Real Estate Investing in Centerville, Iowa (52544)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52544 (Centerville, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — values have been flat. OK for long-horizon buyers, less attractive if you may need to sell soon.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- High vacancy: 17.2% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Declining values: -0.8% 5-year CAGR — values have moved lower.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Centerville, IA (52544)?
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Market Analysis: 52544 Centerville
ZIP 52544 in Centerville, IA carries a impressive set of headwinds. Home values near $107K and rents of $828/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
For an experienced owner, 52544 can be a worth a close look for hunting ground — but the discount at $107K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
In the broader IA picture, 52544 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Demographically, 52544 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
Strategically, 52544 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 Centerville:
Property Strategy for 52544
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $59,558 | $700 | 8.5% | — | $59,558 |
| 2BR | $79,012 | $920 | 8.4% | +4.7% | $39,506 |
| 3BR | $158,175 | $1,100 | 5.0% | +8.5% | $52,725 |
| 4BR | $185,337 | $1,310 | 5.1% | +8.2% | $46,334 |
| 5BR | $183,975 | — | — | — | $36,795 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52544 Compare?
| Metric | 52544 | Centerville | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $107,269 | $107,269 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $828 | $828 | - |
| Cap Rate | 6.0% | 6.0% | - |
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 52544 (Centerville, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $107,269 |
| Monthly Rent | $828 |
| Price-to-Rent | 10.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 9.3% |
| Cap Rate | 6.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 5.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +1.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -1.3% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | -0.8% ▼ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.0% ▲ |
🏠 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 (6.0%). 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 52544
Population: 8,110
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 52544
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What monthly rent should investors expect in Centerville, IA?
Centerville, IA rentals go for roughly $828/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $107K acquisition costs.
How deep is the rental pool in Centerville, IA?
Working renters make up the core of the Centerville, IA tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
What are home prices like in Centerville, IA?
In Centerville, IA the median home value sits at $107K. Against the broader IA market, that reads as reasonable for most investors.
What is the smart move for investors in Centerville, IA?
A careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy Centerville, IA best. The market produces reliable results for that approach at the $107K price point.
Is rental property easy to operate in Centerville, IA?
IA law landlord-friendly for landlords, and Centerville inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.
You know 52544 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 52544 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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