Location: Butler County, IA | Metro: Butler County, IA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $690 |
| 1 Bedroom | $710 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,110 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,554 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,973 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market snapshot for ZIP code 50649 reveals a unique housing landscape that is primarily driven by homeownership, with a reported 0.0% renter share indicating a strong preference among residents for owning their homes rather than renting. This characteristic suggests that long-term housing pressure in the area is likely to be minimal, as the population's inclination towards homeownership implies stability and a lower likelihood of frequent turnover typical in rental markets.
A key figure in understanding the dynamics of this market is the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $920 for metro FY 2026. While the current market rent is not available, the FMR provides insight into what the government deems a reasonable rent amount for the area. The absence of a price-cut share percentage and days on market (DOM) indicates that there might not be significant competition among rental properties, which could mean that the supply of rental units closely matches or is slightly below the demand. However, given the low renter share, it is more likely that the market is dominated by owner-occupied homes, with fewer units being rented out.
The lack of data on median home values further underscores the limited rental activity, but it also points to a market where property ownership is prevalent. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider these factors when evaluating the potential for rental income in ZIP 50649. The dominance of homeownership suggests a community that prioritizes long-term settlement over transient living, which can impact the types of investment strategies that are most effective.
In summary, ZIP 50649 presents a market where homeownership is the norm, with minimal rental activity. The stable housing environment and the government's FMR guidelines offer a baseline for rental pricing, but the overall trajectory leans towards a balanced market with little indication of either oversupply or undersupply of rental units. For investors, focusing on the needs of the local homeownership community could provide a more fruitful investment strategy than traditional rental properties.
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.