Location: Mahaska County, IA | Metro: Mahaska County, IA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $710 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,415 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,585 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,712 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,798 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 52595 within the Mahaska County, IA metro area reveals several key points for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The first question is whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $920, while the current market rent based on Census ACS data stands at $739. This indicates that properties in this ZIP code are undervalued relative to the FMR, suggesting potential upside for rental income if market rents can be increased closer to the FMR.
Regarding the affordability of acquisitions, the median home value in ZIP 52595 is $158,989. However, due to the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes requiring price cuts, it's challenging to provide a definitive assessment on how easy it would be to find deals. Landlords should proceed with caution and conduct thorough due diligence on individual properties.
Lastly, there is a clear tenant demand. With a population of 545 and a 45.9% renter share, the ZIP code has a notable number of potential tenants. This suggests that finding renters should not be a significant issue, although the small population size means competition among landlords could be intense.
In summary, ZIP 52595 offers an opportunity for landlords to potentially increase rental income towards the FMR, given the current lower market rent. Acquisition costs appear reasonable, but the limited data on market dynamics necessitates careful property selection. Tenant demand is present, driven by a substantial renter share, though the small population size might limit the pool of potential tenants. For investors willing to navigate these challenges, this ZIP code could offer a viable investment option.
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.