Real Estate Investing in Harcourt, Iowa (50544)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50544 (Harcourt, 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.
- High vacancy: 15.9% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• 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 Harcourt, IA (50544)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 50544 Harcourt
This part of Webster County is not an easy win. The 50544 ZIP records softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
On balance, the numbers look inviting — $155K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 50544 is substantial and deserves full respect.
Statewide comparisons place 50544 among IA's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
The 50544 ZIP's population of 554 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that shows the need for careful underwriting.
The right play in 50544 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Harcourt:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50544 Compare?
| Metric | 50544 | Harcourt | Fort Dodge, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $155,190 | $155,190 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.5% | 4.5% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $828 | $828 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.2% | 4.2% | - | - |
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 50544 (Harcourt, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 50544 (Harcourt, IA)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $155,190 |
| Monthly Rent | $828 |
| Price-to-Rent | 15.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.4% |
| Cap Rate | 4.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.5% ▲ |
| 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 (4.2%). 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 50544
Population: 554
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong are rents in Harcourt, IA?
The typical rental in Harcourt, IA commands about $828/mo monthly. That rent profile consistent cash flow against the $155K purchase basis.
Do landlords face vacancy issues in Harcourt, IA?
Rental vacancy in Harcourt, IA is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
Should investors consider Harcourt, IA?
With a 3.0/5 investability score, Harcourt, IA ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $155K and rents of $828/mo drive the underlying numbers.
How strong is tenant demand in Harcourt, IA?
Working renters make up the core of the Harcourt, IA tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
How much does a house cost in Harcourt, IA?
Homes in Harcourt, IA typically sell near $155K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which reliable long-term demand.
You know 50544 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 50544 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 50544 ranks in Fort Dodge, IA
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 50544 (Harcourt)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 50544 (Harcourt, IA).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.