Real Estate Investing in Iowa City, Iowa (52245)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52245 (Iowa City, 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.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Iowa City, IA (52245)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 52245 Iowa City
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Iowa City's 52245 ZIP sits at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $330K pricing implies.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 52245 registers the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
In the broader IA picture, 52245 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Demographically, 52245 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.
The right play in 52245 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Iowa City:
Property Strategy for 52245
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $206,890 | $1,090 | 3.8% | +5.2% | $206,890 |
| 2BR | $225,588 | $1,290 | 4.1% | +5.2% | $112,794 |
| 3BR | $294,196 | $1,790 | 4.4% | +5.2% | $98,065 |
| 4BR | $370,979 | $2,160 | 4.2% | +5.3% | $92,745 |
| 5BR | $487,305 | — | — | +5.3% | $97,461 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52245 Compare?
| Metric | 52245 | Iowa City | Iowa City, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $329,825 | $184,003 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.1% | 5.2% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,401 | $1,305 | N/A | - |
| 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 52245 (Iowa City, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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Property managers serving Johnson County
Manage rentals here? List your business →KMB Property Management offers management services, including HOA management, and provides resources for residents and clients. summary from their website
Keystone Property Management Group offers property management services. summary from their website
Nest Property Management offers full-service property management to owners and investors in Iowa City, including student housing and tenant resources. summary from their website
Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $329,825 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,401 |
| Price-to-Rent | 19.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.1% |
| Cap Rate | 3.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.3% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -27.6% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -8.2% ▼ |
| 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 52245
Population: 22,765
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 52245
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Longfellow Elementary School
Mark Twain Elementary
Alexander Elementary
Grant Wood Elementary School
Herbert Hoover 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical renter like in Iowa City, IA?
Iowa City, IA offers a reliable renter base at the $1,401/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
Is Iowa City, IA a smart market for rental property?
The 3.0/5 investability rating in Iowa City, IA reflects its $330K prices and $1,401/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within IA.
How do home values compare in Iowa City, IA?
Homes in Iowa City, IA typically sell near $330K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which predictable long-term demand.
Can I house hack in Iowa City, IA?
Iowa City, IA offers a challenging house-hacking opportunity. Small multifamily or rent-by-the-room plays can pair well with the $1,401/mo rent level.
What strategy should investors use in Iowa City, IA?
A careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy Iowa City, IA best. The market produces steady results for that approach at the $330K price point.
You know 52245 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 52245 ranks in Iowa City, IA
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