Real Estate Investing in Des Moines, Iowa (50313)
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Should you buy in 50313 (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 cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Des Moines, IA (50313)?
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Market Analysis: 50313 Des Moines
The 50313 ZIP in Des Moines, IA is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $188K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
Distressed does not mean uninvestable. It means the margin for error is thinner. ZIP 50313 rewards the prepared, punishes the overconfident, and leaves the math unchanged either way.
Regionally, 50313 sits on the difficult end of the IA spectrum. The a credible choice for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
Demographically, 50313 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.
Strategy in 50313 is an operator game, not a passive one. On the rental side, entry prices of $188K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Des Moines:
Property Strategy for 50313
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $120,505 | $1,090 | 6.5% | +6.2% | $120,505 |
| 2BR | $152,578 | $1,290 | 6.1% | +6.9% | $76,289 |
| 3BR | $207,426 | $1,760 | 6.1% | +6.5% | $69,142 |
| 4BR | $242,169 | $1,800 | 5.4% | +6.3% | $60,542 |
| 5BR | $268,645 | — | — | +5.6% | $53,729 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50313 Compare?
| Metric | 50313 | Des Moines | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $188,066 | $212,617 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.6% | 4.6% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,103 | $1,115 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.6% | 4.0% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 50313 (Des Moines, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $188,066 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,103 |
| Price-to-Rent | 14.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 7.0% |
| Cap Rate | 4.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.7% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -9.8% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (4.6%). 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 50313
Population: 18,280
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 50313
Schools in This ZIP Code
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
How strong are rents in Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines, IA rentals go for roughly $1,103/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $188K acquisition costs.
How strong is tenant demand in Des Moines, IA?
The renter base in Des Moines, IA is reasonable for the $1,103/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields measured tenants.
What strategy should investors use in Des Moines, IA?
For Des Moines, IA, careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management is the standard investor playbook. The market structure makes it a reasonable default approach.
How tight is the rental market in Des Moines, IA?
Occupancy in Des Moines, IA runs stable with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $1,103/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
Does a duplex house hack pencil in Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines, IA offers a challenging house-hacking opportunity. Small multifamily or rent-by-the-room plays can pair well with the $1,103/mo rent level.
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