Real Estate Investing in Des Moines, Iowa (50317)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50317 (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 (50317)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 50317 Des Moines
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Des Moines's 50317 ZIP stands at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $195K pricing implies.
From an investor standpoint, the numbers look inviting — $195K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 50317 is substantial and deserves full respect.
Within IA, ZIP 50317 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Polk County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and durable enough to shape underwriting.
The demographic picture in 50317 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Des Moines averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
The 50317 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Des Moines:
Property Strategy for 50317
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $110,045 | $1,010 | 6.6% | +7.4% | $110,045 |
| 2BR | $153,440 | $1,200 | 5.6% | +7.6% | $76,720 |
| 3BR | $209,539 | $1,630 | 5.6% | +6.5% | $69,846 |
| 4BR | $248,733 | $1,680 | 4.9% | +6.3% | $62,183 |
| 5BR | $311,319 | — | — | +6.2% | $62,264 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50317 Compare?
| Metric | 50317 | Des Moines | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $195,407 | $212,617 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.7% | 4.6% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,257 | $1,115 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.0% | 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 50317 (Des Moines, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $195,407 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,257 |
| Price-to-Rent | 13.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 7.7% |
| Cap Rate | 5.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +3.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.5% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -6.7% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +0.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (5.0%). 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 50317
Population: 36,721
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 50317
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Carver Elementary
Cattell Elementary School
Madison Elementary School
Capitol View Elementary School
Hiatt Middle 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
What price range are homes in Des Moines, IA?
Expect median prices around $195K in Des Moines, IA. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been stable.
How deep is the rental pool in Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines, IA offers a measured renter base at the $1,257/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
How landlord-friendly is Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines, IA falls under IA landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
How viable is house hacking in Des Moines, IA?
House hacking in Des Moines, IA is reasonable to execute. Prices around $195K and rents of $1,257/mo solid owner-occupant economics.
Is Des Moines, IA a good place for real estate investing?
Des Moines, IA rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $195K and rents near $1,257/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
You know 50317 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 50317 ranks in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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