Real Estate Investing in Walford, Iowa (52351)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52351 (Walford, 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.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Walford, IA (52351)?
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Market Analysis: 52351 Walford
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Walford's 52351 ZIP stands at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $349K pricing implies.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 52351 reflects the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
Nearby ZIPs in Walford have seen price recovery that 52351 has not matched. Benton County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
The 52351 ZIP's population of 1,318 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that comes in at the need for careful underwriting.
The 52351 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Walford:
Property Strategy for 52351
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $307,653 | $1,930 | 4.5% | +6.7% | $102,551 |
| 4BR | $329,251 | $2,270 | 5.0% | +5.9% | $82,313 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52351 Compare?
| Metric | 52351 | Walford | Cedar Rapids, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $348,804 | $348,804 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.6% | 6.6% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,278 | $1,278 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% | 2.9% | - | - |
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 52351 (Walford, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $348,804 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,278 |
| Price-to-Rent | 22.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.4% |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +11.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.9% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.9%). 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 52351
Population: 1,318
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
How much do tenants pay in Walford, IA?
Rent in Walford, IA is around $1,278/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $349K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
What investment strategy works best in Walford, IA?
In Walford, IA the durable play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $349K prices and $1,278/mo rents suits that approach.
Should investors worry about vacancy in Walford, IA?
Vacancy in Walford, IA is elevated, which keeps landlord downtime on reasonable timelines. Most properties lease within the standard window at $1,278/mo.
Is IA a landlord-friendly state?
The landlord environment in Walford, IA is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
What is the median home value in Walford, IA?
Typical homes in Walford, IA go for around $349K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% reliable price movement.
You know 52351 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 52351 ranks in Cedar Rapids, IA
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