Real Estate Investing in Badger, Iowa (50516)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50516 (Badger, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
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.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Badger, IA (50516)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 50516 Badger
Put differently, ZIP 50516 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $180K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
Rent of $828/mo on a $180K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 50516 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
In the broader IA picture, 50516 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
The 50516 ZIP's population of 684 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that clocks in at the need for careful underwriting.
looks to the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Badger:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50516 Compare?
| Metric | 50516 | Badger | Fort Dodge, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $179,785 | $179,785 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.6% | 5.6% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $828 | $828 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.6% | 3.6% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 50516 (Badger, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $179,785 |
| Monthly Rent | $828 |
| Price-to-Rent | 18.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.5% |
| Cap Rate | 3.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | N/A |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.6%). 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 50516
Population: 684
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
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 1,399 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do home values compare in Badger, IA?
Homes in Badger, IA typically sell near $180K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which even-keeled long-term demand.
Can I house hack in Badger, IA?
Badger, IA offers a challenging house-hacking opportunity. Small multifamily or rent-by-the-room plays can pair well with the $828/mo rent level.
Do rentals sit vacant long in Badger, IA?
Expect elevated vacancy in Badger, IA. Rents at $828/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
What do rentals go for in Badger, IA?
Rental rates in Badger, IA average $828/mo. Tenant demand and $180K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
Is Badger, IA a friendly market for rental owners?
For rental operators, Badger, IA rates as landlord-friendly. The regulatory environment standard buy-and-hold operations.
You know 50516 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 50516 ranks in Fort Dodge, IA
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