Real Estate Investing in Muscatine, Iowa (52761)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52761 (Muscatine, 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.
What’s happening in Muscatine, IA (52761)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 52761 Muscatine
This part of Muscatine County is not an easy win. The 52761 ZIP registers softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 52761 posts the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
ZIP 52761's metrics run below Muscatine County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
Who lives in 52761 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
The right play in 52761 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Muscatine:
Property Strategy for 52761
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $86,578 | $860 | 7.2% | — | $86,578 |
| 2BR | $130,054 | $1,080 | 6.0% | +5.5% | $65,027 |
| 3BR | $196,004 | $1,390 | 5.1% | +6.0% | $65,335 |
| 4BR | $267,059 | $1,620 | 4.4% | +6.6% | $66,765 |
| 5BR | $380,988 | — | — | +6.7% | $76,198 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52761 Compare?
| Metric | 52761 | Muscatine | Muscatine, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $195,042 | $242,513 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.4% | 7.2% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $798 | $831 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% | 2.8% | - | - |
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 52761 (Muscatine, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $195,042 |
| Monthly Rent | $798 |
| Price-to-Rent | 20.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.9% |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +11.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.9% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.9% ▲ |
🏠 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 52761
Population: 29,800
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 52761
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
What is the investability score for Muscatine, IA?
Muscatine, IA scores 3.0/5 for investability. Home values sit at $195K and rents near $798/mo, which keeps the rent-to-price ratio in reasonable territory for buy-and-hold investors.
How deep is the rental pool in Muscatine, IA?
Muscatine, IA offers a steady renter base at the $798/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
Are rents high in Muscatine, IA?
The typical rental in Muscatine, IA commands about $798/mo monthly. That rent profile reliable cash flow against the $195K purchase basis.
Does a duplex house hack pencil in Muscatine, IA?
Muscatine, IA offers a challenging house-hacking opportunity. Small multifamily or rent-by-the-room plays can pair well with the $798/mo rent level.
Should investors worry about vacancy in Muscatine, IA?
Rental vacancy in Muscatine, IA is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
You know 52761 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 52761 ranks in Muscatine, IA
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