Real Estate Investing in Woodbine, Iowa (51579)

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

Harrison County • Population: 2,205 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 51579 (Woodbine, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
MIXED
Grade C (65/100)

Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.

📈 For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5 (47/100)

A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.

⚠️ Risks to Know
1 flag
  • High vacancy: 14.1% of homes vacant — above national norms.

• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.

What’s happening in Woodbine, IA (51579)?

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3.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

3.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

3.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $242,041
Avg Monthly Rent $954
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income $72,143
% Renters 20.0%

Market Analysis: 51579 Woodbine

Not every below-median market is a bargain. Woodbine's 51579 ZIP shows signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $242K pricing implies.

The investment case in 51579 is impressive only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $242K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.

The gap between 51579 and stronger Woodbine ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.

The 51579 ZIP's population of 2,205 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that comes in at the need for careful underwriting.

Strategy in 51579 is an operator game, not a passive one. Looking more closely, entry prices of $242K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.

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 Woodbine:

B Good
Buy Confidence Score: 75/100
Affordability
20/25
Appreciation
25/25
Stability
7/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Moderate
Homes cost 3.4× the median income
Value Trend
Rising (+10.8%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $954/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
BALANCED
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
Bottom Line: Mixed signals in this market. Research specific properties carefully and be prepared to negotiate.
🏠

Property Strategy for 51579

Which property type performs best in this market?

Best for Cash Flow
2BR
5.1% cap rate
Best for Appreciation
2BR
+8.8% 5yr CAGR
Best Overall Value
4BR
$67,646/bedroom
📊 Compare All Property Types →
Type Median Value Est. Rent Cap Rate 5yr CAGR $/Bedroom
2BR $150,358 $1,060 5.1% +8.8% $75,179
3BR $235,988 $1,400 4.3% +8.4% $78,663
4BR $270,582 $1,590 4.2% $67,646

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$255K$220K$186K$152K$118K$84KApr 2010Jun 2018Jul 2026

📊 How Does 51579 Compare?

Metric 51579 Woodbine Iowa
Home Value $242,041 $242,041 $227,232
5-Year CAGR 7.4% 7.4% 6.0%
Avg Rent $954 $954 -
Cap Rate 3.1% 3.1% -
💡 Why Invest in 51579? Click to expand

With a 3/5 investability rating, this ZIP shows solid fundamentals for buy-and-hold investors.

📊 See where this ZIP ranks in our Best-of lists →
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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 51579 (Woodbine, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Investability
Good
Cap Rate
3.1%
Low
5yr Growth
+7.4%
Strong

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $242,041
Monthly Rent $954
Price-to-Rent 21.1:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 4.7%
Cap Rate 3.1%
5-Year IRR 10.5%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +10.8% ▲
3-Year CAGR +7.6% ▲
5-Year CAGR +7.4% ▲
10-Year CAGR +6.5% ▲

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year N/A
3-Year CAGR N/A
5-Year CAGR N/A
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 3.1%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.1%). 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.

Vacancy
14.1%
Moderate risk
Landlord Climate
5.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
+7.4%
Growing
Eviction process: Fast Rent control: Favorable

Demographics in 51579

Population: 2,205

💰 Median Household Income
$72,143
This area
$72,143
State
$71,886
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
20.0%
This area
20.0%
State
19.7%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
0.8%
This area
0.8%
State
0.0%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
23.1%
This area
23.1%
State
18.8%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
36.8 years
This area
36.8 years
State
40.2 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
14.1%
This area
14.1%
State
11.7%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 96.7%
Other/Mixed 2.1%
Asian 1.1%
Hispanic/Latino 0.8%
👶 Under 18
29.0%
This area
29.0%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
19.0%
This area
19.0%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
5.0%
This area
5.0%
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

🎓 Schools in 51579

B+ Avg School Grade
2 Schools
15.2:1 Avg Class Size
$16,352 Avg Per Pupil

Schools in This ZIP Code

B+ Above Average

Woodbine Elementary School

📚 Pre-K – 04 Elementary
👥
265 Students
👨‍🏫
14.2:1 Class Size
💰
$16,352 Per Student
B+ Above Average

Woodbine High School

📚 05 – 12 High School
👥
301 Students
👨‍🏫
16.2:1 Class Size
💰
$16,352 Per Student
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

How much should I expect to pay for a home in Woodbine, IA?

Expect median prices around $242K in Woodbine, IA. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been consistent.

How strong is Woodbine, IA for real estate investors?

Woodbine, IA rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $242K and rents near $954/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.

How strong is tenant demand in Woodbine, IA?

Working renters make up the core of the Woodbine, IA tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.

Which real estate strategy fits Woodbine, IA?

The best-fit strategy in Woodbine, IA is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.

Are landlord laws favorable in Woodbine, IA?

Woodbine, IA operates under IA law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect even-keeled treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.

You know 51579 now. You don’t know where it ranks.

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How 51579 ranks in Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA

Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.

Cash Flow → Appreciation → Affordable →
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