Real Estate Investing in Ames, Nebraska (68621)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 68621 (Ames, NE)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 17.7% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 26.8 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• 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 Ames, NE (68621)?
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Market Analysis: 68621 Ames
This part of Dodge County is not an easy win. The 68621 ZIP posts softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $324K asset, 68621 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
ZIP 68621's metrics run below Dodge County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
Resident income in 68621 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. notable returns are possible in 68621, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Ames:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 68621 Compare?
| Metric | 68621 | Ames | Fremont, NE | Nebraska |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $323,929 | $323,929 | N/A | $269,423 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.4% | 5.4% | N/A | 6.7% |
| Avg Rent | $1,008 | $1,008 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.4% | 2.4% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 68621 (Ames, NE). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $323,929 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,008 |
| Price-to-Rent | 26.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.7% |
| Cap Rate | 2.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +8.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.4% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.4%). 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 68621
Population: 164
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a house cost in Ames, NE?
The median home value in Ames, NE is roughly $324K. That puts it reasonable relative to the NE statewide average.
Is Ames, NE good for landlords?
Ames, NE operates under NE law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect steady treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
What is the smart move for investors in Ames, NE?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Ames, NE. With home values at $324K and rents near $1,008/mo, other strategies can work but produce measured rather than outsized returns.
Does a duplex house hack pencil in Ames, NE?
House hacking works a challenging in Ames, NE. Rents of $1,008/mo against $324K acquisition make the strategy solid for owner-occupants.
How strong is tenant demand in Ames, NE?
The tenant pool in Ames, NE is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $1,008/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
You know 68621 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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