Real Estate Investing in Hillsboro, Iowa (52630)

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

Lee County • Population: 214 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 52630 (Hillsboro, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
WEAK FIT
Grade F (31/100)

Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.

📈 For Investors
WEAK
2.0 / 5 (33/100)

Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.

⚠️ Risks to Know
1 flag
  • High vacancy: 26.2% 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 Hillsboro, IA (52630)?

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2.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

0.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

3.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $202,315
Avg Monthly Rent $846
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income $40,833
% Renters 37.5%

Market Analysis: 52630 Hillsboro

Investors eyeing 52630 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $202K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.

If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $202K asset, 52630 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.

Nearby ZIPs in Hillsboro have seen price recovery that 52630 has not matched. Lee County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.

Employment concentration in 52630 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.

Distressed ZIPs reward experience. resilient returns are possible in 52630, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Hillsboro:

C+ Average
Buy Confidence Score: 65/100
Affordability
10/25
Appreciation
25/25
Stability
7/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Moderate
Homes cost 5× the median income
Value Trend
Rising (+20.4%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $846/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
BALANCED
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
Bottom Line: Mixed signals in this market. Research specific properties carefully and be prepared to negotiate.

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$207K$194K$180K$167K$153K$140KFeb 2022May 2024Jul 2026

📊 How Does 52630 Compare?

Metric 52630 Hillsboro Iowa
Home Value $202,315 $202,315 $227,232
5-Year CAGR N/A N/A 6.0%
Avg Rent $846 $846 -
Cap Rate 3.3% 3.3% -
💡 Why Invest in 52630? Click to expand

A healthy rental market with 38% renter-occupied households ensures tenant availability.

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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 52630 (Hillsboro, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Investability
Fair
Cap Rate
3.3%
Low

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $202,315
Monthly Rent $846
Price-to-Rent 19.9:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 5.0%
Cap Rate 3.3%
5-Year IRR 12.9%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +20.4% ▲
3-Year CAGR +9.6% ▲
5-Year CAGR N/A
10-Year CAGR N/A

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year N/A
3-Year CAGR N/A
5-Year CAGR N/A
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 3.3%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.3%). 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.

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⚠️ Risk Signals

Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.

Vacancy
26.2%
Elevated risk
Landlord Climate
5.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
N/A
Stable
Eviction process: Fast Rent control: Favorable

Demographics in 52630

Population: 214

💰 Median Household Income
$40,833
This area
$40,833
State
$71,886
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
37.5%
This area
37.5%
State
19.7%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
3.2%
This area
3.2%
State
0.0%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
8.3%
This area
8.3%
State
18.8%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
47.3 years
This area
47.3 years
State
40.2 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
26.2%
This area
26.2%
State
11.7%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 98.3%
Hispanic/Latino 1.7%
Other/Mixed 1.7%
👶 Under 18
18.7%
This area
18.7%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
32.2%
This area
32.2%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
6.2%
This area
6.2%
USA
11.5%

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

🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities

1 Nearby
C
American Hair Academy
27 students · 14.4 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of investing works in Hillsboro, IA?

In Hillsboro, IA the impressive play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $202K prices and $846/mo rents suits that approach.

What is the renter demographic in Hillsboro, IA?

The renter base in Hillsboro, IA is reasonable for the $846/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields steady tenants.

Are there empty rentals in Hillsboro, IA?

Hillsboro, IA carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect stable absorption at market rents of $846/mo.

What is the median home value in Hillsboro, IA?

Hillsboro, IA home values average about $202K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $846/mo in monthly income.

How much is rent in Hillsboro, IA?

Rental rates in Hillsboro, IA average $846/mo. Tenant demand and $202K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.

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How 52630 ranks in Fort Madison-Keokuk, IA-IL-MO

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