Real Estate Investing in Defiance, Iowa (51527)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 51527 (Defiance, 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 Defiance, IA (51527)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 51527 Defiance
ZIP 51527 inside Shelby County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $213K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 51527 registers the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
ZIP 51527's metrics run below Shelby County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
A solid renter share of 10% in 51527 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 51527 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 Defiance:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 51527 Compare?
| Metric | 51527 | Defiance | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $212,605 | $212,605 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.3% | 6.3% | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $828 | $828 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% | 3.0% | - |
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 51527 (Defiance, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 51527 (Defiance, IA)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $212,605 |
| Monthly Rent | $828 |
| Price-to-Rent | 21.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.7% |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.3% ▲ |
| 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 (3.0%). 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 51527
Population: 346
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
How tight is the rental market in Defiance, IA?
Vacancy risk in Defiance, IA is elevated. That supports predictable cash flow for typical rental holds.
What kind of tenants rent in Defiance, IA?
Defiance, IA offers a reliable renter base at the $828/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Defiance, IA?
Expect median prices around $213K in Defiance, IA. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been stable.
How strict are landlord regulations in Defiance, IA?
Defiance, IA operates under IA law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect measured treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
Where do rents currently stand in Defiance, IA?
The typical rental in Defiance, IA commands about $828/mo monthly. That rent profile even-keeled cash flow against the $213K purchase basis.
You know 51527 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 51527 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 51527 (Defiance)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 51527 (Defiance, IA).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.