Real Estate Investing in Portsmouth, Rhode Island (02871)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 02871 (Portsmouth, RI)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- Elevated vacancy: 10.1% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Portsmouth, RI (02871)?
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Market Analysis: 02871 Portsmouth
Meanwhile, ZIP 02871 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $693K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
For an experienced owner, 02871 can be a a viable market for hunting ground — but the discount at $693K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
ZIP 02871's metrics run below Newport County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
From a cash-flow lens, 17,635 residents fill the ZIP, renter turnover runs higher than neighboring postal codes and delinquency risk is a real line item rather than a theoretical one.
Strategy in 02871 is an operator game, not a passive one. Stepping back, entry prices of $693K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Portsmouth:
Property Strategy for 02871
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $379,534 | $1,810 | 3.4% | +8.3% | $379,534 |
| 2BR | $526,294 | $2,370 | 3.2% | — | $263,147 |
| 3BR | $650,071 | $3,210 | 3.6% | — | $216,690 |
| 4BR | $970,743 | $3,680 | 2.7% | +9.8% | $242,686 |
| 5BR | $1,517,603 | — | — | +11.7% | $303,521 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 02871 Compare?
| Metric | 02871 | Portsmouth | Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $692,860 | $692,860 | $487,363 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.1% | 6.1% | 8.8% |
| Avg Rent | $3,104 | $3,104 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% | 3.5% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 02871 (Portsmouth, RI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $692,860 |
| Monthly Rent | $3,104 |
| Price-to-Rent | 18.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.4% |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.9% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.3% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +9.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.5%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 02871
Population: 17,635
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 02871
Schools in This ZIP Code
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 3,250 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What price range are homes in Portsmouth, RI?
Portsmouth, RI home values average about $693K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $3,104/mo in monthly income.
How strong is the working-renter base in Portsmouth, RI?
The tenant pool in Portsmouth, RI is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $3,104/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
What is the investability score for Portsmouth, RI?
Investors tracking Portsmouth, RI will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $693K median home values and $3,104/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting reliable returns.
Is Portsmouth, RI a friendly market for rental owners?
RI law landlord-friendly for landlords, and Portsmouth inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.
Are there empty rentals in Portsmouth, RI?
Portsmouth, RI vacancy trends elevated. Investors running standard buy-and-hold plays see reasonable downtime between tenants.
You know 02871 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 02871 ranks in Providence-Warwick, RI-MA
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