c.1890 Iowa Duplex For Sale Under $54K
OHU50K Notes $53,500
c.1890 Iowa Duplex For Sale. This duplex has been kept in good condition. It has hardwood floors gives options, live in one and rent the other.
Realtor Comments
Great investment opportunity with this well-maintained up-and-down duplex featuring long-term tenants already in place. This property offers immediate cash flow with a total monthly rental income of $1,120. The lower unit rents for $580 per month, while the upper unit brings in $540 per month. Tenants pay all utilities, keeping operating expenses low and maximizing your return. Whether you’re looking to expand your portfolio or step into real estate investing, this duplex is a solid, income-producing property with stable occupancy.
- Build date 1890
822 Morgan St, Keokuk, IA 52632 $53,500
- Contact Realtor: Keeli Massimo
- Google Map
- Niche
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Family History
Near the beginning of this home’s life, it was a place of many social events as evidenced in many newspaper articles of the 1910s. Bird Charles Kellogg (1856-1939) had this house built for new bride in 1891 after his marriage to Anna Biddenstadt (1857-1942) in the same year. Bird was a manager of a shoe store, and owned the house free and clear of a mortgage. The couple had no children, but they loved to host events and often held birthday parties and celebrations for friends in their beloved home in which they lived for 50 years.
Fri, Oct 17, 1913 ·Page 3
Pros of Keokuk, IA
Very low cost of living
- About 6% below the U.S. average and much lower than Iowa overall
- Monthly living costs are relatively low compared to most U.S. cities
One of the biggest advantages — you can live cheaply.
Extremely affordable housing
- Median home value around ~$80K–$100K
- Some homes even below that range
Easy to buy a home, even on a modest income.
Riverfront location & scenery
- Located where the Des Moines River meets the Mississippi River
- Nice views, parks, and outdoor activities like fishing and boating
Low traffic & easy commuting
- Short commute times and minimal congestion
- Easy day-to-day driving
Small-city feel
- Population around ~9,700 people
- Tight-knit community with a slower pace
Diversity (for a small town)
- Decent diversity ratings compared to similar Iowa towns
Cons of Keokuk, IA
Crime is mixed to higher in some areas
- Overall crime slightly below national average, but varies a lot by neighborhood
- Safety ranking is relatively low (safer than only ~16–34% of cities depending on metric)
- Property crime is a notable issue, including theft and car break-ins
Bottom line: not extremely dangerous, but not one of the safer small towns either.
Weak job market
- Unemployment around ~5.8%
- Median income about ~$49K (below national average)
Limited career options, especially for higher-paying jobs.
High poverty rate
- Around 20% of residents live in poverty
Affects overall economic health and some neighborhoods.
Population decline & stagnation
- Long-term population loss and slow growth
- Housing values have even declined recently (~12% YoY)
Not a growing or “up-and-coming” city.
Aging infrastructure & housing
- Many older homes and areas that feel run-down
- Some visible signs of economic decline
Limited amenities & entertainment
- Fewer restaurants, shopping, and nightlife options
- Residents often travel to nearby cities for more
Car dependency
- Little to no public transportation
Bottom line
Keokuk, IA is best for:
- People wanting very cheap housing
- Retirees or remote workers
- Those who like quiet, small-city river towns
Less ideal for:
- Career-focused professionals
- People prioritizing safety and growth
- Anyone wanting a lively social scene
