Location: Marshall County, IA | Metro: Marshall County, IA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,160 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,988 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,147 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,254 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To classify ZIP code 50120, we must consider both the yield and stability factors. The yield can be assessed by comparing the Fair Market Rent (FMR) with the median home value. For ZIP 50120, the FMR for a metro area in fiscal year 2026 is $1,180, while the median home value stands at $288,253. This indicates that rental income will be relatively modest compared to the cost of property acquisition, suggesting a lower yield.
The stability of the market is influenced by the percentage of renters, the days on market (DOM), and the median household income. In ZIP 50120, only 1.3% of residents are renters, which is an exceptionally low figure. The median household income is $142,662, which is quite high. However, the lack of available data on the days on market (DOM) makes it difficult to fully assess the liquidity and demand for rental properties in this area.
Given these figures, ZIP 50120 leans towards being a steady-cashflow zone rather than a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market. The low percentage of renters implies that there is limited demand for rental units, which would stabilize the market but also limit the potential for rapid turnover and flipping. The high median household income suggests that tenants who do rent are likely to have stable incomes, reducing the risk of default on rent payments.
However, the low yield due to the high median home value relative to the rental income means that returns on investment will be lower compared to areas where the FMR is a higher proportion of the home value. For instance, if another ZIP had an FMR of $1,180 but a median home value of $150,000, the yield would be significantly higher, making it more attractive for quick flips or short-term investments.
In summary, ZIP 50120 offers a stable environment for long-term investments focused on steady cash flow, rather than high-yield opportunities typical of flip-style markets. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should expect moderate returns with minimal risk of vacancy or default, given the strong economic indicators of the area.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.