clive Learning Academy
Hanawalt Elementary
Monroe Elementary School
Samuelson Elementary School
Edmunds 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical rental rate in Des Moines, IA?
Rent in Des Moines, IA is around $963/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $233K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
Is Des Moines, IA a friendly market for rental owners?
Rental owners in Des Moines, IA deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
Is Des Moines, IA a smart market for rental property?
Yes - Des Moines, IA a 3.0/5 investability score. With $233K home prices against $963/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
Is the tenant base reliable in Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines, IA offers a predictable renter base at the $963/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
What kind of vacancy should I budget for in Des Moines, IA?
Expect elevated vacancy in Des Moines, IA. Rents at $963/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
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How 50311 ranks in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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