Real Estate Investing in Thurman, Iowa (51654)

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

Fremont County • Population: 301 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 51654 (Thurman, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
GOOD FIT
Grade B (70/100)

Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.

📈 For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5 (52/100)

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

⚠️ Risks to Know
1 flag
  • Elevated vacancy: 8.6% 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 Thurman, IA (51654)?

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3.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

3.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

4.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $230,367
Avg Monthly Rent $1,242
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income $73,750
% Renters 24.4%

Market Analysis: 51654 Thurman

ZIP 51654 in Thurman, IA carries a notable set of headwinds. Home values near $230K and rents of $1,242/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.

If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $230K asset, 51654 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.

The gap between 51654 and stronger Thurman ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.

Employment concentration in 51654 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.

Strategically, 51654 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 Thurman:

B Good
Buy Confidence Score: 72/100
Affordability
20/25
Appreciation
22/25
Stability
7/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Moderate
Homes cost 3.1× the median income
Value Trend
Rising (+21.7%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $1,242/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.

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$239K$215K$191K$168K$144K$120KFeb 2019Nov 2022Jul 2026

📊 How Does 51654 Compare?

Metric 51654 Thurman Iowa
Home Value $230,367 $230,367 $227,232
5-Year CAGR 6.6% 6.6% 6.0%
Avg Rent $1,242 $1,242 -
Cap Rate 4.2% 4.2% -
💡 Why Invest in 51654? Click to expand

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

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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 51654 (Thurman, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Investability
Good
Cap Rate
4.2%
Fair
5yr Growth
+6.6%
Strong

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $230,367
Monthly Rent $1,242
Price-to-Rent 15.5:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 6.5%
Cap Rate 4.2%
5-Year IRR 10.8%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +21.7% ▲
3-Year CAGR +7.9% ▲
5-Year CAGR +6.6% ▲
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: 4.2%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (4.2%). 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
8.6%
Moderate risk
Landlord Climate
5.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
+6.6%
Growing
Eviction process: Fast Rent control: Favorable

Demographics in 51654

Population: 301

💰 Median Household Income
$73,750
This area
$73,750
State
$71,886
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
24.4%
This area
24.4%
State
19.7%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
1.1%
This area
1.1%
State
0.0%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
27.9%
This area
27.9%
State
18.8%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
48.5 years
This area
48.5 years
State
40.2 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
8.6%
This area
8.6%
State
11.7%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 86.5%
Other/Mixed 12.9%
Hispanic/Latino 5.0%
Black/African American 0.6%
👶 Under 18
26.7%
This area
26.7%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
13.2%
This area
13.2%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
13.3%
This area
13.3%
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

What is the smart move for investors in Thurman, IA?

In Thurman, IA the healthy play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $230K prices and $1,242/mo rents suits that approach.

Are tenants stable in Thurman, IA?

Thurman, IA draws a stable base of working renters. Demand at the $1,242/mo rent level is reasonable for standard single-family and small multi rentals.

Do rentals sit vacant long in Thurman, IA?

Rental vacancy in Thurman, IA is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.

What are home prices like in Thurman, IA?

The median home value in Thurman, IA is roughly $230K. That puts it reasonable relative to the IA statewide average.

Is Thurman, IA a smart market for rental property?

The 3.0/5 investability rating in Thurman, IA reflects its $230K prices and $1,242/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within IA.

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