Real Estate Investing in Hiawatha, Iowa (52233)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52233 (Hiawatha, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- Elevated vacancy: 9.0% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Hiawatha, IA (52233)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 52233 Hiawatha
ZIP 52233 inside Linn County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $264K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 52233 shows the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
Statewide comparisons place 52233 among IA's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
The demographic picture in 52233 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Hiawatha averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 52233 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 Hiawatha:
Property Strategy for 52233
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $117,375 | $970 | 6.0% | +9.1% | $58,688 |
| 3BR | $242,055 | $1,350 | 4.0% | +6.0% | $80,685 |
| 4BR | $358,789 | $1,630 | 3.3% | +5.0% | $89,697 |
| 5BR | $452,238 | — | — | +4.1% | $90,448 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52233 Compare?
| Metric | 52233 | Hiawatha | Cedar Rapids, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $264,435 | $264,435 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.4% | 5.4% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $932 | $932 | N/A | - |
| 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 52233 (Hiawatha, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $264,435 |
| Monthly Rent | $932 |
| Price-to-Rent | 23.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.2% |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +6.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.2% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -13.7% ▼ |
| 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 52233
Population: 7,008
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 52233
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Garfield Elementary School
Kenwood Leadership Academy School
Pierce Elementary School
Arthur Elementary School
Wright Elementary School
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.
🎓 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 do landlords charge for rent in Hiawatha, IA?
Rent in Hiawatha, IA is around $932/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $264K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
What is the tenant pool like in Hiawatha, IA?
Expect a solid tenant pool in Hiawatha, IA. The rental market absorbs $932/mo rents without meaningful friction.
What investment strategy works best in Hiawatha, IA?
Most investors in Hiawatha, IA run a careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy. It aligns with the 3.0/5 investability profile and the market fundamentals.
Are landlord laws favorable in Hiawatha, IA?
Rental owners in Hiawatha, IA deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
How high is vacancy risk in Hiawatha, IA?
Vacancy risk in Hiawatha, IA is elevated. That supports reliable cash flow for typical rental holds.
You know 52233 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 52233 ranks in Cedar Rapids, IA
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