Real Estate Investing in Betterton, Maryland (21610)
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Should you buy in 21610 (Betterton, MD)? 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.
- High vacancy: 47.5% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Higher unemployment: 12.4% unemployment — tenant risk signal.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 26.1 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Betterton, MD (21610)?
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Market Analysis: 21610 Betterton
ZIP 21610 inside Kent County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $324K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
For an experienced owner, 21610 can be a a credible choice for hunting ground — but the discount at $324K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Regionally, 21610 sits on the difficult end of the MD spectrum. The a credible choice for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
A solid renter share of 37% in 21610 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. sturdy returns are possible in 21610, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Betterton:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 21610 Compare?
| Metric | 21610 | Betterton | Maryland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $324,170 | $324,170 | $424,997 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,035 | $1,035 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.5% | 2.5% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 21610 (Betterton, MD). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $324,170 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,035 |
| Price-to-Rent | 26.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.8% |
| Cap Rate | 2.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 6.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.2% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.1% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.5%). 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 21610
Population: 358
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What approach is best for Betterton, MD real estate?
For Betterton, MD, careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management is the standard investor playbook. The market structure makes it a reasonable default approach.
How tight is the rental market in Betterton, MD?
Vacancy in Betterton, MD is elevated, which keeps landlord downtime on reasonable timelines. Most properties lease within the standard window at $1,035/mo.
Does Betterton, MD favor landlords or tenants?
For rental operators, Betterton, MD rates as landlord-friendly. The regulatory environment standard buy-and-hold operations.
Does house hacking make sense in Betterton, MD?
For house hackers, Betterton, MD is a challenging. The $1,035/mo rent on a unit helps defray the mortgage on a $324K property.
How much rent can I charge in Betterton, MD?
Average rent in Betterton, MD is approximately $1,035/mo per month. Against $324K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
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