Real Estate Investing in Marcus, Iowa (51035)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 51035 (Marcus, 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: 12.1% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Marcus, IA (51035)?
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Market Analysis: 51035 Marcus
This part of Cherokee County is not an easy win. The 51035 ZIP reflects softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
Put differently, the numbers look inviting — $187K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 51035 is substantial and deserves full respect.
Within IA, ZIP 51035 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Cherokee County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and durable enough to shape underwriting.
Employment concentration in 51035 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
New investors are better served looking at Marcus's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 51035. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Marcus:
Property Strategy for 51035
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $137,781 | $1,140 | 6.0% | — | $68,890 |
| 3BR | $199,806 | $1,590 | 5.7% | — | $66,602 |
| 4BR | $226,674 | $1,760 | 5.6% | — | $56,669 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 51035 Compare?
| Metric | 51035 | Marcus | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $187,233 | $187,233 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.6% | 4.6% | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,026 | $1,026 | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.3% | 4.3% | - |
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 51035 (Marcus, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $187,233 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,026 |
| Price-to-Rent | 15.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.6% |
| Cap Rate | 4.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +1.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.6% ▲ |
🏠 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 (4.3%). 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 51035
Population: 1,664
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 51035
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 Marcus, IA a smart market for rental property?
The 3.0/5 investability rating in Marcus, IA reflects its $187K prices and $1,026/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within IA.
Does Marcus, IA favor landlords or tenants?
Marcus, IA operates under IA law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect consistent treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
What is the average monthly rent in Marcus, IA?
Expect rents around $1,026/mo per month in Marcus, IA. With home values at $187K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
Can I live-in-and-rent in Marcus, IA?
House hacking in Marcus, IA is a challenging. With home values around $187K and rents at $1,026/mo, owner-occupants can offset a meaningful share of PITI.
What is the rental occupancy rate in Marcus, IA?
Occupancy in Marcus, IA runs even-keeled with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $1,026/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
You know 51035 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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