Location: Clarke County, IA | Metro: Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $840 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,090 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate market in ZIP 50222 is poised to maintain steady pricing power over the next 12-24 months, based on several key indicators. The median home value currently stands at $333,324, suggesting a balanced market where neither buyers nor sellers hold overwhelming leverage. Although the percentage of listings that have been reduced and the median days on market (DOM) are not available, the lack of significant reductions in asking prices and the absence of extended DOM periods typically imply that homes are selling close to their listed values, a positive sign for maintaining or slightly increasing home values.
On the rental side, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 50222 as of fiscal year 2024 is set at $980, while the current market rent is estimated at $850 according to the Census ACS. This discrepancy indicates an upward trend in rental rates, which can support property values as landlords seek to align their rents with the FMR. For long-term investors, the setup suggests a realistic appreciation thesis, driven by the convergence of market rents toward the FMR, and the potential for increased demand as rental prices rise.
The median home value's stability and the upward pressure on rents signal that ZIP 50222 will likely experience gradual appreciation rather than sharp increases or declines. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should anticipate a market where properties retain their value and offer opportunities for modest growth in both equity and rental income. This scenario supports a buy-and-hold strategy, particularly for those who can weather short-term fluctuations and capitalize on longer-term trends.
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.