Real Estate Investing in Rolfe, Iowa (50581)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50581 (Rolfe, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — values have been flat. OK for long-horizon buyers, less attractive if you may need to sell soon.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- High vacancy: 28.8% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- 1-year downturn: Values declined 7.5% in the last year.
- Higher unemployment: 10.9% 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 Rolfe, IA (50581)?
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Market Analysis: 50581 Rolfe
ZIP 50581 offers what many appreciation markets cannot: an affordable basis at $74K and rent support of $927/mo for rehab-driven equity creation in Pocahontas County.
In 50581, the deal is made on the buy and on the capex. impressive entry prices of $74K leave room in the budget for light-to-medium renovation, with rent lift to match.
Statewide, IA value-add investors migrate toward ZIPs with 50581's profile — older stock, soft but real rent growth, and $74K pricing that keeps rehab math workable.
Demographically, 50581 is a working ZIP — not a luxury market. That profile is exactly what value-add operators need in order to price their renovated product correctly.
The strategy in 50581 is forced equity, not market equity. On the rental side, entry prices are accommodating at $74K, the returns sit in the renovation budget, not the holding period.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Rolfe:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50581 Compare?
| Metric | 50581 | Rolfe | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $73,827 | $73,827 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $927 | $927 | - |
| Cap Rate | 9.8% | 9.8% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 50581 (Rolfe, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $73,827 |
| Monthly Rent | $927 |
| Price-to-Rent | 6.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✓ Passes |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 15.1% |
| Cap Rate | 9.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 6.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -7.5% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -3.0% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 10-Year CAGR | N/A |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The estimated cap rate (9.8%) exceeds the current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%). When borrowing costs less than a property yields, leverage can increase your cash-on-cash return above the cap rate.
⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 50581
Population: 751
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
Is housing expensive in Rolfe, IA?
Rolfe, IA home values average about $74K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $927/mo in monthly income.
How do experienced investors play Rolfe, IA?
The best-fit strategy in Rolfe, IA is value-add and BRRRR deals. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
Does house hacking make sense in Rolfe, IA?
House hacking in Rolfe, IA is reasonable to execute. Prices around $74K and rents of $927/mo solid owner-occupant economics.
Does Rolfe, IA make sense for an investment property?
The 4.0/5 investability rating in Rolfe, IA reflects its $74K prices and $927/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within IA.
Does Rolfe, IA meet the 1% rule for rental property?
With rents of $927/mo on $74K homes, Rolfe, IA close to the 1% rule for most properties. The actual rent-to-price ratio is 1.26%.
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