Real Estate Investing in Birmingham, Iowa (52535)
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Should you buy in 52535 (Birmingham, 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: 8.9% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
• 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 Birmingham, IA (52535)?
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Market Analysis: 52535 Birmingham
ZIP 52535 in Birmingham, IA carries a significant set of headwinds. Home values near $188K and rents of $846/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 52535 reflects the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
Regionally, 52535 sits on the difficult end of the IA spectrum. The a strong candidate for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
The 52535 ZIP's population of 781 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that sits at the need for careful underwriting.
Strategically, 52535 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Birmingham:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52535 Compare?
| Metric | 52535 | Birmingham | Fairfield, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $187,792 | $187,792 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 8.1% | 8.1% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $846 | $846 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% | 3.5% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 52535 (Birmingham, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $187,792 |
| Monthly Rent | $846 |
| Price-to-Rent | 18.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.4% |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 11.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +19.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +8.0% ▲ |
| 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 (3.5%). 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 52535
Population: 781
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical home price in Birmingham, IA?
In Birmingham, IA the median home value sits at $188K. Against the broader IA market, that reads as reasonable for most investors.
Is it easy to find good tenants in Birmingham, IA?
The renter base in Birmingham, IA is reasonable for the $846/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields reliable tenants.
How strong are rents in Birmingham, IA?
Investors in Birmingham, IA typically see rents near $846/mo per month against $188K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
What real estate strategy is ideal for Birmingham, IA?
For Birmingham, IA, careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management is the standard investor playbook. The market structure makes it a reasonable default approach.
Can I house hack in Birmingham, IA?
Birmingham, IA is a a challenging market for house hackers. FHA or conventional owner-occupant buyers find the $188K price point reasonable to enter.
You know 52535 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 52535 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 52535 ranks in Fairfield, IA
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