Real Estate Investing in West Branch, Iowa (52358)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52358 (West Branch, 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.
- High vacancy: 12.7% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 25.4 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in West Branch, IA (52358)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 52358 West Branch
ZIP 52358 inside Cedar County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $302K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
For an experienced owner, 52358 can be a an appealing option for hunting ground — but the discount at $302K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Within IA, ZIP 52358 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Cedar County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and robust enough to shape underwriting.
From an investor standpoint, 3,752 residents fill the ZIP, renter turnover runs higher than neighboring postal codes and delinquency risk is a real line item rather than a theoretical one.
The 52358 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 West Branch:
Property Strategy for 52358
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $204,935 | $1,100 | 3.9% | +5.5% | $102,468 |
| 3BR | $278,039 | $1,440 | 3.7% | +5.8% | $92,680 |
| 4BR | $339,207 | $1,680 | 3.6% | +5.1% | $84,802 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52358 Compare?
| Metric | 52358 | West Branch | Iowa City, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $302,230 | $302,230 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.1% | 5.1% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $990 | $990 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% | 2.6% | - | - |
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 52358 (West Branch, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $302,230 |
| Monthly Rent | $990 |
| Price-to-Rent | 25.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.9% |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.1% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.6%). 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 52358
Population: 3,752
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 52358
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
How landlord-friendly is West Branch, IA?
IA ranks as a landlord-friendly state for landlord-tenant law. West Branch generally follows the statewide framework, so landlords face reasonable operating rules.
What is the renter demographic in West Branch, IA?
The renter base in West Branch, IA is reasonable for the $990/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields predictable tenants.
What is the median home value in West Branch, IA?
West Branch, IA home values average about $302K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $990/mo in monthly income.
How viable is house hacking in West Branch, IA?
West Branch, IA is a a challenging market for house hackers. FHA or conventional owner-occupant buyers find the $302K price point reasonable to enter.
Does West Branch, IA make sense for an investment property?
Yes - West Branch, IA a 3.0/5 investability score. With $302K home prices against $990/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
You know 52358 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 52358 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.
How 52358 ranks in Iowa City, IA
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