Real Estate Investing in La Motte, Iowa (52054)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52054 (La Motte, 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: 8.4% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 36.9 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• 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 La Motte, IA (52054)?
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Market Analysis: 52054 La Motte
The 52054 ZIP covers a section of La Motte that demands careful diligence. Prices near $375K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
The investment case in 52054 is durable only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $375K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
Regionally, 52054 sits on the difficult end of the IA spectrum. The worth a close look for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
The demographic picture in 52054 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than La Motte averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
Strategically, 52054 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.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in La Motte:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52054 Compare?
| Metric | 52054 | La Motte | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $375,040 | $375,040 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 8.7% | 8.7% | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $846 | $846 | - |
| Cap Rate | 1.8% | 1.8% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 52054 (La Motte, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $375,040 |
| Monthly Rent | $846 |
| Price-to-Rent | 36.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 2.7% |
| Cap Rate | 1.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +13.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +8.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +8.7% ▲ |
| 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 (1.8%). 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 52054
Population: 769
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vacancy a concern in La Motte, IA?
Expect elevated vacancy in La Motte, IA. Rents at $846/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
How does La Motte, IA stack up for property investment?
Yes - La Motte, IA a 3.0/5 investability score. With $375K home prices against $846/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
How expensive is real estate in La Motte, IA?
The median home value in La Motte, IA is roughly $375K. That puts it reasonable relative to the IA statewide average.
Are eviction rules reasonable in La Motte, IA?
La Motte, IA falls under IA landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
What kind of tenants rent in La Motte, IA?
Tenant quality in La Motte, IA ranks as solid. Landlords generally report consistent occupancy at market rents of $846/mo.
You know 52054 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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