Real Estate Investing in Salem, Iowa (52649)
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Should you buy in 52649 (Salem, 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.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
• 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 Salem, IA (52649)?
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Market Analysis: 52649 Salem
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Salem's 52649 ZIP reflects signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $229K pricing implies.
The investment case in 52649 is substantial only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $229K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
Put differently, 52649 offers a low basis, the region around Salem has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
The 52649 ZIP's population of 845 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that sits at the need for careful underwriting.
Strategy in 52649 is an operator game, not a passive one. Meanwhile, entry prices of $229K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Salem:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52649 Compare?
| Metric | 52649 | Salem | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $228,679 | $228,679 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $855 | $855 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% | 2.9% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 52649 (Salem, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $228,679 |
| Monthly Rent | $855 |
| Price-to-Rent | 22.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.5% |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +14.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +7.8% ▲ |
| 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 |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.9%). 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 52649
Population: 845
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 52649
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Are eviction rules reasonable in Salem, IA?
For rental operators, Salem, IA rates as landlord-friendly. The regulatory environment standard buy-and-hold operations.
How deep is the rental pool in Salem, IA?
Expect a solid tenant pool in Salem, IA. The rental market absorbs $855/mo rents without meaningful friction.
What real estate strategy is ideal for Salem, IA?
Salem, IA investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($229K prices, $855/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
Is Salem, IA good for house hacking?
House hacking in Salem, IA is a challenging. With home values around $229K and rents at $855/mo, owner-occupants can offset a meaningful share of PITI.
What price range are homes in Salem, IA?
Median home price in Salem, IA is near $229K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been consistent and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
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