Trend based on YoY growth rate. Source: Zillow ZHVI/ZORI
* Based on county median values. 35% expenses include taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancy, and property management. Actual results vary by property.
Based on 5.28% rent-to-price ratio. Higher ratios indicate stronger cash flow potential.
Based on 1.9% YoY price growth. Moderate growth (3-8%) scores highest.
Population data not available.
Price-to-income ratio of 3.5x. Lower ratios indicate more affordable markets.
Scores are calculated using real Zillow home value and rent data, Census population data, and economic indicators. The weighted average produces the overall investment score. Markets with missing rent data use estimated values based on regional averages.
Polk County in Iowa scores 60/100, ranking #506 of 1,000 US counties (top 50%). The 5.28% rent-to-price ratio may require creative strategies or below-market purchases for positive cash flow. Current market conditions make traditional buy-and-hold investing challenging. Consider house hacking, value-add strategies, or all-cash purchases.
Use our investment calculators to run detailed numbers on specific properties.