The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 52540 sells for about $86,455, or $83 per square foot.
Prices are up +147% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 40 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $681 a month.
ZIP 52540 — Brighton
The Centerville housing market is currently a buyer's market characterized by high inventory relative to demand and a low median price point. While year-over-year price growth appears high due to market volatility, the overall trend remains stable with homes selling below asking price. The market is driven by local affordability and a steady, albeit slow, economic environment.
This area is best suited for budget-conscious family buyers and retirees looking for a low cost of living and a small-town community atmosphere.
Median prices moved up 147.0% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 40 days on market with 6.2 months of supply — a balanced-paced market.
15% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 94% of asking — demand is holding steady.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 1.5% · poverty 20.8% — 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 1.6%/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 3.1%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net outflow — more people moved out than in
ZCTA 52544, Appanoose County IA
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
Crime rates in Centerville are generally lower than the national average, though property crime remains the most frequently reported incident type in the region.
Public education is primarily served by the Centerville Community School District, which provides standard K-12 instruction for the area.
The area faces moderate risks related to severe thunderstorms and occasional flooding near local waterways, with standard insurance coverage recommended.
Economic momentum is driven by local manufacturing and healthcare sectors, with ongoing efforts to revitalize the historic downtown square.
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.
Commuting is primarily car-dependent, with most residents working within Appanoose County; there is no significant public transit infrastructure.
The area features Lake Rathbun for water recreation, several local parks, and a historic downtown district with shopping and dining options.
The rental market is characterized by limited inventory and steady demand, with a significant portion of the housing stock consisting of older single-family homes.
The local economy is anchored by manufacturing, healthcare, and public administration, serving as the county seat for Appanoose County.
Transportation is dominated by private vehicle use, with major access provided by state highways connecting to regional hubs.
Development is focused on small-scale residential infill and the preservation of historic commercial properties.
The Appanoose County Assessor manages property valuations based on biennial assessments.
Parcels are subject to school district levies and county-wide tax assessments for public services.
Property insurance premiums are generally stable, though coverage for wind and hail damage is a standard consideration in the region.
Data retrieved from US Census Bureau ACS 5-year estimates for ZCTA 52544.
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 major regional reservoir offering boating, fishing, and camping.
The center of local commerce and community events.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.