Real Estate Investing in Agency, Iowa (52530)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52530 (Agency, 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.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Agency, IA (52530)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 52530 Agency
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Agency's 52530 ZIP stands at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $192K pricing implies.
The investment case in 52530 is notable only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $192K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
Within IA, ZIP 52530 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Wapello County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and healthy enough to shape underwriting.
Stepping back, 939 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.
Strategy in 52530 is an operator game, not a passive one. On the rental side, entry prices of $192K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Agency:
Property Strategy for 52530
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $148,597 | $1,060 | 5.1% | +8.9% | $74,298 |
| 3BR | $180,512 | $1,330 | 5.3% | +8.4% | $60,171 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52530 Compare?
| Metric | 52530 | Agency | Ottumwa, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $191,566 | $191,566 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 8.1% | 8.1% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $954 | $954 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% | 3.9% | - | - |
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 52530 (Agency, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $191,566 |
| Monthly Rent | $954 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.0% |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 12.0% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +9.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +8.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | N/A |
🏠 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 (3.9%). 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 52530
Population: 939
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 1,006 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to find good tenants in Agency, IA?
The renter base in Agency, IA is reasonable for the $954/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields stable tenants.
Is IA a landlord-friendly state?
The landlord environment in Agency, IA is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
What approach is best for Agency, IA real estate?
The best-fit strategy in Agency, IA is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
What does house hacking look like in Agency, IA?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Agency, IA reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
How does Agency, IA rate as a rental market?
Agency, IA scores 3.0/5 for investability. Home values sit at $192K and rents near $954/mo, which keeps the rent-to-price ratio in reasonable territory for buy-and-hold investors.
You know 52530 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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