Real Estate Investing in Marengo, Iowa (52220)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52220 (Marengo, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- Elevated vacancy: 9.6% 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 Marengo, IA (52220)?
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Market Analysis: 52220 Marengo
The 52220 ZIP covers a section of Marengo that demands careful diligence. Prices near $202K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
For an experienced owner, 52220 can be a a viable market for hunting ground — but the discount at $202K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
In the broader IA picture, 52220 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Demographically, 52220 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
Strategically, 52220 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 Marengo:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52220 Compare?
| Metric | 52220 | Marengo | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $201,997 | $199,422 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | 6.0% | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $846 | $842 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.3% | 3.3% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 52220 (Marengo, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $201,997 |
| Monthly Rent | $846 |
| Price-to-Rent | 19.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.0% |
| Cap Rate | 3.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +3.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 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 (3.3%). 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 52220
Population: 128
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
Is Marengo in IA worth investing in?
Investors tracking Marengo, IA will find a 2.0/5 rating supported by $202K median home values and $846/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting stable returns.
How do experienced investors play Marengo, IA?
The best-fit strategy in Marengo, IA is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
What is the average monthly rent in Marengo, IA?
Expect rents around $846/mo per month in Marengo, IA. With home values at $202K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
How high is vacancy risk in Marengo, IA?
Marengo, IA carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect measured absorption at market rents of $846/mo.
How expensive is real estate in Marengo, IA?
Median home price in Marengo, IA is near $202K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been consistent and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
You know 52220 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 52220 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
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