Real Estate Investing in Washington, District of Columbia (20004)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 20004 (Washington, DC)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- High vacancy: 17.3% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Declining values: -1.9% 5-year CAGR — values have moved lower.
- 1-year downturn: Values declined 3.0% in the last year.
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
What’s happening in Washington, DC (20004)?
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Market Analysis: 20004 Washington
This part of District of Columbia is not an easy win. The 20004 ZIP reports softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 20004 posts the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
From a cash-flow lens, 20004 offers a low basis, the region around Washington has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
The 20004 ZIP's population of 1,756 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that clocks in at the need for careful underwriting.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 20004 workable. Turnkey investors from out of state usually find the numbers do not hold up in practice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Washington:
Property Strategy for 20004
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $431,264 | $2,890 | 4.8% | -1.0% | $431,264 |
| 2BR | $678,188 | $3,220 | 3.4% | -0.7% | $339,094 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 20004 Compare?
| Metric | 20004 | Washington | District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $427,833 | $252,600 | $579,156 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Avg Rent | $2,764 | $2,416 | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.0% | 3.5% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 20004 (Washington, DC). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $427,833 |
| Monthly Rent | $2,764 |
| Price-to-Rent | 12.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 7.8% |
| Cap Rate | 5.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 3.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -3.0% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -1.7% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | -1.9% ▼ |
| 10-Year CAGR | -1.0% ▼ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +9.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (5.0%). 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 20004
Population: 1,756
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 20004
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (2 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Thomson ES
Goodwill Excel Center PCS
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average monthly rent in Washington, DC?
Washington, DC rentals go for roughly $2,764/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $428K acquisition costs.
What approach is best for Washington, DC real estate?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Washington, DC. With home values at $428K and rents near $2,764/mo, other strategies can work but produce consistent rather than outsized returns.
Is vacancy a concern in Washington, DC?
Washington, DC carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect steady absorption at market rents of $2,764/mo.
How landlord-friendly is Washington, DC?
Rental owners in Washington, DC deal with a tenant-protective legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
Should investors consider Washington, DC?
Washington, DC rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $428K and rents near $2,764/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
You know 20004 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 20004 ranks in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
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