Real Estate Investing in Fairfax, Iowa (52228)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52228 (Fairfax, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — stable market with a reasonable entry point and good rental backup if you ever need to move.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Fairfax, IA (52228)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 52228 Fairfax
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Fairfax's 52228 ZIP clocks in at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $341K pricing implies.
From an investor standpoint, the numbers look inviting — $341K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 52228 is substantial and deserves full respect.
Nearby ZIPs in Fairfax have seen price recovery that 52228 has not matched. Linn data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
Employment concentration in 52228 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
Strategy in 52228 is an operator game, not a passive one. Turning to rents, entry prices of $341K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Fairfax:
Property Strategy for 52228
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $241,890 | $1,610 | 4.8% | +5.8% | $120,945 |
| 3BR | $323,772 | $2,230 | 5.0% | +5.7% | $107,924 |
| 4BR | $372,172 | $2,680 | 5.2% | +5.3% | $93,043 |
| 5BR | $474,762 | — | — | +5.3% | $94,952 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52228 Compare?
| Metric | 52228 | Fairfax | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $340,979 | $340,979 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.0% | 5.0% | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,449 | $1,449 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.3% | 3.3% | - |
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 52228 (Fairfax, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 52228 (Fairfax, IA)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $340,979 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,449 |
| Price-to-Rent | 19.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.1% |
| Cap Rate | 3.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.0% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.4% ▲ |
🏠 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 52228
Population: 3,865
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
Is Fairfax, IA a smart market for rental property?
The 3.0/5 investability rating in Fairfax, IA reflects its $341K prices and $1,449/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within IA.
What investment strategy works best in Fairfax, IA?
In Fairfax, IA the sturdy play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $341K prices and $1,449/mo rents suits that approach.
Is rental property easy to operate in Fairfax, IA?
The landlord environment in Fairfax, IA is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
What is the tenant pool like in Fairfax, IA?
The tenant pool in Fairfax, IA is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $1,449/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
What is the rental occupancy rate in Fairfax, IA?
Occupancy in Fairfax, IA runs stable with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $1,449/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
You know 52228 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 52228 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.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 52228 (Fairfax)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 52228 (Fairfax, IA).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.