Real Estate Investing in Irwin, Iowa (51446)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 51446 (Irwin, 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.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Irwin, IA (51446)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 51446 Irwin
On balance, ZIP 51446 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $159K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $159K asset, 51446 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
In the broader IA picture, 51446 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Demographically, 51446 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.
tilts toward the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Irwin:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 51446 Compare?
| Metric | 51446 | Irwin | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $158,749 | $158,749 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.8% | 5.8% | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $828 | $828 | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.1% | 4.1% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 51446 (Irwin, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $158,749 |
| Monthly Rent | $828 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.3% |
| Cap Rate | 4.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +8.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.8% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | N/A |
🏠 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 (4.1%). 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 51446
Population: 437
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 51446
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 is the investability score for Irwin, IA?
Yes - Irwin, IA a 3.0/5 investability score. With $159K home prices against $828/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
What are rental rates like in Irwin, IA?
Rental rates in Irwin, IA average $828/mo. Tenant demand and $159K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
What is the tenant pool like in Irwin, IA?
Expect a solid tenant pool in Irwin, IA. The rental market absorbs $828/mo rents without meaningful friction.
Does house hacking work in Irwin, IA?
House hacking works a challenging in Irwin, IA. Rents of $828/mo against $159K acquisition make the strategy solid for owner-occupants.
Do landlords face vacancy issues in Irwin, IA?
Expect elevated vacancy in Irwin, IA. Rents at $828/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
You know 51446 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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