Real Estate Investing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (52405)
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Should you buy in 52405 (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.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Cedar Rapids, IA (52405)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 52405 Cedar Rapids
This part of Linn County is not an easy win. The 52405 ZIP reports softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
The investment case in 52405 is impressive only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $214K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
ZIP 52405's metrics run below Linn 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 52405 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 52405 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 52405
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $120,188 | $930 | 5.6% | — | $120,188 |
| 2BR | $156,386 | $1,220 | 5.6% | +4.6% | $78,193 |
| 3BR | $203,957 | $1,700 | 6.0% | +6.1% | $67,986 |
| 4BR | $254,599 | $2,050 | 5.8% | +6.2% | $63,650 |
| 5BR | $323,572 | — | — | +5.6% | $64,714 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52405 Compare?
| Metric | 52405 | Cedar Rapids | Cedar Rapids, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $213,754 | $129,305 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.4% | 5.0% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,179 | $1,234 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.3% | 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 52405 (Cedar Rapids, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $213,754 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,179 |
| Price-to-Rent | 15.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.6% |
| Cap Rate | 4.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.2% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -2.6% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (4.3%). 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 52405
Population: 25,889
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 52405
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
How strong is Cedar Rapids, IA for real estate investors?
Cedar Rapids, IA sits at an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $214K and average rents around $1,179/mo. That combination puts it in the solid tier for investor interest.
How strict are landlord regulations in Cedar Rapids, IA?
IA ranks as a landlord-friendly state for landlord-tenant law. Cedar Rapids generally follows the statewide framework, so landlords face reasonable operating rules.
Are there empty rentals in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Expect elevated vacancy in Cedar Rapids, IA. Rents at $1,179/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
How strong is tenant demand in Cedar Rapids, IA?
The renter base in Cedar Rapids, IA is reasonable for the $1,179/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields steady tenants.
What are rental rates like in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Expect rents around $1,179/mo per month in Cedar Rapids, IA. With home values at $214K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
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How 52405 ranks in Cedar Rapids, IA
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