Davis County, Iowa, Sees 7 Home Flips with 121.7% Average ROI in July 2026
Despite its modest volume, investors in Davis County, Iowa, achieved an average gross profit of $113K per flip, turning properties in 200 days.
While many investors target high-volume markets, Davis County, Iowa, presents a compelling case for maximizing individual flip profitability, with an average gross return on investment (ROI) of 121.7% in July 2026. This impressive margin, coupled with an average gross profit of $113K per flip, underscores the potential for substantial returns in smaller, less saturated markets, even with a limited number of transactions.
County Overview
According to BatchData's Flip Activity Report, Davis County, Iowa, recorded 7 residential home flips over the trailing 12-month period ending July 2026. This activity represents a distinct niche within the state's broader real estate landscape, ranking #88 out of 98 counties in Iowa. Despite its lower volume, the market here is characterized by robust per-flip financials: an average gross profit of $113K and a remarkable average gross return on investment (ROI) of 121.7%. These figures suggest that the few properties undergoing a flip process in Davis County are yielding significant returns for the investors involved, indicating a market where strategic, value-driven projects are highly rewarded.
The average time taken to complete a flip in Davis County stood at 200 days. This hold length, which falls into the longer 6-12 month category for flips, indicates that investors are typically holding properties for just over half a year before reselling. This patient approach can allow for more extensive rehabilitation work or strategic timing to optimize resale value, directly contributing to the high gross profit margins observed. Such a turnaround period reflects a measured deployment of capital, where quality enhancement is prioritized over rapid turnover.
Within Iowa, Davis County accounts for a modest 0.2% of the state's total 4,187 residential flips. This small share underscores the county's role as a specialized market rather than a high-volume hub. For comparison, the national total for homes flipped reached 341,944 during the same period, further illustrating Davis County's position as a localized opportunity zone. Investors keen on high-return, lower-volume endeavors may find these metrics particularly appealing, contrasting sharply with the dynamics of larger, more competitive urban centers.
Local Market Context
For real estate investing, the unique dynamics observed in Davis County offer a specific strategic lens. The high average gross profit of $113K and an average gross ROI of 121.7% suggest that opportunities, while fewer in number, are highly lucrative. This contrasts sharply with high-volume markets where per-flip margins might be compressed due to increased competition, and total profits are primarily driven by the sheer scale of transactions. In Davis County, the focus appears to be on identifying properties with significant value-add potential that can command premium resale prices, indicating a market where quality and strategic improvement outweigh quantity.
The average 200 days to flip indicates that investors are not necessarily pursuing "fast flips," which typically involve properties held for under six months. Instead, this longer hold period, averaging just under seven months, aligns with strategies that involve more substantial rehabilitation or a more patient approach to market timing. Such extended timelines allow for thorough property enhancement, which likely contributes significantly to the high average gross profit figures. This approach can be particularly effective in markets with lower transaction volumes, where the ability to maximize value on each individual deal is paramount.
Comparing Davis County's 7 flips to Iowa's total of 4,187 residential flips and the national total of 341,944 flips, it's clear that this county operates on a much smaller scale. However, its strong per-flip returns mean that investors who successfully identify and execute projects here can see significant capital appreciation. This market profile suggests that local expertise and a keen eye for value are paramount for success, rather than relying on sheer market breadth. Investors considering Davis County should recognize it as a market for targeted, high-value projects rather than broad-scale portfolio expansion.
The data points to a market where careful analysis of individual properties is crucial. Utilizing comprehensive property data API solutions, for instance, can help investors uncover distressed assets or undervalued homes that fit this high-profit, longer-hold strategy. While the overall flip volume is low, the impressive financial outcomes for each transaction highlight the potential for significant individual returns. Understanding the nuances of purchase price, resale value, and gross profit, along with variations in hold length, is key to navigating such a market, as illustrated in the accompanying data visualization.
