Real Estate Investing in Scranton, Iowa (51462)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 51462 (Scranton, 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.
- Elevated vacancy: 9.4% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
• 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 Scranton, IA (51462)?
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Market Analysis: 51462 Scranton
ZIP 51462 inside Greene County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $193K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
The investment case in 51462 is durable only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $193K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
Nearby ZIPs in Scranton have seen price recovery that 51462 has not matched. Greene County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
A robust renter share of 26% in 51462 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 51462 workable. Turnkey investors from out of state usually find the numbers do not hold up in practice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Scranton:
Property Strategy for 51462
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $78,826 | $960 | 8.8% | +8.4% | $39,413 |
| 3BR | $170,787 | $1,340 | 5.6% | +9.8% | $56,929 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 51462 Compare?
| Metric | 51462 | Scranton | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $193,142 | $193,142 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 9.7% | 9.7% | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $864 | $864 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% | 3.5% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 51462 (Scranton, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $193,142 |
| Monthly Rent | $864 |
| Price-to-Rent | 18.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.4% |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 13.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +10.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +7.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +9.7% ▲ |
| 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 (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 51462
Population: 940
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scranton, IA a friendly market for rental owners?
Scranton, IA falls under IA landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
Should investors consider Scranton, IA?
With a 3.0/5 investability score, Scranton, IA ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $193K and rents of $864/mo drive the underlying numbers.
What is the renter demographic in Scranton, IA?
Tenant quality in Scranton, IA ranks as solid. Landlords generally report consistent occupancy at market rents of $864/mo.
Is Scranton, IA good for house hacking?
The house hack math a challenging in Scranton, IA. Owner-occupant buyers benefit from the $864/mo rents and $193K home values.
What price range are homes in Scranton, IA?
The median home value in Scranton, IA is roughly $193K. That puts it reasonable relative to the IA statewide average.
You know 51462 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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