Real Estate Investing in Des Moines, Iowa (50316)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50316 (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.
- Elevated vacancy: 10.0% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Des Moines, IA (50316)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 50316 Des Moines
The 50316 ZIP covers a section of Des Moines that demands careful diligence. Prices near $164K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
For an experienced owner, 50316 can be a worth a close look for hunting ground — but the discount at $164K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Statewide comparisons place 50316 among IA's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
Who lives in 50316 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. sturdy returns are possible in 50316, 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 50316
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $106,379 | $980 | 6.6% | +7.6% | $106,379 |
| 2BR | $141,492 | $1,160 | 5.9% | +7.0% | $70,746 |
| 3BR | $172,782 | $1,580 | 6.6% | +6.6% | $57,594 |
| 4BR | $189,394 | $1,620 | 6.2% | +6.5% | $47,348 |
| 5BR | $204,537 | — | — | +7.2% | $40,907 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50316 Compare?
| Metric | 50316 | Des Moines | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $163,863 | $212,617 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.7% | 4.6% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,176 | $1,115 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.6% | 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 50316 (Des Moines, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $163,863 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,176 |
| Price-to-Rent | 11.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 8.6% |
| Cap Rate | 5.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.5% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -6.0% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (5.6%). 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 50316
Population: 16,188
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 50316
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Delaware Elementary
Garton Elementary
Edmunds Elementary School
King Elementary School
Phillips Elementary
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 good market for buy-and-hold investors?
Investors tracking Des Moines, IA will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $164K median home values and $1,176/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting consistent returns.
Is housing expensive in Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines, IA median home values land near $164K. That is reasonable territory for investors looking at $1,176/mo-per-month rentals.
Is vacancy a concern in Des Moines, IA?
Expect elevated vacancy in Des Moines, IA. Rents at $1,176/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
Is Des Moines, IA good for house hacking?
The house hack math a challenging in Des Moines, IA. Owner-occupant buyers benefit from the $1,176/mo rents and $164K home values.
What approach is best for Des Moines, IA real estate?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Des Moines, IA. The numbers - $164K homes against $1,176/mo rents - support that play.
You know 50316 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 50316 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 50316 ranks in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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