Location: Tama County, IA | Metro: Tama County, IA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,531 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,715 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,852 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,945 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 52348 within Tama County, Iowa, reveals several key insights that are crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
Firstly, the rent math does not work favorably. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $940. However, the absence of current market rent data suggests that actual rental prices might be lower, thus making it difficult to achieve the FMR without significant property upgrades or location advantages.
Secondly, the acquisition of properties in this ZIP code is challenging due to the lack of specific data on median home values, days on market (DOM), and the percentage of homes that have been discounted. This scarcity of information indicates that the real estate market in 52348 may not be as transparent or predictable as other markets, which could complicate investment decisions.
Thirdly, tenant demand appears to be limited. With a population of 66 and only 3.8% of residents being renters, the pool of potential tenants is quite small. This low renter share implies that finding and retaining tenants could be more difficult compared to areas with higher concentrations of renters.
Verdict: ZIP code 52348 presents a challenging environment for real estate investments, particularly for rental properties. The low population and limited number of renters suggest a weak tenant demand. Additionally, the lack of detailed market data makes it hard to assess whether acquiring properties will be financially viable. The FMR target of $940 may be unattainable given these constraints, leading to potential losses or underperformance for investors in this 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.