Location: Louisa County, IA | Metro: Louisa County, IA
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $690 |
| 1 Bedroom | $710 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,676 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,901 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,130 | $139,098 | 0.81% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 52737 in Louisa County, Iowa reveals several key points that are crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
Firstly, regarding the rent math, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $920. However, due to the lack of available market rent data, it's challenging to make a direct comparison. This means that while the FMR provides a guideline, the actual market conditions could vary significantly.
Secondly, the acquisition affordability is mixed. The median home value stands at $124,917, which is relatively low compared to other areas. Unfortunately, the Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that required a price cut are not available, making it difficult to assess the ease or difficulty of acquiring properties in this ZIP code. Nonetheless, the low median home value suggests that purchasing homes here might be financially feasible for many investors.
Lastly, tenant demand is modest. With a population of 323, only 2.3% of residents are renters. This indicates a limited pool of potential tenants, which could affect occupancy rates and the ability to quickly fill vacancies.
In summary, while the median home value in ZIP 52737 makes property acquisition potentially affordable, the low FMR and modest tenant demand present challenges. The lack of specific market data complicates the assessment but highlights the need for further investigation into local rental trends before making investment decisions.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.