Real Estate Investing in Ely, Iowa (52227)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52227 (Ely, 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.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 31.5 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Ely, IA (52227)?
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Market Analysis: 52227 Ely
ZIP 52227 inside Linn County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $378K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 52227 sits at the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
Nearby ZIPs in Ely have seen price recovery that 52227 has not matched. Linn County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
Who lives in 52227 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
looks to 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 Ely:
Property Strategy for 52227
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $191,913 | $1,110 | 4.2% | +6.3% | $95,957 |
| 3BR | $358,513 | $1,540 | 3.1% | +6.0% | $119,504 |
| 4BR | $401,469 | $1,860 | 3.3% | +5.3% | $100,367 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52227 Compare?
| Metric | 52227 | Ely | Cedar Rapids, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $378,064 | $378,064 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.8% | 5.8% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $999 | $999 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.1% | 2.1% | - | - |
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 52227 (Ely, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $378,064 |
| Monthly Rent | $999 |
| Price-to-Rent | 31.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.2% |
| Cap Rate | 2.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +6.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.8% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.0% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.1%). 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 52227
Population: 2,864
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 8,317 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home value in Ely, IA?
Typical homes in Ely, IA go for around $378K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% measured price movement.
How do landlord-tenant laws work in Ely, IA?
IA ranks as a landlord-friendly state for landlord-tenant law. Ely generally follows the statewide framework, so landlords face reasonable operating rules.
How much is rent in Ely, IA?
Ely, IA rentals go for roughly $999/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $378K acquisition costs.
Is Ely, IA suited for a house hack?
For house hackers, Ely, IA is a challenging. The $999/mo rent on a unit helps defray the mortgage on a $378K property.
How should investors approach Ely, IA?
In Ely, IA the healthy play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $378K prices and $999/mo rents suits that approach.
You know 52227 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 52227 ranks in Cedar Rapids, IA
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