Real Estate Investing in Ruthven, Iowa (51358)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 51358 (Ruthven, 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.
- High vacancy: 35.2% 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 Ruthven, IA (51358)?
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Market Analysis: 51358 Ruthven
This part of Palo Alto County is not an easy win. The 51358 ZIP records softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
The 51358 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
Nearby ZIPs in Ruthven have seen price recovery that 51358 has not matched. Palo Alto County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
The demographic picture in 51358 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Ruthven averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
New investors are better served looking at Ruthven's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 51358. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Ruthven:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 51358 Compare?
| Metric | 51358 | Ruthven | Spencer, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $189,197 | $189,197 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.5% | 6.5% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $828 | $828 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.4% | 3.4% | - | - |
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 51358 (Ruthven, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $189,197 |
| Monthly Rent | $828 |
| Price-to-Rent | 19.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.3% |
| Cap Rate | 3.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.1% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.4%). 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 51358
Population: 1,277
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 51358
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
What kind of market is Ruthven, IA for investors?
Investors tracking Ruthven, IA will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $189K median home values and $828/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting predictable returns.
What do landlords charge for rent in Ruthven, IA?
Rent in Ruthven, IA is around $828/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $189K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
Is rental property easy to operate in Ruthven, IA?
Landlord-friendliness in Ruthven, IA is landlord-friendly. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.
What is the typical vacancy rate in Ruthven, IA?
Ruthven, IA vacancy trends elevated. Investors running standard buy-and-hold plays see reasonable downtime between tenants.
How deep is the rental pool in Ruthven, IA?
The tenant pool in Ruthven, IA is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $828/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
You know 51358 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 51358 ranks in Spencer, IA
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