Real Estate Investing in Independence, Iowa (50644)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50644 (Independence, 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.
- Elevated vacancy: 8.8% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Independence, IA (50644)?
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Market Analysis: 50644 Independence
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Independence's 50644 ZIP registers signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $224K pricing implies.
Rent of $888/mo on a $224K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 50644 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
The gap between 50644 and stronger Independence ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
The demographic picture in 50644 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Independence averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
Strategy in 50644 is an operator game, not a passive one. In practical terms, entry prices of $224K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Independence:
Property Strategy for 50644
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $95,624 | $700 | 5.3% | -0.8% | $95,624 |
| 2BR | $176,900 | $920 | 3.7% | +6.8% | $88,450 |
| 3BR | $224,919 | $1,250 | 4.0% | +7.3% | $74,973 |
| 4BR | $248,203 | $1,430 | 4.1% | +8.1% | $62,051 |
| 5BR | $321,988 | — | — | +7.4% | $64,398 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50644 Compare?
| Metric | 50644 | Independence | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $223,941 | $223,941 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.7% | 6.7% | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $888 | $888 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.1% | 3.1% | - |
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 50644 (Independence, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $223,941 |
| Monthly Rent | $888 |
| Price-to-Rent | 21.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.8% |
| Cap Rate | 3.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.7% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.1%). 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 50644
Population: 8,475
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 50644
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 tenant demand in Independence, IA?
Working renters make up the core of the Independence, IA tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
Does Independence, IA favor landlords or tenants?
Rental owners in Independence, IA deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
Are homes affordable in Independence, IA?
Independence, IA home values average about $224K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $888/mo in monthly income.
What do rentals go for in Independence, IA?
Average rent in Independence, IA is approximately $888/mo per month. Against $224K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
Are there empty rentals in Independence, IA?
Vacancy in Independence, IA is elevated, which keeps landlord downtime on reasonable timelines. Most properties lease within the standard window at $888/mo.
You know 50644 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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Community Ratings
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