Cedar Rapids
Investment Analysis

Cedar Rapids, IA
Investor Report

Comprehensive real estate investment analysis with cap rates, rental yields, and risk assessment.

Share:
63
Investment Score
Buy
Cap Rate (Est.)
2.7%
Gross Yield
4.5%
P/R Ratio
17.9x
YoY Growth
+3.8%
Median Home Price
$192,250
Average Rent (1BR)
$716/mo
Median Income
$66,720
Population
135,960

Investment Breakdown

46
Value Score
88
Growth Score
66
Safety Score
60
Afford Score

Cedar Rapids has a price-to-rent ratio of 17.9x, which indicates buying is moderately favorable.

The estimated cap rate of 2.7% is below average, typical of appreciation-focused markets.

Year-over-year price growth of +3.8% indicates stable market conditions.

Rental Cash Flow Analysis

Monthly Income

Gross Rent $716
Annual Gross $8,592

Est. Monthly Expenses

Property Tax (~1.5%) -$240
Insurance (~0.5%) -$80
Maintenance (~1%) -$160
Est. Net Cash Flow $235/mo

Price Forecast 2026โ€“2028

๐Ÿ”ฎ Cedar Rapids Price Forecast 2026โ€“2028

Based on 5-year Zillow ZHVI trend analysis ยท Statistical projection
๐Ÿ“ˆ Upward Trend
PROJECTEDNOW$201K2027$213Kโ–ฒ 5.6%2028$221Kโ–ฒ 9.8%20232024Now
$232K$171K
Current
$192K
2026
Projected
$213K
โ†‘ 5.6% by 2027
Projected
$221K
โ†‘ 9.8% by 2028
5yr CAGR:+5.3%
Confidence:High
Rยฒ:0.95
โ–ผ

For anyone evaluating the Cedar Rapids housing market forecast through 2028, the current data paints a picture of stability over speculation. With a median home price of $201,360 and a price-to-rent ratio of 20.3x, the scale tips slightly in favor of renting for the short term, a reality reflected in the "RENT" verdict. The local economy, anchored by Collins Aerospace and a growing healthcare sector, provides a steady employment base that prevents dramatic downturns but also limits explosive growth. This economic steadiness is likely to keep the market temperature at a moderate 65/100, ensuring that Cedar Rapids remains affordable compared to national hotspots, even as it lags in appreciation speed.

When asking will Cedar Rapids home prices drop, the historical context suggests not significantly. A five-year price change of 30.1% and a CAGR of 5.3% indicate healthy, albeit slowing, appreciation. The Days on Market sitting at 33 days signals a balanced market rather than a fire sale or a frenzied bidding war. However, with YoY price change at just 2.9%, we are seeing a deceleration from the post-pandemic highs. For those looking at Cedar Rapids real estate Cedar Rapids 2027, the forecast hinges on interest rates and wage growth; if rates stabilize, we may see a modest uptick in buyer activity, but the high price-to-rent ratio will continue to keep a lid on rapid appreciation.

Ultimately, the Risk Grade of A highlights Cedar Rapids as a low-volatility environment, ideal for long-term holders but less exciting for flippers. The price range over the last five years, from $154,717 to the current median, shows a consistent upward floor, suggesting that significant price drops are unlikely barring a major economic shock. The forecast for 2026-2028 is one of gradual stabilization. Expect single-digit appreciation and a market that favors buyers with patience over those seeking immediate equity jumps. While not a high-growth engine, Cedar Rapids offers a resilient, affordable entry point in the Midwest landscape.

Projected Cap Rate (2027)
2.5%
5yr CAGR
+5.3%

Job Market

Unemployment 2.8%
National avg: 3.7%
Job Growth (YoY) +0.9%

Healthcare

76
Score
Good

Risk Factors

Low Risk Profile

Market Activity

Source: Redfin ยท 2026-01-31
Sale-to-List 98.6%
Months Supply 2.2
Price Drops 33%
Gone in 2 Wks 30%

Market Position

Affordability Below Avg
Safety Average

ROI Projector Estimate your total return

Adjust the sliders to model different investment scenarios for Cedar Rapids.

Total ROI
-14%
on $38,450 invested
Annual ROI
-3%
compounded
Total Return
-$5,397
appreciation + cashflow
Mo. Cash Flow
-$803
year 1 estimate
Equity Growth Over 5 Years
Y147kY256kY366kY476kY586k
Appreciation
$38,965
Cash Flow
-$44,362
Final Equity
$86,428

* Estimates based on 3.8% annual appreciation, 3% rent growth, 5% vacancy. Does not include closing costs, tax benefits, or capital gains tax. For illustrative purposes only.

Rental Investment Calculator Estimate your monthly cashflow

Rental Income Estimator

Pre-filled for Cedar Rapids

Property

Purchase Price$192,250
Monthly Rent$716
Down Payment20%

Financing

Interest Rate6.5%

Expenses

Property Tax1.2%
Insurance (Annual)$1,500
Maintenance Reserve1%
Vacancy Rate5%
Property Management0%
HOA (Monthly)$0
-$769
Monthly Cash Flow
-$9,233/ year
-24.0%
Cash-on-Cash
1.3%
Cap Rate

Monthly Breakdown

+ Rental Income$716
โˆ’ Mortgage (P&I)$972
โˆ’ Property Tax$192
โˆ’ Insurance$125
โˆ’ Maintenance$160
โˆ’ Vacancy Loss$36
= Net Cash Flow-$769

Investment Summary

Down Payment
$38,450
Loan Amount
$153,800
Total Monthly Expenses
$1,485
Gross Yield
4.5%

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investment decisions should be made after consulting with qualified professionals. Data sources include Zillow, Census Bureau, and BLS. Cap rates and yields are estimates based on available data.

Last updated: March 2026