Real Estate Investing in Waukon, Iowa (52172)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52172 (Waukon, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- Elevated vacancy: 10.4% 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 Waukon, IA (52172)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 52172 Waukon
ZIP 52172 inside Allamakee County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $248K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
The 52172 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
Within IA, ZIP 52172 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Allamakee County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and significant enough to shape underwriting.
Who lives in 52172 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 52172 workable. Turnkey investors from out of state usually find the numbers do not hold up in practice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Waukon:
Property Strategy for 52172
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $169,967 | $990 | 4.2% | +7.3% | $84,984 |
| 3BR | $219,839 | $1,380 | 4.5% | +7.9% | $73,280 |
| 4BR | $282,061 | $1,510 | 3.9% | +8.1% | $70,515 |
| 5BR | $363,767 | — | — | +8.3% | $72,753 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52172 Compare?
| Metric | 52172 | Waukon | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $247,984 | $247,984 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 7.5% | 7.5% | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $891 | $891 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% | 2.8% | - |
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 52172 (Waukon, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $247,984 |
| Monthly Rent | $891 |
| Price-to-Rent | 23.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.3% |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +9.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +7.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.2% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.8%). 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 52172
Population: 5,986
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 52172
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
What is the typical vacancy rate in Waukon, IA?
Occupancy in Waukon, IA runs stable with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $891/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
How strong are rents in Waukon, IA?
The typical rental in Waukon, IA commands about $891/mo monthly. That rent profile stable cash flow against the $248K purchase basis.
How strict are landlord regulations in Waukon, IA?
Waukon, IA operates under IA law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect stable treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
Is the tenant base reliable in Waukon, IA?
The renter base in Waukon, IA is reasonable for the $891/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields predictable tenants.
Is Waukon in IA worth investing in?
Our data puts Waukon, IA at 3.0/5 for investability. Home prices of $248K and rents around $891/mo create a solid backdrop for investor activity.
You know 52172 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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