Real Estate Investing in Portland, Oregon (97216)

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

Multnomah County • Population: 16,735 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 97216 (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 (0.8% CAGR).

What’s happening in Portland, OR (97216)?

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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 $427,581
Avg Monthly Rent $1,605
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income $67,154
% Renters 44.8%

Market Analysis: 97216 Portland

In practical terms, ZIP 97216 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $428K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.

If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $428K asset, 97216 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.

Nearby ZIPs in Portland have seen price recovery that 97216 has not matched. Multnomah County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.

Demographically, 97216 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, 97216 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.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.95% as of Sep 17 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

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

D Needs Caution
Buy Confidence Score: 49/100
Affordability
5/25
Appreciation
10/25
Stability
11/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Expensive
Homes cost 6.4× the median income
Value Trend
Rising (+3.7%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $1,605/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 97216

Which property type performs best in this market?

Best for Cash Flow
4BR
4.4% cap rate
Best for Appreciation
3BR
+3.1% 5yr CAGR
Best Overall Value
5BR
$105,531/bedroom
📊 Compare All Property Types →
Type Median Value Est. Rent Cap Rate 5yr CAGR $/Bedroom
2BR $362,902 $1,800 3.6% +2.8% $181,451
3BR $421,306 $2,470 4.2% +3.1% $140,435
4BR $477,414 $2,900 4.4% +2.9% $119,354
5BR $527,656 +2.8% $105,531

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$466K$399K$332K$264K$197K$129KJul 2006Jul 2016Jul 2026

Rent History (with trend line)

$1,825$1,694$1,563$1,432$1,300$1,169Mar 2021Nov 2023Jul 2026

📊 How Does 97216 Compare?

Metric 97216 Portland Oregon
Home Value $427,581 $517,965 $493,884
5-Year CAGR 0.8% 0.1% 4.9%
Avg Rent $1,605 $1,754 -
Cap Rate 2.9% 2.6% -
💡 Why Invest in 97216? Click to expand

A healthy rental market with 45% renter-occupied households ensures tenant availability.

📊 See where this ZIP ranks in our Best-of lists →
A great house in the wrong ZIP is still a bad deal — screen every market by cash flow & cap rate.
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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 97216 (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
2.9%
Low
5yr Growth
+0.8%
Slow

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $427,581
Monthly Rent $1,605
Price-to-Rent 22.2:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 4.5%
Cap Rate 2.9%
5-Year IRR 3.7%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +3.7% ▲
3-Year CAGR +1.3% ▲
5-Year CAGR +0.8% ▲
10-Year CAGR +4.2% ▲

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year -1.3% ▼
3-Year CAGR +1.4% ▲
5-Year CAGR +2.8% ▲
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 2.9%  |  30yr Rate: 7.0%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (7.0%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.9%). 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
3.5%
Low risk
Landlord Climate
4.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
+0.8%
Flat
Eviction process: Fast Rent control: Unfavorable

Demographics in 97216

Population: 16,735

💰 Median Household Income
$67,154
This area
$67,154
State
$71,325
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
44.8%
This area
44.8%
State
28.8%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
3.2%
This area
3.2%
State
-6.1%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
32.3%
This area
32.3%
State
13.8%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
39.8 years
This area
39.8 years
State
31.5 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
3.5%
This area
3.5%
State
17.2%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 59.5%
Asian 17.9%
Other/Mixed 16.0%
Hispanic/Latino 7.9%
Black/African American 6.6%
👶 Under 18
19.5%
This area
19.5%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
15.7%
This area
15.7%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
10.6%
This area
10.6%
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 97216

A Avg School Grade
6 Schools
16.8:1 Avg Class Size
$22,854 Avg Per Pupil

Schools in This ZIP Code

A+ Excellent

Clark Elementary School

📚 K – 05 Elementary
👥
340 Students
👨‍🏫
13.6:1 Class Size
💰
$26,919 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Harrison Park School

📚 06 – 08 Middle
👥
321 Students
👨‍🏫
13.1:1 Class Size
💰
$26,919 Per Student
A Very Good

Cherry Park Elementary School

📚 Pre-K – 05 Elementary
👥
478 Students
👨‍🏫
18.4:1 Class Size
💰
$20,822 Per Student
A Very Good

Floyd Light Middle School

📚 06 – 08 Middle
👥
662 Students
👨‍🏫
19.0:1 Class Size
💰
$20,822 Per Student
A Very Good

Mill Park Elementary School

📚 Pre-K – 05 Elementary
👥
449 Students
👨‍🏫
18.3:1 Class Size
💰
$20,822 Per Student
A Very Good

Ventura Park Elementary School

📚 Pre-K – 05 Elementary
👥
370 Students
👨‍🏫
18.6:1 Class Size
💰
$20,822 Per Student

Nearby Schools (5 more)

Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area

A+ Excellent

Kelly Elementary School

📚 K – 05 Elementary
📍 9030 SE Cooper St, Portland
👥
377 Students
👨‍🏫
14.5:1 Class Size
💰
$26,919 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Lane Middle School

📚 06 – 08 Middle
📍 7200 SE 60th Ave, Portland
👥
391 Students
👨‍🏫
13.1:1 Class Size
💰
$26,919 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Roseway Heights School

📚 06 – 08 Middle
📍 7334 NE Siskiyou St, Portland
👥
549 Students
👨‍🏫
14.1:1 Class Size
💰
$26,919 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Benson Polytechnic High School

📚 09 – 12 High School
📍 3905 SE 91st Ave, Portland
👥
818 Students
👨‍🏫
14.8:1 Class Size
💰
$26,919 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Lent Elementary School

📚 K – 05 Elementary
📍 5105 SE 97th Ave, Portland
👥
273 Students
👨‍🏫
13.7:1 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
C
Multnomah University
532 students · 1.2 mi
B
Warner Pacific University
350 students · 1.7 mi
C
Warner Pacific University Professional and Graduate Studies
280 students · 1.7 mi
D
University of Western States
979 students · 1.9 mi
D
Western Seminary
770 students · 2.3 mi
B
Reed College
1,458 students · 4.2 mi
C
Sumner College
514 students · 4.3 mi
D
Concorde Career College-Portland
186 students · 4.6 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

Should investors consider Portland, OR?

The 2.0/5 investability rating in Portland, OR reflects its $428K prices and $1,605/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within OR.

Do landlords face vacancy issues in Portland, OR?

Rental vacancy in Portland, OR is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.

How do experienced investors play Portland, OR?

The best-fit strategy in Portland, OR is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.

How strong is tenant demand in Portland, OR?

Working renters make up the core of the Portland, OR tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.

Are homes affordable in Portland, OR?

Portland, OR median home values land near $428K. That is reasonable territory for investors looking at $1,605/mo-per-month rentals.

You know 97216 now. You don’t know where it ranks.

This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 97216 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.

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How 97216 ranks in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA

Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.

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