Real Estate Investing in Rawlings, Maryland (21557)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 21557 (Rawlings, MD)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 12.3% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Rawlings, MD (21557)?
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Market Analysis: 21557 Rawlings
The 21557 ZIP covers a section of Rawlings that demands careful diligence. Prices near $184K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
The investment case in 21557 is healthy only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $184K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
Nearby ZIPs in Rawlings have seen price recovery that 21557 has not matched. Allegany County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
Demographically, 21557 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
Strategically, 21557 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 Rawlings:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 21557 Compare?
| Metric | 21557 | Rawlings | Cumberland, MD-WV | Maryland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $184,127 | $184,127 | N/A | $424,997 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 7.1% | 7.1% | N/A | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $936 | $936 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.0% | 4.0% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 21557 (Rawlings, MD). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $184,127 |
| Monthly Rent | $936 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.1% |
| Cap Rate | 4.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 11.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +11.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +8.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.8% ▲ |
🏠 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 (4.0%). 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 21557
Population: 1,323
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
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 875 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rawlings, MD a friendly market for rental owners?
Rawlings, MD falls under MD landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
Does a duplex house hack pencil in Rawlings, MD?
For house hackers, Rawlings, MD is a challenging. The $936/mo rent on a unit helps defray the mortgage on a $184K property.
Is Rawlings, MD a good market for buy-and-hold investors?
Investors tracking Rawlings, MD will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $184K median home values and $936/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting consistent returns.
How much do tenants pay in Rawlings, MD?
Expect rents around $936/mo per month in Rawlings, MD. With home values at $184K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Rawlings, MD?
Typical homes in Rawlings, MD go for around $184K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% measured price movement.
You know 21557 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 21557 ranks in Cumberland, MD-WV
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