Real Estate Investing in Eldon, Iowa (52554)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52554 (Eldon, 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: 9.0% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Eldon, IA (52554)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 52554 Eldon
This part of Wapello County is not an easy win. The 52554 ZIP reports softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
Rent of $837/mo on a $112K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 52554 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
In the broader IA picture, 52554 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
A solid renter share of 12% in 52554 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
The right play in 52554 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Eldon:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52554 Compare?
| Metric | 52554 | Eldon | Ottumwa, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $112,038 | $112,038 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.0% | 5.0% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $837 | $837 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.8% | 5.8% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 52554 (Eldon, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $112,038 |
| Monthly Rent | $837 |
| Price-to-Rent | 11.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 9.0% |
| Cap Rate | 5.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +1.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.0% ▲ |
| 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 (5.8%). 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 52554
Population: 1,221
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 52554
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
Do rentals sit vacant long in Eldon, IA?
Vacancy in Eldon, IA is elevated, which keeps landlord downtime on reasonable timelines. Most properties lease within the standard window at $837/mo.
How deep is the rental pool in Eldon, IA?
Eldon, IA offers a reliable renter base at the $837/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
What do rentals go for in Eldon, IA?
Expect rents around $837/mo per month in Eldon, IA. With home values at $112K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
Is Eldon, IA landlord-friendly?
Eldon, IA operates under IA law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect steady treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
What is the average home sale price in Eldon, IA?
Median home price in Eldon, IA is near $112K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been predictable and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
You know 52554 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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