Real Estate Investing in Ottumwa, Iowa (52536)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52536 (Ottumwa, 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: 22.4% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• 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 Ottumwa, IA (52536)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 52536 Ottumwa
ZIP 52536 inside Wapello County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $239K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
Rent of $828/mo on a $239K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 52536 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
ZIP 52536's metrics run below Wapello County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
In practical terms, 713 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.
looks to the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Ottumwa:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52536 Compare?
| Metric | 52536 | Ottumwa | Ottumwa, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $238,802 | $182,621 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 8.3% | 6.8% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $828 | $831 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.7% | 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 52536 (Ottumwa, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $238,802 |
| Monthly Rent | $828 |
| Price-to-Rent | 24.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.2% |
| Cap Rate | 2.7% |
| 5-Year IRR | 11.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +8.3% ▲ |
| 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 (2.7%). 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 52536
Population: 713
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 52536
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 1,006 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home value in Ottumwa, IA?
Expect median prices around $239K in Ottumwa, IA. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been measured.
Does Ottumwa, IA favor landlords or tenants?
Rental owners in Ottumwa, IA deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
What is the tenant pool like in Ottumwa, IA?
The tenant pool in Ottumwa, IA is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $828/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
What strategy should investors use in Ottumwa, IA?
A careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy Ottumwa, IA best. The market produces even-keeled results for that approach at the $239K price point.
Does Ottumwa, IA make sense for an investment property?
The 3.0/5 investability rating in Ottumwa, IA reflects its $239K prices and $828/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within IA.
You know 52536 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 52536 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.
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