Real Estate Investing in Ackley, Iowa (50604)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50604 (Ackley, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Ackley, IA (50604)?
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Market Analysis: 50604 Ackley
ZIP 50604 in Ackley, IA carries a healthy set of headwinds. Home values near $186K and rents of $828/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $186K asset, 50604 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Statewide comparisons place 50604 among IA's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
The 50604 ZIP's population of 1,713 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that registers the need for careful underwriting.
Strategically, 50604 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Ackley:
Property Strategy for 50604
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $151,802 | $920 | 4.4% | +7.1% | $75,901 |
| 3BR | $185,689 | $1,180 | 4.6% | +6.7% | $61,896 |
| 4BR | $206,205 | $1,510 | 5.3% | +6.9% | $51,551 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50604 Compare?
| Metric | 50604 | Ackley | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $186,458 | $166,338 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.7% | 5.7% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $828 | $828 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% | 3.9% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 50604 (Ackley, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $186,458 |
| Monthly Rent | $828 |
| Price-to-Rent | 18.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.3% |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.3% ▲ |
| 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 (3.5%). 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 50604
Population: 1,713
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 50604
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
Is real estate in Ackley, IA a good investment right now?
Ackley, IA rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $186K and rents near $828/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
What is the renter demographic in Ackley, IA?
Tenant quality in Ackley, IA ranks as solid. Landlords generally report even-keeled occupancy at market rents of $828/mo.
What is the typical vacancy rate in Ackley, IA?
Ackley, IA vacancy trends elevated. Investors running standard buy-and-hold plays see reasonable downtime between tenants.
Is Ackley, IA a good market for FHA house hackers?
Ackley, IA offers a challenging house-hacking opportunity. Small multifamily or rent-by-the-room plays can pair well with the $828/mo rent level.
How much rent can I charge in Ackley, IA?
Ackley, IA rentals go for roughly $828/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $186K acquisition costs.
You know 50604 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 50604 ranks in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
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