Real Estate Investing in Iowa City, Iowa (52246)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52246 (Iowa City, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — home prices are stretched relative to local incomes. Run the math on your specific situation.
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 (52246)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 52246 Iowa City
This part of Johnson County is not an easy win. The 52246 ZIP registers softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $308K asset, 52246 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
ZIP 52246's metrics run below Johnson County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
Employment concentration in 52246 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
The right play in 52246 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 52246
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $145,074 | $980 | 4.9% | +6.0% | $145,074 |
| 2BR | $172,003 | $1,160 | 4.9% | +5.5% | $86,001 |
| 3BR | $298,584 | $1,610 | 3.9% | +5.5% | $99,528 |
| 4BR | $416,245 | $1,950 | 3.4% | +5.8% | $104,061 |
| 5BR | $554,130 | — | — | +5.7% | $110,826 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52246 Compare?
| Metric | 52246 | Iowa City | Iowa City, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $308,255 | $184,003 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.1% | 5.2% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,284 | $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 52246 (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 | $308,255 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,284 |
| Price-to-Rent | 20.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.0% |
| Cap Rate | 3.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +9.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.4% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -31.9% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -8.9% ▼ |
| 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 52246
Population: 21,944
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 52246
Schools in This ZIP Code
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 average home sale price in Iowa City, IA?
Median home price in Iowa City, IA is near $308K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been steady and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
How does Iowa City, IA rate as a rental market?
Iowa City, IA registers an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $308K and average rents around $1,284/mo. That combination puts it in the notable tier for investor interest.
What approach is best for Iowa City, IA real estate?
In Iowa City, IA the resilient play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $308K prices and $1,284/mo rents suits that approach.
Does house hacking make sense in Iowa City, IA?
House hacking in Iowa City, IA is a challenging. With home values around $308K and rents at $1,284/mo, owner-occupants can offset a meaningful share of PITI.
Is Iowa City, IA good for landlords?
The landlord environment in Iowa City, IA is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
You know 52246 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 52246 ranks in Iowa City, IA
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