Real Estate Investing in Portland, Oregon (97218)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 97218 (Portland, OR)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- Declining values: -0.4% 5-year CAGR — values have moved lower.
- Higher unemployment: 7.8% unemployment — tenant risk signal.
What’s happening in Portland, OR (97218)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 97218 Portland
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Portland's 97218 ZIP posts signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $479K pricing implies.
For an experienced owner, 97218 can be a a viable market for hunting ground — but the discount at $479K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Statewide comparisons place 97218 among OR's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
A impressive renter share of 42% in 97218 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
The right play in 97218 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Portland:
Property Strategy for 97218
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $340,152 | $1,610 | 3.4% | +0.2% | $340,152 |
| 2BR | $422,169 | $1,840 | 3.1% | +1.8% | $211,085 |
| 3BR | $484,108 | $2,510 | 3.7% | +1.9% | $161,369 |
| 4BR | $563,051 | $2,980 | 3.8% | +2.1% | $140,763 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 97218 Compare?
| Metric | 97218 | Portland | Oregon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $478,690 | $517,965 | $493,884 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | 0.1% | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,824 | $1,754 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% | 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 97218 (Portland, OR). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 97218 (Portland, OR)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
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 | $478,690 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,824 |
| Price-to-Rent | 21.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.6% |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 2.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +1.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -0.4% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | -0.4% ▼ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +3.1% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -21.1% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
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.
Demographics in 97218
Population: 14,704
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 97218
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School
Faubion Elementary School
Roseway Heights School
Vestal Elementary School
Sacramento 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average monthly rent in Portland, OR?
Expect rents around $1,824/mo per month in Portland, OR. With home values at $479K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
What type of investing works in Portland, OR?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Portland, OR. With home values at $479K and rents near $1,824/mo, other strategies can work but produce predictable rather than outsized returns.
Is Portland, OR a good place for real estate investing?
Portland, OR stands at an investability rating of 2.0/5, with median home values near $479K and average rents around $1,824/mo. That combination puts it in the healthy tier for investor interest.
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 viable is house hacking in Portland, OR?
House hacking in Portland, OR is a challenging. With home values around $479K and rents at $1,824/mo, owner-occupants can offset a meaningful share of PITI.
You know 97218 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 97218 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 97218 ranks in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 97218 (Portland)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 97218 (Portland, OR).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.