Real Estate Investing in Mason City, Nebraska (68855)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 68855 (Mason City, NE)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- High vacancy: 24.5% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• 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 Mason City, NE (68855)?
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Market Analysis: 68855 Mason City
The 68855 ZIP in Mason City, NE is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $239K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
The 68855 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
From an investor standpoint, 68855 offers a low basis, the region around Mason City has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Meanwhile, 393 residents fill the ZIP, renter turnover runs higher than neighboring postal codes and delinquency risk is a real line item rather than a theoretical one.
The 68855 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Mason City:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 68855 Compare?
| Metric | 68855 | Mason City | Nebraska |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $239,016 | $239,016 | $269,423 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | 6.7% |
| Avg Rent | $864 | $864 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% | 2.8% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 68855 (Mason City, NE). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $239,016 |
| Monthly Rent | $864 |
| Price-to-Rent | 23.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.3% |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +8.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 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 (2.8%). 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 68855
Population: 393
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is real estate in Mason City, NE a good investment right now?
Mason City, NE scores 2.0/5 for investability. Home values sit at $239K and rents near $864/mo, which keeps the rent-to-price ratio in reasonable territory for buy-and-hold investors.
What investment strategy works best in Mason City, NE?
Most investors in Mason City, NE run a careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy. It aligns with the 2.0/5 investability profile and the market fundamentals.
What is the average home sale price in Mason City, NE?
Expect median prices around $239K in Mason City, NE. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been steady.
Does Mason City, NE favor landlords or tenants?
Mason City, NE operates under NE law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect steady treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
What is the rental occupancy rate in Mason City, NE?
Occupancy in Mason City, NE runs stable with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $864/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
You know 68855 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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