Real Estate Investing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (52404)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52404 (Cedar Rapids, 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.
- Elevated vacancy: 10.5% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Cedar Rapids, IA (52404)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 52404 Cedar Rapids
This part of Linn County is not an easy win. The 52404 ZIP records softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
For an experienced owner, 52404 can be a a viable market for hunting ground — but the discount at $204K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Regionally, 52404 sits on the difficult end of the IA spectrum. The a strong candidate for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
Demographically, 52404 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 52404 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 Cedar Rapids:
Property Strategy for 52404
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $73,785 | $830 | 8.1% | — | $73,785 |
| 2BR | $149,044 | $1,080 | 5.2% | +6.5% | $74,522 |
| 3BR | $204,232 | $1,500 | 5.3% | +5.8% | $68,077 |
| 4BR | $279,125 | $1,810 | 4.7% | +5.7% | $69,781 |
| 5BR | $366,330 | — | — | +5.3% | $73,266 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52404 Compare?
| Metric | 52404 | Cedar Rapids | Cedar Rapids, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $204,287 | $129,305 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.5% | 5.0% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,460 | $1,234 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.6% | 4.8% | - | - |
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 52404 (Cedar Rapids, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $204,287 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,460 |
| Price-to-Rent | 11.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 8.6% |
| Cap Rate | 5.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 11.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.8% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +21.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +11.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (5.6%). 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 52404
Population: 42,582
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 52404
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
Investor Insight: With 8,317 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical home price in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Cedar Rapids, IA home values average about $204K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $1,460/mo in monthly income.
Can I house hack in Cedar Rapids, IA?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Cedar Rapids, IA reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
What are rental rates like in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Expect rents around $1,460/mo per month in Cedar Rapids, IA. With home values at $204K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
Is Cedar Rapids, IA better for rentals, flips, or BRRRR?
A careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy Cedar Rapids, IA best. The market produces steady results for that approach at the $204K price point.
What is the renter demographic in Cedar Rapids, IA?
The tenant pool in Cedar Rapids, IA is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $1,460/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
You know 52404 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 52404 ranks in Cedar Rapids, IA
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