Real Estate Investing in Cumberland, Maryland (21502)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 21502 (Cumberland, MD)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 15.2% of homes vacant — above national norms.
What’s happening in Cumberland, MD (21502)?
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Market Analysis: 21502 Cumberland
Investors eyeing 21502 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $160K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $160K asset, 21502 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Within MD, ZIP 21502 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Allegany County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and significant enough to shape underwriting.
The demographic picture in 21502 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Cumberland averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
New investors are better served looking at Cumberland's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 21502. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Cumberland:
Property Strategy for 21502
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $117,929 | $1,010 | 6.2% | +9.0% | $58,965 |
| 3BR | $158,204 | $1,380 | 6.3% | +8.3% | $52,735 |
| 4BR | $217,507 | $1,510 | 5.0% | +7.9% | $54,377 |
| 5BR | $253,474 | — | — | +7.5% | $50,695 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 21502 Compare?
| Metric | 21502 | Cumberland | Cumberland, MD-WV | Maryland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $159,912 | $177,608 | N/A | $424,997 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.7% | 5.0% | N/A | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,032 | $989 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.0% | 4.4% | - | - |
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 21502 (Cumberland, MD). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $159,912 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,032 |
| Price-to-Rent | 12.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 7.7% |
| Cap Rate | 5.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +8.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.6% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +14.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 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 21502
Population: 41,810
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 21502
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 594 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How expensive is real estate in Cumberland, MD?
Expect median prices around $160K in Cumberland, MD. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been predictable.
How much do tenants pay in Cumberland, MD?
Rental rates in Cumberland, MD average $1,032/mo. Tenant demand and $160K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
Is Cumberland, MD better for rentals, flips, or BRRRR?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Cumberland, MD. With home values at $160K and rents near $1,032/mo, other strategies can work but produce steady rather than outsized returns.
Is Cumberland, MD landlord-friendly?
Rental owners in Cumberland, MD deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
How viable is house hacking in Cumberland, MD?
House hacking in Cumberland, MD is reasonable to execute. Prices around $160K and rents of $1,032/mo solid owner-occupant economics.
You know 21502 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 21502 ranks in Cumberland, MD-WV
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