Location: Benton County, IA | Metro: Benton County, IA HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,070 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 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)
The real estate market in ZIP 52354 presents a nuanced landscape for both landlords and small-portfolio investors. With a median home value of $460,615, the area reflects a stable housing market, indicating that property values have settled into a predictable range. However, the absence of data on the percentage of listings that have been reduced and the median days on market (DOM) suggests that there is little downward pressure on home prices at present. This signals strong pricing power for sellers and landlords in the near future.
On the rental side, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 52354 is set at $970 for fiscal year 2024, which aligns closely with the current market rates. The congruence between FMR and actual market rents indicates a balanced rental market, where neither significant surplus nor shortage exists. Landlords can expect steady demand for their properties without the need to adjust rents drastically.
For long-term investors, the setup implies a moderate appreciation thesis. While rapid growth is not indicated by the current data, the stability of home values and rental rates suggests a low-risk environment for holding properties. Over the next 12-24 months, investors should anticipate a gradual increase in property values, driven by the overall economic conditions and the inherent stability of the ZIP code's real estate market. The consistent median home value and fair market rents provide a solid foundation for maintaining investment portfolios in this area, with the expectation that values will rise incrementally rather than through speculative booms.
Landlords and small-portfolio investors should take note of the robust seller's market and the balanced rental market. These factors indicate a favorable climate for those looking to capitalize on the steady growth of property values and maintain a reliable income stream from rentals. The key to success in ZIP 52354 will be in understanding the local market dynamics and making informed decisions based on the data available.
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.