Real Estate Investing in Mediapolis, Iowa (52650)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52650 (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.
• 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 Mediapolis, IA (52650)?
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Market Analysis: 52650 Mediapolis
Investors eyeing 52650 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $318K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
Rent of $1,242/mo on a $318K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 52650 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
From an investor standpoint, 52650 offers a low basis, the region around Mediapolis has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Employment concentration in 52650 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
New investors are better served looking at Mediapolis's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 52650. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Mediapolis:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52650 Compare?
| Metric | 52650 | Mediapolis | Burlington, IA-IL | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $317,762 | $266,707 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.4% | 5.7% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,242 | $1,058 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.1% | 3.1% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 52650 (Mediapolis, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $317,762 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,242 |
| Price-to-Rent | 21.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.7% |
| Cap Rate | 3.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +10.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.4% ▲ |
| 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 (3.1%). 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 52650
Population: 688
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
Investor Insight: With 627 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Mediapolis, IA?
Expect median prices around $318K in Mediapolis, IA. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been stable.
How strong is Mediapolis, IA for real estate investors?
Mediapolis, IA scores 3.0/5 for investability. Home values sit at $318K and rents near $1,242/mo, which keeps the rent-to-price ratio in reasonable territory for buy-and-hold investors.
How deep is the rental pool in Mediapolis, IA?
The tenant pool in Mediapolis, IA is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $1,242/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
Is Mediapolis, IA suited for a house hack?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Mediapolis, IA reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
What do rentals go for in Mediapolis, IA?
Average rent in Mediapolis, IA is approximately $1,242/mo per month. Against $318K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
You know 52650 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 52650 ranks in Burlington, IA-IL
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