Real Estate Investing in Crescent, Iowa (51526)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 51526 (Crescent, 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.
- Elevated vacancy: 9.0% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 31.0 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Crescent, IA (51526)?
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Market Analysis: 51526 Crescent
Investors eyeing 51526 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $392K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
Rent of $1,053/mo on a $392K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 51526 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
ZIP 51526's metrics run below Pottawattamie County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
Demographically, 51526 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.
New investors are better served looking at Crescent's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 51526. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Crescent:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 51526 Compare?
| Metric | 51526 | Crescent | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $391,903 | $391,903 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 7.4% | 7.4% | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,053 | $1,053 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.1% | 2.1% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 51526 (Crescent, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $391,903 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,053 |
| Price-to-Rent | 31.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.2% |
| Cap Rate | 2.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.3% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.1%). 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 51526
Population: 1,694
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
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 5,849 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to find good tenants in Crescent, IA?
Tenant demand in Crescent, IA is solid. The local workforce $1,053/mo rents across most rental classes.
How strict are landlord regulations in Crescent, IA?
Crescent, IA operates under IA law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect steady treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
What is the median home value in Crescent, IA?
Expect median prices around $392K in Crescent, IA. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been steady.
Does a duplex house hack pencil in Crescent, IA?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Crescent, IA reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
How much is rent in Crescent, IA?
Rents in Crescent, IA run near $1,053/mo. Compared with median home prices of $392K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
You know 51526 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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