Real Estate Investing in Monona, Iowa (52159)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52159 (Monona, 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: 11.7% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Monona, IA (52159)?
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Market Analysis: 52159 Monona
The 52159 ZIP in Monona, IA is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $245K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
The 52159 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
Statewide comparisons place 52159 among IA's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
The 52159 ZIP's population of 2,488 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that clocks in at the need for careful underwriting.
The 52159 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Monona:
Property Strategy for 52159
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $141,337 | $1,060 | 5.4% | +5.6% | $70,668 |
| 3BR | $171,005 | $1,330 | 5.6% | +5.8% | $57,002 |
| 4BR | $216,030 | $1,520 | 5.1% | +7.0% | $54,007 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52159 Compare?
| Metric | 52159 | Monona | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $244,918 | $244,918 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.5% | 6.5% | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $954 | $954 | - |
| 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 52159 (Monona, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $244,918 |
| Monthly Rent | $954 |
| Price-to-Rent | 21.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.7% |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +13.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.5% ▲ |
🏠 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 52159
Population: 2,488
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 52159
Schools in This ZIP Code
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 should investors approach Monona, IA?
In Monona, IA the solid play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $245K prices and $954/mo rents suits that approach.
How quickly do rentals get leased in Monona, IA?
Monona, IA carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect steady absorption at market rents of $954/mo.
How strong is Monona, IA for real estate investors?
Monona, IA rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $245K and rents near $954/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
How landlord-friendly is Monona, IA?
Landlord-friendliness in Monona, IA is landlord-friendly. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.
What are home prices like in Monona, IA?
Median home price in Monona, IA is near $245K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been even-keeled and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
You know 52159 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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