Real Estate Investing in Mediapolis, Iowa (52637)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52637 (Mediapolis, 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.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Mediapolis, IA (52637)?
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Market Analysis: 52637 Mediapolis
The 52637 ZIP in Mediapolis, IA is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $216K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $216K asset, 52637 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
ZIP 52637's metrics run below Des Moines County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
The demographic picture in 52637 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Mediapolis averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
The 52637 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Mediapolis:
Property Strategy for 52637
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $151,683 | $970 | 4.6% | +5.1% | $75,841 |
| 3BR | $206,853 | $1,220 | 4.2% | +5.7% | $68,951 |
| 4BR | $212,811 | $1,280 | 4.3% | +6.0% | $53,203 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52637 Compare?
| Metric | 52637 | Mediapolis | Burlington, IA-IL | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $215,652 | $266,707 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.0% | 5.7% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $873 | $1,058 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% | 3.1% | - | - |
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 52637 (Mediapolis, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $215,652 |
| Monthly Rent | $873 |
| Price-to-Rent | 20.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.9% |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +10.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.0% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.6% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.2%). 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 52637
Population: 3,054
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 52637
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 627 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong are rents in Mediapolis, IA?
Investors in Mediapolis, IA typically see rents near $873/mo per month against $216K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
What is the best play in Mediapolis, IA?
For Mediapolis, IA, careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management is the standard investor playbook. The market structure makes it a reasonable default approach.
Is Mediapolis, IA a good market for buy-and-hold investors?
Investors tracking Mediapolis, IA will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $216K median home values and $873/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting even-keeled returns.
How do home values compare in Mediapolis, IA?
In Mediapolis, IA the median home value sits at $216K. Against the broader IA market, that reads as reasonable for most investors.
What is the typical vacancy rate in Mediapolis, IA?
Occupancy in Mediapolis, IA runs even-keeled with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $873/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
You know 52637 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 52637 ranks in Burlington, IA-IL
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