Real Estate Investing in Fort Atkinson, Iowa (52144)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52144 (Fort Atkinson, 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.
- High vacancy: 17.0% 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 Fort Atkinson, IA (52144)?
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Market Analysis: 52144 Fort Atkinson
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Fort Atkinson's 52144 ZIP sits at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $326K pricing implies.
The investment case in 52144 is substantial only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $326K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
Regionally, 52144 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.
Employment concentration in 52144 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
trends toward the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Fort Atkinson:
Property Strategy for 52144
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $274,695 | $1,740 | 4.6% | — | $91,565 |
| 4BR | $351,250 | $1,750 | 3.6% | — | $87,812 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52144 Compare?
| Metric | 52144 | Fort Atkinson | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $325,554 | $325,554 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 8.8% | 8.8% | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,188 | $1,188 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% | 2.9% | - |
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 52144 (Fort Atkinson, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $325,554 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,188 |
| Price-to-Rent | 22.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.4% |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 11.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +9.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +8.8% ▲ |
| 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 (2.9%). 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 52144
Population: 1,056
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
Investor Insight: With 1,930 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is real estate in Fort Atkinson, IA a good investment right now?
Investors tracking Fort Atkinson, IA will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $326K median home values and $1,188/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting measured returns.
Are eviction rules reasonable in Fort Atkinson, IA?
Fort Atkinson, IA operates under IA law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect stable treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
What type of investing works in Fort Atkinson, IA?
In Fort Atkinson, IA the durable play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $326K prices and $1,188/mo rents suits that approach.
What kind of tenants rent in Fort Atkinson, IA?
Tenant demand in Fort Atkinson, IA is solid. The local workforce $1,188/mo rents across most rental classes.
How high is vacancy risk in Fort Atkinson, IA?
Fort Atkinson, IA sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader IA rental market.
You know 52144 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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