Real Estate Investing in Portland, Oregon (97203)

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

Multnomah County • Population: 33,159 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 97203 (Portland, OR)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
CAUTION
Grade D (45/100)

Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.

📈 For Investors
WEAK
2.0 / 5 (33/100)

Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.

⚠️ Risks to Know
1 flag
  • Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (0.1% CAGR).

What’s happening in Portland, OR (97203)?

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2.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

1.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

3.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $454,530
Avg Monthly Rent $1,766
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income $74,493
% Renters 41.2%

Market Analysis: 97203 Portland

ZIP 97203 inside Multnomah County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $455K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.

For an experienced owner, 97203 can be a worth a close look for hunting ground — but the discount at $455K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.

ZIP 97203's metrics run below Multnomah County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.

From an investor standpoint, 33,159 residents fill the ZIP, renter turnover runs higher than neighboring postal codes and delinquency risk is a real line item rather than a theoretical one.

Distressed ZIPs reward experience. durable returns are possible in 97203, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.

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 Portland:

C Below Average
Buy Confidence Score: 51/100
Affordability
5/25
Appreciation
10/25
Stability
13/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Expensive
Homes cost 6.1× the median income
Value Trend
Stable (+2.4%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $1,766/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.
🏠

Property Strategy for 97203

Which property type performs best in this market?

Best for Cash Flow
1BR
4.0% cap rate
Best for Appreciation
3BR
+2.5% 5yr CAGR
Best Overall Value
5BR
$119,381/bedroom
📊 Compare All Property Types →
Type Median Value Est. Rent Cap Rate 5yr CAGR $/Bedroom
1BR $292,415 $1,610 4.0% +0.4% $292,415
2BR $393,495 $1,850 3.4% +2.1% $196,748
3BR $458,753 $2,520 4.0% +2.5% $152,918
4BR $549,408 $2,990 3.9% +2.2% $137,352
5BR $596,905 +2.3% $119,381

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$517K$445K$372K$300K$228K$156KJul 2006Jul 2016Jul 2026

Rent History (with trend line)

$1,900$1,717$1,534$1,351$1,168$986Nov 2016Sep 2021Jul 2026

📊 How Does 97203 Compare?

Metric 97203 Portland Oregon
Home Value $454,530 $517,965 $493,884
5-Year CAGR 0.1% 0.1% 4.9%
Avg Rent $1,766 $1,754 -
Cap Rate 3.0% 2.6% -
💡 Why Invest in 97203? Click to expand

A healthy rental market with 41% renter-occupied households ensures tenant availability.

📊 See where this ZIP ranks in our Best-of lists →
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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 97203 (Portland, OR). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Property managers serving Multnomah County

Manage rentals here? List your business →

AMS Association Management Services NW provides HOA Management Services. summary from their website

HOA
Unclaimed — is this your business? Claim it free

Gateway Property Management offers residential property management services in Portland, OR. summary from their website

Single-family
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Grid Property Management is a Portland-based firm providing full-service management and leasing for residential and industrial properties. summary from their website

Single-familyCommercial
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Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.

Investability
Fair
Cap Rate
3.0%
Low
5yr Growth
+0.1%
Slow

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $454,530
Monthly Rent $1,766
Price-to-Rent 21.5:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 4.7%
Cap Rate 3.0%
5-Year IRR 3.1%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +2.4% ▲
3-Year CAGR +0.2% ▲
5-Year CAGR +0.1% ▲
10-Year CAGR +3.2% ▲

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year +11.5% ▲
3-Year CAGR +4.3% ▲
5-Year CAGR +4.7% ▲
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 3.0%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.0%). 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.

Vacancy
4.1%
Low risk
Landlord Climate
4.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
+0.1%
Flat
Eviction process: Fast Rent control: Unfavorable

Demographics in 97203

Population: 33,159

💰 Median Household Income
$74,493
This area
$74,493
State
$71,325
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
41.2%
This area
41.2%
State
28.8%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
3.9%
This area
3.9%
State
-6.1%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
45.4%
This area
45.4%
State
13.8%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
33.2 years
This area
33.2 years
State
31.5 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
4.1%
This area
4.1%
State
17.2%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 62.2%
Other/Mixed 18.4%
Black/African American 13.2%
Hispanic/Latino 7.7%
Asian 6.1%
👶 Under 18
20.9%
This area
20.9%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
9.4%
This area
9.4%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
14.5%
This area
14.5%
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 97203

A+ Avg School Grade
7 Schools
13.3:1 Avg Class Size
$26,919 Avg Per Pupil

Schools in This ZIP Code

A+ Excellent

George Middle School

📚 06 – 08 Middle
👥
364 Students
👨‍🏫
11.9:1 Class Size
💰
$26,919 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Sitton Elementary School

📚 K – 05 Elementary
👥
335 Students
👨‍🏫
11.8:1 Class Size
💰
$26,919 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Cesar Chavez K-8 School

📚 K – 08 School
👥
481 Students
👨‍🏫
13.7:1 Class Size
💰
$26,919 Per Student
A+ Excellent

James John Elementary School

📚 K – 05 Elementary
👥
349 Students
👨‍🏫
13.8:1 Class Size
💰
$26,919 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Rosa Parks Elementary School

📚 Pre-K – 05 Elementary
👥
177 Students
👨‍🏫
10.2:1 Class Size
💰
$26,919 Per Student
A Very Good

Astor Elementary School

📚 K – 08 School
👥
375 Students
👨‍🏫
15.2:1 Class Size
💰
$26,919 Per Student
A Very Good

Roosevelt High School

📚 09 – 12 High School
👥
1,454 Students
👨‍🏫
16.6:1 Class Size
💰
$26,919 Per Student

Nearby Schools (5 more)

Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area

A+ Excellent

Jefferson High School

📚 09 – 12 High School
📍 5210 N Kerby Ave, Portland
👥
525 Students
👨‍🏫
12.6:1 Class Size
💰
$26,919 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Peninsula Elementary School

📚 K – 05 Elementary
📍 8125 N Emerald Ave, Portland
👥
234 Students
👨‍🏫
14.7:1 Class Size
💰
$26,919 Per Student
A Very Good

Beach Elementary School

📚 Pre-K – 05 Elementary
📍 1710 N Humboldt St, Portland
👥
325 Students
👨‍🏫
17.6:1 Class Size
💰
$26,919 Per Student
A Very Good

Ockley Green Middle School

📚 06 – 08 Middle
📍 6031 N Montana, Portland
👥
428 Students
👨‍🏫
16.1:1 Class Size
💰
$26,919 Per Student
A Very Good

Portland Village School

📚 K – 08 School Charter
📍 7654 N Delaware St, Portland
👥
411 Students
👨‍🏫
16.8:1 Class Size
💰
$26,919 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

8 Nearby 3,896 Off-Campus Students
C+
University of Portland
3,457 students · 2.6 mi
C+
Clark College
7,149 students · 5.1 mi
C
International Air and Hospitality Academy
132 students · 5.5 mi
C
Aveda Institute-Portland
171 students · 6.5 mi
C
Pacific Northwest College of Art
524 students · 6.6 mi
C+
Portland Actors Conservatory
13 students · 6.6 mi
C
Oregon College of Oriental Medicine
133 students · 6.9 mi
C
Beau Monde Academy of Barbering and Cosmetology
120 students · 7.0 mi

Investor Insight: With 3,896 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland in OR worth investing in?

Investors tracking Portland, OR will find a 2.0/5 rating supported by $455K median home values and $1,766/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting even-keeled returns.

What do rentals go for in Portland, OR?

Average rent in Portland, OR is approximately $1,766/mo per month. Against $455K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.

Is vacancy a concern in Portland, OR?

Expect elevated vacancy in Portland, OR. Rents at $1,766/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.

What is the smart move for investors in Portland, OR?

Most investors in Portland, OR run a careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy. It aligns with the 2.0/5 investability profile and the market fundamentals.

Does Portland, OR favor landlords or tenants?

Portland, OR operates under OR law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect reliable treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.

You know 97203 now. You don’t know where it ranks.

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How 97203 ranks in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA

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Cash Flow → Appreciation → Affordable →
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