Real Estate Investing in Wapello, Iowa (52653)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52653 (Wapello, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — stable market with a reasonable entry point and good rental backup if you ever need to move.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 13.3% 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 Wapello, IA (52653)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 52653 Wapello
ZIP 52653 in Wapello, IA carries a durable set of headwinds. Home values near $167K and rents of $837/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
For an experienced owner, 52653 can be a worth a close look for hunting ground — but the discount at $167K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
The gap between 52653 and stronger Wapello ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
The demographic picture in 52653 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Wapello averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
Strategically, 52653 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Wapello:
Property Strategy for 52653
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $160,370 | $1,140 | 5.1% | +6.1% | $53,457 |
| 4BR | $290,470 | $1,240 | 3.1% | +8.1% | $72,618 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52653 Compare?
| Metric | 52653 | Wapello | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $166,886 | $166,886 | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.8% | 4.8% | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $837 | $837 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% | 3.9% | - |
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 52653 (Wapello, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $166,886 |
| Monthly Rent | $837 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.0% |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.8% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.5% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.9%). 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 52653
Population: 3,203
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 52653
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are rents high in Wapello, IA?
Rents in Wapello, IA run near $837/mo. Compared with median home prices of $167K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
What are vacancy rates like in Wapello, IA?
Vacancy in Wapello, IA is elevated, which keeps landlord downtime on reasonable timelines. Most properties lease within the standard window at $837/mo.
What approach is best for Wapello, IA real estate?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Wapello, IA. The numbers - $167K homes against $837/mo rents - support that play.
Is Wapello, IA a friendly market for rental owners?
Wapello, IA falls under IA landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
Are renters plentiful in Wapello, IA?
Working renters make up the core of the Wapello, IA tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
You know 52653 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 52653 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
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