Real Estate Investing in Des Moines, Iowa (50314)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50314 (Des Moines, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 16.7% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Elevated poverty: 36.9% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
- Lower household income: $37,636 median — tenant affordability is tighter.
What’s happening in Des Moines, IA (50314)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 50314 Des Moines
This part of Polk County is not an easy win. The 50314 ZIP reflects 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 50314 rewards the prepared, punishes the overconfident, and leaves the math unchanged either way.
In practical terms, 50314 offers a low basis, the region around Des Moines has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
The 50314 ZIP's population of 10,203 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that sits at the need for careful underwriting.
Strategy in 50314 is an operator game, not a passive one. Stepping back, entry prices of $166K 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 50314
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $120,081 | $1,140 | 6.8% | +7.0% | $60,040 |
| 3BR | $155,570 | $1,550 | 7.2% | +7.3% | $51,857 |
| 4BR | $184,777 | $1,590 | 6.2% | +7.6% | $46,194 |
| 5BR | $201,970 | — | — | +8.1% | $40,394 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50314 Compare?
| Metric | 50314 | Des Moines | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $165,653 | $212,617 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.3% | 4.6% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $951 | $1,115 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.5% | 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 50314 (Des Moines, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $165,653 |
| Monthly Rent | $951 |
| Price-to-Rent | 14.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.9% |
| Cap Rate | 4.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.3% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +9.5% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -2.9% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (4.5%). 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 50314
Population: 10,203
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 50314
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
Monroe Elementary School
Samuelson 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
Should investors consider Des Moines, IA?
Investors tracking Des Moines, IA will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $166K median home values and $951/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting stable returns.
How expensive is real estate in Des Moines, IA?
Expect median prices around $166K in Des Moines, IA. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been measured.
What is the rental occupancy rate in Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines, IA carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect steady absorption at market rents of $951/mo.
Is Des Moines, IA landlord-friendly?
Rental owners in Des Moines, IA deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
What is the average monthly rent in Des Moines, IA?
Average rent in Des Moines, IA is approximately $951/mo per month. Against $166K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
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How 50314 ranks in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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