Real Estate Investing in Cantril, Iowa (52542)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52542 (Cantril, 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: 17.0% 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 Cantril, IA (52542)?
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Market Analysis: 52542 Cantril
The 52542 ZIP covers a section of Cantril that demands careful diligence. Prices near $186K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
Rent of $828/mo on a $186K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 52542 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
Regionally, 52542 sits on the difficult end of the IA spectrum. The worth a close look for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
Put differently, 529 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.
Strategically, 52542 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 Cantril:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52542 Compare?
| Metric | 52542 | Cantril | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $185,791 | $185,791 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 7.4% | 7.4% | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $828 | $828 | - |
| 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 52542 (Cantril, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $185,791 |
| Monthly Rent | $828 |
| Price-to-Rent | 18.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.4% |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +10.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.4% ▲ |
| 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 52542
Population: 529
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What strategy should investors use in Cantril, IA?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Cantril, IA. With home values at $186K and rents near $828/mo, other strategies can work but produce even-keeled rather than outsized returns.
Should investors consider Cantril, IA?
The 3.0/5 investability rating in Cantril, IA reflects its $186K prices and $828/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within IA.
Is the tenant base reliable in Cantril, IA?
Tenant demand in Cantril, IA is solid. The local workforce $828/mo rents across most rental classes.
Is IA a landlord-friendly state?
The landlord environment in Cantril, IA is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
Can owner-occupants cash flow in Cantril, IA?
Cantril, IA offers a challenging house-hacking opportunity. Small multifamily or rent-by-the-room plays can pair well with the $828/mo rent level.
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