Real Estate Investing in Guernsey, Iowa (52221)
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Should you buy in 52221 (Guernsey, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — values have been flat. OK for long-horizon buyers, less attractive if you may need to sell soon.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
• 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 Guernsey, IA (52221)?
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Market Analysis: 52221 Guernsey
ZIP 52221 in Guernsey, IA carries a healthy set of headwinds. Home values near $218K and rents of $837/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
For an experienced owner, 52221 can be a a credible choice for hunting ground — but the discount at $218K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Nearby ZIPs in Guernsey have seen price recovery that 52221 has not matched. Poweshiek County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
Employment concentration in 52221 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
Strategically, 52221 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 Guernsey:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52221 Compare?
| Metric | 52221 | Guernsey | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $217,669 | $217,669 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $837 | $837 | - |
| 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 52221 (Guernsey, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $217,669 |
| Monthly Rent | $837 |
| Price-to-Rent | 21.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.6% |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +15.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.6% ▲ |
| 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 (3.0%). 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 52221
Population: 328
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
How quickly do rentals get leased in Guernsey, IA?
Vacancy risk in Guernsey, IA is elevated. That supports measured cash flow for typical rental holds.
What is the best play in Guernsey, IA?
For Guernsey, IA, careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management is the standard investor playbook. The market structure makes it a reasonable default approach.
Should investors consider Guernsey, IA?
With a 2.0/5 investability score, Guernsey, IA ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $218K and rents of $837/mo drive the underlying numbers.
What does house hacking look like in Guernsey, IA?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Guernsey, IA reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
What monthly rent should investors expect in Guernsey, IA?
Rental rates in Guernsey, IA average $837/mo. Tenant demand and $218K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
You know 52221 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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