Real Estate Investing in Gowrie, Iowa (50543)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50543 (Gowrie, 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: 12.4% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Gowrie, IA (50543)?
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Market Analysis: 50543 Gowrie
The 50543 ZIP in Gowrie, IA is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $173K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
For an experienced owner, 50543 can be a a solid fit for hunting ground — but the discount at $173K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
In the broader IA picture, 50543 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
From a cash-flow lens, 1,400 residents fill the ZIP, renter turnover runs higher than neighboring postal codes and delinquency risk is a real line item rather than a theoretical one.
The 50543 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 Gowrie:
Property Strategy for 50543
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $115,580 | $920 | 5.7% | +7.2% | $57,790 |
| 3BR | $166,133 | $1,180 | 5.1% | +5.9% | $55,378 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50543 Compare?
| Metric | 50543 | Gowrie | Fort Dodge, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $172,558 | $172,558 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.9% | 5.9% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $828 | $828 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.7% | 3.7% | - | - |
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 50543 (Gowrie, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $172,558 |
| Monthly Rent | $828 |
| Price-to-Rent | 17.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.8% |
| Cap Rate | 3.7% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.9% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.1% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.7%). 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 50543
Population: 1,400
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 50543
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong is Gowrie, IA for real estate investors?
Gowrie, IA scores 3.0/5 for investability. Home values sit at $173K and rents near $828/mo, which keeps the rent-to-price ratio in reasonable territory for buy-and-hold investors.
What is the best play in Gowrie, IA?
Gowrie, IA investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($173K prices, $828/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
How much is rent in Gowrie, IA?
Rents in Gowrie, IA run near $828/mo. Compared with median home prices of $173K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
Can owner-occupants cash flow in Gowrie, IA?
Gowrie, IA is a a challenging market for house hackers. FHA or conventional owner-occupant buyers find the $173K price point reasonable to enter.
What is the typical renter like in Gowrie, IA?
Tenant quality in Gowrie, IA ranks as solid. Landlords generally report predictable occupancy at market rents of $828/mo.
You know 50543 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 50543 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 50543 ranks in Fort Dodge, IA
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