Real Estate Investing in Marathon, Iowa (50565)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50565 (Marathon, 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: 25.8% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Higher unemployment: 7.1% unemployment — tenant risk signal.
• 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 Marathon, IA (50565)?
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Market Analysis: 50565 Marathon
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Marathon's 50565 ZIP comes in at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $101K pricing implies.
Distressed does not mean uninvestable. It means the margin for error is thinner. ZIP 50565 rewards the prepared, punishes the overconfident, and leaves the math unchanged either way.
In the broader IA picture, 50565 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
The 50565 ZIP's population of 413 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that reflects the need for careful underwriting.
The 50565 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 Marathon:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50565 Compare?
| Metric | 50565 | Marathon | Storm Lake, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $100,946 | $100,946 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.9% | 4.9% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $972 | $972 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 7.5% | 7.5% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 50565 (Marathon, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $100,946 |
| Monthly Rent | $972 |
| Price-to-Rent | 8.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 11.6% |
| Cap Rate | 7.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 12.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +10.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +8.3% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) is close to the estimated cap rate (7.5%). Financing this market at current rates produces a cash-on-cash return near the cap rate. Appreciation and tax benefits may still support the investment.
⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 50565
Population: 413
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
What do rentals go for in Marathon, IA?
Rental rates in Marathon, IA average $972/mo. Tenant demand and $101K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
Are eviction rules reasonable in Marathon, IA?
For rental operators, Marathon, IA rates as landlord-friendly. The regulatory environment standard buy-and-hold operations.
Does Marathon, IA make sense for an investment property?
With a 3.0/5 investability score, Marathon, IA ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $101K and rents of $972/mo drive the underlying numbers.
How quickly do rentals get leased in Marathon, IA?
Vacancy risk in Marathon, IA is elevated. That supports measured cash flow for typical rental holds.
Is Marathon, IA suited for a house hack?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Marathon, IA reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
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How 50565 ranks in Storm Lake, IA
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