Real Estate Investing in Deal Island, Maryland (21821)

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

Somerset • Population: 736 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 21821 (Deal Island, MD)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
MIXED
Grade C (56/100)

Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.

📈 For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5 (52/100)

A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.

⚠️ Risks to Know
1 flag
  • High vacancy: 52.0% of homes vacant — above national norms.

• 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 Deal Island, MD (21821)?

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3.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

2.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

4.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $208,477
Avg Monthly Rent $1,296
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income $42,250
% Renters 7.7%

Market Analysis: 21821 Deal Island

ZIP 21821 inside Somerset looks affordable on the surface — median value of $208K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.

If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $208K asset, 21821 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.

Within MD, ZIP 21821 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Somerset submarkets outperform. The gap is real and healthy enough to shape underwriting.

The demographic picture in 21821 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Deal Island averages, and tenant stability requires active management.

tilts toward the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Deal Island:

C Below Average
Buy Confidence Score: 58/100
Affordability
10/25
Appreciation
18/25
Stability
7/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Moderate
Homes cost 4.9× the median income
Value Trend
Rising (+4.5%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $1,296/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
BALANCED
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
Bottom Line: This market may be challenging for buyers. Consider your timing and budget carefully.

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$217K$195K$172K$149K$127K$104KJul 2006Jul 2016Jul 2026

📊 How Does 21821 Compare?

Metric 21821 Deal Island Maryland
Home Value $208,477 $208,477 $424,997
5-Year CAGR 4.3% 4.3% 4.9%
Avg Rent $1,296 $1,296 -
Cap Rate 4.9% 4.9% -
💡 Why Invest in 21821? Click to expand

With a 3/5 investability rating, this ZIP shows solid fundamentals for buy-and-hold investors.

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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 21821 (Deal Island, MD). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Investability
Good
Cap Rate
4.9%
Fair
5yr Growth
+4.3%
Moderate

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $208,477
Monthly Rent $1,296
Price-to-Rent 13.4:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 7.5%
Cap Rate 4.9%
5-Year IRR 9.2%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +4.5% ▲
3-Year CAGR +2.3% ▲
5-Year CAGR +4.3% ▲
10-Year CAGR +5.6% ▲

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year N/A
3-Year CAGR N/A
5-Year CAGR N/A
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 4.9%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (4.9%). 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.

Vacancy
52.0%
Elevated risk
Landlord Climate
4.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
+4.3%
Stable
Eviction process: Moderate Rent control: Moderate

Demographics in 21821

Population: 736

💰 Median Household Income
$42,250
This area
$42,250
State
$107,932
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
7.7%
This area
7.7%
State
23.8%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
2.7%
This area
2.7%
State
-20.0%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
11.6%
This area
11.6%
State
10.6%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
45.3 years
This area
45.3 years
State
1.9 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
52.0%
This area
52.0%
State
11.4%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 89.8%
Other/Mixed 5.8%
Hispanic/Latino 5.2%
Black/African American 4.4%
👶 Under 18
8.6%
This area
8.6%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
30.6%
This area
30.6%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
6.9%
This area
6.9%
USA
11.5%

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 21821

A+ Avg School Grade
1 Schools
11.8:1 Avg Class Size
$26,863 Avg Per Pupil

Schools in This ZIP Code

A+ Excellent

Deal Island School

📚 Pre-K – 05 Elementary
👥
118 Students
👨‍🏫
11.8:1 Class Size
💰
$26,863 Per Student
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

1 Nearby 11 Off-Campus Students
C+
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
2,844 students · 12.2 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

Is vacancy a concern in Deal Island, MD?

Rental vacancy in Deal Island, MD is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.

What is it like being a landlord in Deal Island, MD?

MD law landlord-friendly for landlords, and Deal Island inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.

How much is rent in Deal Island, MD?

Deal Island, MD rentals go for roughly $1,296/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $208K acquisition costs.

Does a duplex house hack pencil in Deal Island, MD?

For house hackers, Deal Island, MD is a challenging. The $1,296/mo rent on a unit helps defray the mortgage on a $208K property.

Is Deal Island, MD a good place for real estate investing?

Yes - Deal Island, MD a 3.0/5 investability score. With $208K home prices against $1,296/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.

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