Real Estate Investing in Bethel, Maine (04217)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 04217 (Bethel, ME)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 41.7% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Elevated poverty: 23.6% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 32.2 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Bethel, ME (04217)?
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Market Analysis: 04217 Bethel
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Bethel's 04217 ZIP records signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $441K pricing implies.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $441K asset, 04217 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Regionally, 04217 sits on the difficult end of the ME spectrum. The a viable market for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
On the rental side, 3,285 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.
Strategically, 04217 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Bethel:
Property Strategy for 04217
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $336,021 | $1,270 | 2.7% | +15.0% | $168,010 |
| 3BR | $432,680 | $1,770 | 2.9% | +12.3% | $144,227 |
| 4BR | $609,407 | $2,130 | 2.5% | +13.1% | $152,352 |
| 5BR | $725,513 | — | — | +11.2% | $145,103 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 04217 Compare?
| Metric | 04217 | Bethel | Maine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $441,451 | $441,451 | $401,109 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.5% | 6.5% | 8.6% |
| Avg Rent | $1,143 | $1,143 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.0% | 2.0% | - |
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 04217 (Bethel, ME). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $441,451 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,143 |
| Price-to-Rent | 32.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.1% |
| Cap Rate | 2.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +3.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +8.9% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.0%). 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 04217
Population: 3,285
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 04217
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do rentals go for in Bethel, ME?
Investors in Bethel, ME typically see rents near $1,143/mo per month against $441K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
What is the typical vacancy rate in Bethel, ME?
Vacancy in Bethel, ME is elevated, which keeps landlord downtime on reasonable timelines. Most properties lease within the standard window at $1,143/mo.
Is Bethel, ME a smart market for rental property?
Bethel, ME scores 3.0/5 for investability. Home values sit at $441K and rents near $1,143/mo, which keeps the rent-to-price ratio in reasonable territory for buy-and-hold investors.
Is Bethel, ME better for rentals, flips, or BRRRR?
In Bethel, ME the substantial play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $441K prices and $1,143/mo rents suits that approach.
What kind of tenants rent in Bethel, ME?
Working renters make up the core of the Bethel, ME tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
You know 04217 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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