Real Estate Investing in Fremont, Iowa (52561)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52561 (Fremont, 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: 15.2% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Fremont, IA (52561)?
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Market Analysis: 52561 Fremont
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Fremont's 52561 ZIP sits at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $183K pricing implies.
For an experienced owner, 52561 can be a a viable market for hunting ground — but the discount at $183K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Nearby ZIPs in Fremont have seen price recovery that 52561 has not matched. Mahaska County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
A impressive renter share of 38% in 52561 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 52561 workable. Turnkey investors from out of state usually find the numbers do not hold up in practice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Fremont:
Property Strategy for 52561
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $123,602 | $920 | 5.4% | — | $61,801 |
| 3BR | $183,325 | $1,150 | 4.5% | — | $61,108 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52561 Compare?
| Metric | 52561 | Fremont | Oskaloosa, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $182,945 | $182,945 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 8.2% | 8.2% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $828 | $828 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% | 3.5% | - | - |
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 52561 (Fremont, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $182,945 |
| Monthly Rent | $828 |
| Price-to-Rent | 18.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.4% |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 11.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +11.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +7.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +8.2% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.1% ▲ |
🏠 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 52561
Population: 1,179
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 52561
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
Which real estate strategy fits Fremont, IA?
For Fremont, IA, careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management is the standard investor playbook. The market structure makes it a reasonable default approach.
What kind of vacancy should I budget for in Fremont, IA?
Rental vacancy in Fremont, IA is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
Is the tenant base reliable in Fremont, IA?
Tenant quality in Fremont, IA ranks as solid. Landlords generally report measured occupancy at market rents of $828/mo.
Is Fremont, IA suited for a house hack?
House hacking works a challenging in Fremont, IA. Rents of $828/mo against $183K acquisition make the strategy solid for owner-occupants.
Are rents high in Fremont, IA?
Average rent in Fremont, IA is approximately $828/mo per month. Against $183K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
You know 52561 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 52561 ranks in Oskaloosa, IA
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