Real Estate Investing in Waterloo, Iowa (50702)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 50702 (Waterloo, 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.
What’s happening in Waterloo, IA (50702)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 50702 Waterloo
The 50702 ZIP covers a section of Waterloo that demands careful diligence. Prices near $152K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
Rent of $888/mo on a $152K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 50702 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
The gap between 50702 and stronger Waterloo ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
Demographically, 50702 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. robust returns are possible in 50702, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Waterloo:
Property Strategy for 50702
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $63,370 | $810 | 9.2% | +5.5% | $63,370 |
| 2BR | $119,889 | $1,060 | 6.4% | +6.6% | $59,944 |
| 3BR | $170,982 | $1,370 | 5.8% | +6.2% | $56,994 |
| 4BR | $196,892 | $1,780 | 6.5% | +6.5% | $49,223 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50702 Compare?
| Metric | 50702 | Waterloo | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $151,571 | $146,058 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.1% | 4.8% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $888 | $933 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.6% | 5.3% | - | - |
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 50702 (Waterloo, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $151,571 |
| Monthly Rent | $888 |
| Price-to-Rent | 14.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 7.0% |
| Cap Rate | 4.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +1.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.6% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -0.7% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (4.6%). 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 50702
Population: 21,197
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 50702
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (2 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Bunger Middle School
Poyner Elementary
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.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 3,042 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tight is the rental market in Waterloo, IA?
Waterloo, IA sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader IA rental market.
How does Waterloo, IA stack up for property investment?
The 3.0/5 investability rating in Waterloo, IA reflects its $152K prices and $888/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within IA.
What real estate strategy is ideal for Waterloo, IA?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Waterloo, IA. The numbers - $152K homes against $888/mo rents - support that play.
How landlord-friendly is Waterloo, IA?
IA law landlord-friendly for landlords, and Waterloo inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.
Where do home prices stand in Waterloo, IA?
Typical homes in Waterloo, IA go for around $152K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% consistent price movement.
You know 50702 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 50702 ranks in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
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