Real Estate Investing in West Liberty, Iowa (52776)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52776 (West Liberty, 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 West Liberty, IA (52776)?
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Market Analysis: 52776 West Liberty
On balance, ZIP 52776 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $241K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $241K asset, 52776 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Statewide comparisons place 52776 among IA's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
Demographically, 52776 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
tilts toward the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in West Liberty:
Property Strategy for 52776
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $149,794 | $1,000 | 4.8% | — | $74,897 |
| 3BR | $222,684 | $1,400 | 4.5% | +5.8% | $74,228 |
| 4BR | $278,600 | $1,680 | 4.3% | +6.5% | $69,650 |
| 5BR | $395,291 | — | — | — | $79,058 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52776 Compare?
| Metric | 52776 | West Liberty | Muscatine, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $241,236 | $241,236 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.8% | 5.8% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $900 | $900 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% | 2.9% | - | - |
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 52776 (West Liberty, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $241,236 |
| Monthly Rent | $900 |
| Price-to-Rent | 22.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.5% |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +10.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.8% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.2% ▲ |
🏠 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 52776
Population: 5,023
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 52776
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
How much do tenants pay in West Liberty, IA?
Expect rents around $900/mo per month in West Liberty, IA. With home values at $241K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
What kind of vacancy should I budget for in West Liberty, IA?
West Liberty, IA vacancy trends elevated. Investors running standard buy-and-hold plays see reasonable downtime between tenants.
What is the investability score for West Liberty, IA?
Yes - West Liberty, IA a 3.0/5 investability score. With $241K home prices against $900/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
Which real estate strategy fits West Liberty, IA?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in West Liberty, IA. The numbers - $241K homes against $900/mo rents - support that play.
Are renters plentiful in West Liberty, IA?
Working renters make up the core of the West Liberty, IA tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
You know 52776 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 52776 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.
How 52776 ranks in Muscatine, IA
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