Real Estate Investing in Marne, Iowa (51552)

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

Cass County • Population: 195 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 51552 (Marne, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
WEAK FIT
Grade F (35/100)

Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.

📈 For Investors
WEAK
2.0 / 5 (33/100)

Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.

⚠️ Risks to Know
1 flag
  • Elevated poverty: 36.2% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.

• 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 Marne, IA (51552)?

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2.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

0.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

3.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $194,745
Avg Monthly Rent $864
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income N/A
% Renters 29.8%

Market Analysis: 51552 Marne

ZIP 51552 inside Cass County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $195K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.

For an experienced owner, 51552 can be a a strong candidate for hunting ground — but the discount at $195K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.

In the broader IA picture, 51552 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.

The 51552 ZIP's population of 195 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that sits at the need for careful underwriting.

Strategically, 51552 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Marne:

Affordability
Affordable
Homes cost × the median income
Value Trend
Rising (+15.4%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $864/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
BALANCED
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
Bottom Line: This market may be challenging for buyers. Consider your timing and budget carefully.

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$198K$188K$178K$167K$157K$147KFeb 2022May 2024Jul 2026

📊 How Does 51552 Compare?

Metric 51552 Marne Iowa
Home Value $194,745 $194,745 $227,232
5-Year CAGR N/A N/A 6.0%
Avg Rent $864 $864 -
Cap Rate 3.5% 3.5% -
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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 51552 (Marne, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Investability
Fair
Cap Rate
3.5%
Low

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $194,745
Monthly Rent $864
Price-to-Rent 18.8:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 5.3%
Cap Rate 3.5%
5-Year IRR 10.8%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +15.4% ▲
3-Year CAGR +7.3% ▲
5-Year CAGR N/A
10-Year CAGR N/A

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year N/A
3-Year CAGR N/A
5-Year CAGR N/A
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 3.5%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

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.

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⚠️ Risk Signals

Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.

Vacancy
0.0%
Low risk
Landlord Climate
5.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
N/A
Stable
Eviction process: Fast Rent control: Favorable

Demographics in 51552

Population: 195

💰 Median Household Income
N/A
🏠 Renter Occupied
29.8%
This area
29.8%
State
19.7%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
1.6%
This area
1.6%
State
0.0%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
5.6%
This area
5.6%
State
18.8%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
54.0 years
This area
54.0 years
State
40.2 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
0.0%
This area
0.0%
State
11.7%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 99.0%
Other/Mixed 1.0%
👶 Under 18
8.8%
This area
8.8%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
8.8%
This area
8.8%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
36.2%
This area
36.2%
USA
11.5%

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 strong is Marne, IA for real estate investors?

Marne, IA rates 2.0/5 for investability. With median values at $195K and rents near $864/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.

What monthly rent should investors expect in Marne, IA?

Rental rates in Marne, IA average $864/mo. Tenant demand and $195K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.

Is Marne, IA better for rentals, flips, or BRRRR?

Marne, IA investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($195K prices, $864/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.

What is the median home value in Marne, IA?

Typical homes in Marne, IA go for around $195K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% even-keeled price movement.

How quickly do rentals get leased in Marne, IA?

Marne, IA carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect reliable absorption at market rents of $864/mo.

You know 51552 now. You don’t know where it ranks.

This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 51552 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.

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