The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 50661 sells for about $215,000, or $138 per square foot.
Prices are up +3.2% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 42 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,150 a month.
ZIP 50661 — North Washington
The housing market in 50661 remains stable with steady demand and limited inventory, supporting modest price appreciation. Low unemployment and a strong local employment base continue to drive interest from family buyers. Market conditions are balanced, with homes selling at a reasonable pace near asking price.
This ZIP is ideal for families seeking a stable, small-town environment with good schools, as well as professionals working in the nearby Cedar Falls/Waterloo employment corridor who prefer a quieter residential setting.
Median prices moved up 3.2% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 42 days on market with 3.8 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
13% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.2% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 2.8% · poverty 7.5% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 4.5%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 3.8%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 50661, Bremer County IA
Crime rates in the Waverly area remain low compared to regional and national averages, with property crime being the primary concern. Local law enforcement reports stable trends over the past several years.
The area is served by the Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District, which is generally regarded for its strong academic performance and community-focused extracurricular programs.
The region faces moderate risk from seasonal severe weather, including thunderstorms and occasional flooding near the Cedar River. Standard homeowners insurance is widely available, though flood insurance is recommended for properties in low-lying zones.
Economic momentum is driven by a mix of manufacturing, education, and healthcare sectors. Infrastructure remains stable with ongoing maintenance of regional transit corridors connecting to the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro area.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Iowa) — Iowa Property Tax Assessment Limitation: The taxable value is determined by applying an assessment limitation (rollback) to the assessed market value. The limitation is calculated annually to restrict the growth in aggregate taxable value for the residential class to 3% statewide.
Residents primarily commute by personal vehicle, with most reaching employment hubs in Waverly or the nearby Cedar Falls/Waterloo area within 15 to 25 minutes.
The area features extensive access to the Cedar River for boating and fishing, along with several local parks, walking trails, and a municipal golf course. Shopping and dining are concentrated in the downtown district and along the main highway corridor.
The rental market is characterized by low vacancy rates due to demand from students and local workforce members. Rent growth has been moderate, with limited short-term rental penetration.
The economy is anchored by Wartburg College, major manufacturing facilities, and regional healthcare services. It maintains a stable employment base with strong ties to the broader Cedar Valley economy.
Transportation is dominated by private vehicle use, with Highway 218 serving as the primary artery for regional travel. Public transit options are limited, primarily serving local needs.
Development is focused on infill residential projects and the expansion of commercial zones near the highway interchange. Planning efforts prioritize maintaining the city's small-town character while supporting moderate growth.
The Bremer County Assessor manages property valuations, conducting periodic reassessments to ensure alignment with market trends and state requirements.
Parcels are subject to levies from the Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District, Bremer County, and the City of Waverly. No major MUDs or PIDs are currently active in the area.
Property insurance remains stable, with premiums reflecting standard regional risks for wind and hail. Market health is considered robust with multiple national carriers active.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov using ZCTA 50661 profile.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
A scenic multi-use trail system popular for walking and cycling.
Provides recreational opportunities including kayaking, fishing, and riverfront parks.
A well-maintained public course serving the local community.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.