Real Estate Investing in Marion Station, Maryland (21838)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 21838 (Marion Station, MD)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — stable market with a reasonable entry point and good rental backup if you ever need to move.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- High vacancy: 20.5% 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 Marion Station, MD (21838)?
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Market Analysis: 21838 Marion Station
This part of Somerset County is not an easy win. The 21838 ZIP comes in at softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $205K asset, 21838 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Nearby ZIPs in Marion Station have seen price recovery that 21838 has not matched. Somerset County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
Who lives in 21838 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
New investors are better served looking at Marion Station's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 21838. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Marion Station:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 21838 Compare?
| Metric | 21838 | Marion Station | Salisbury, MD-DE | Maryland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $204,703 | $204,703 | N/A | $424,997 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.6% | 4.6% | N/A | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,557 | $1,557 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.9% | 5.9% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 21838 (Marion Station, MD). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $204,703 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,557 |
| Price-to-Rent | 11.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 9.1% |
| Cap Rate | 5.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.5% ▲ |
🏠 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 (5.9%). 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.
Demographics in 21838
Population: 1,975
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
Are there empty rentals in Marion Station, MD?
Vacancy in Marion Station, MD is elevated, which keeps landlord downtime on reasonable timelines. Most properties lease within the standard window at $1,557/mo.
Is rental property easy to operate in Marion Station, MD?
The landlord environment in Marion Station, MD is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
What kind of market is Marion Station, MD for investors?
Investors tracking Marion Station, MD will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $205K median home values and $1,557/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting even-keeled returns.
Does house hacking make sense in Marion Station, MD?
House hacking in Marion Station, MD is reasonable to execute. Prices around $205K and rents of $1,557/mo solid owner-occupant economics.
How much rent can I charge in Marion Station, MD?
Rents in Marion Station, MD run near $1,557/mo. Compared with median home prices of $205K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
You know 21838 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 21838 ranks in Salisbury, MD-DE
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