Real Estate Investing in Portland, Oregon (97217)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 97217 (Portland, OR)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- Declining values: -0.6% 5-year CAGR — values have moved lower.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 25.1 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
What’s happening in Portland, OR (97217)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 97217 Portland
This part of Multnomah County is not an easy win. The 97217 ZIP reports softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
For an experienced owner, 97217 can be a a solid fit for hunting ground — but the discount at $502K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
On balance, 97217 offers a low basis, the region around Portland has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Meanwhile, 34,756 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.
Strategy in 97217 is an operator game, not a passive one. Stepping back, entry prices of $502K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Portland:
Property Strategy for 97217
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $278,601 | $2,020 | 5.2% | +0.0% | $278,601 |
| 2BR | $429,712 | $2,320 | 3.9% | +1.2% | $214,856 |
| 3BR | $518,410 | $3,160 | 4.4% | +1.4% | $172,803 |
| 4BR | $600,620 | $3,750 | 4.5% | +1.4% | $150,155 |
| 5BR | $643,928 | — | — | +1.2% | $128,786 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 97217 Compare?
| Metric | 97217 | Portland | Oregon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $501,500 | $517,965 | $493,884 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | 0.1% | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,664 | $1,754 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% | 2.6% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 97217 (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
Gateway Property Management offers residential property management services in Portland, OR. summary from their website
Grid Property Management is a Portland-based firm providing full-service management and leasing for residential and industrial properties. summary from their website
Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $501,500 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,664 |
| Price-to-Rent | 25.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.0% |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 2.0% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +0.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | -0.6% ▼ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +2.1% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -1.6% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.8% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.6%). 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 97217
Population: 34,756
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 97217
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
George Middle School
Sitton Elementary School
Cesar Chavez K-8 School
James John Elementary School
Rosa Parks Elementary School
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
Investor Insight: With 3,896 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical vacancy rate in Portland, OR?
Occupancy in Portland, OR runs predictable with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $1,664/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
What are rental rates like in Portland, OR?
Rental rates in Portland, OR average $1,664/mo. Tenant demand and $502K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
Where do home prices stand in Portland, OR?
Portland, OR home values average about $502K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $1,664/mo in monthly income.
Is the tenant base reliable in Portland, OR?
The renter base in Portland, OR is reasonable for the $1,664/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields consistent tenants.
How strong is Portland, OR for real estate investors?
Portland, OR scores 2.0/5 for investability. Home values sit at $502K and rents near $1,664/mo, which keeps the rent-to-price ratio in reasonable territory for buy-and-hold investors.
You know 97217 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 97217 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.
How 97217 ranks in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
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