Real Estate Investing in Acme, Washington (98220)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 98220 (Acme, WA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — values have been flat. OK for long-horizon buyers, less attractive if you may need to sell soon.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (1.4% CAGR).
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 30.1 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Acme, WA (98220)?
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Market Analysis: 98220 Acme
ZIP 98220 in Acme, WA carries a notable set of headwinds. Home values near $514K and rents of $1,422/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
Rent of $1,422/mo on a $514K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 98220 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
Within WA, ZIP 98220 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Whatcom County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and significant enough to shape underwriting.
Who lives in 98220 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
The right play in 98220 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 Acme:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 98220 Compare?
| Metric | 98220 | Acme | Bellingham, WA | Washington |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $514,184 | $514,184 | N/A | $591,536 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 1.4% | 1.4% | N/A | 5.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,422 | $1,422 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.2% | 2.2% | - | - |
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 98220 (Acme, WA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $514,184 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,422 |
| Price-to-Rent | 30.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.3% |
| Cap Rate | 2.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 3.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +3.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.9% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.2%). 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 98220
Population: 558
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 98220
Schools in This ZIP Code
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 761 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home value in Acme, WA?
Acme, WA home values average about $514K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $1,422/mo in monthly income.
What is it like being a landlord in Acme, WA?
The landlord environment in Acme, WA is tenant-protective. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
What kind of tenants rent in Acme, WA?
The renter base in Acme, WA is reasonable for the $1,422/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields predictable tenants.
How viable is house hacking in Acme, WA?
Acme, WA is a a challenging market for house hackers. FHA or conventional owner-occupant buyers find the $514K price point reasonable to enter.
Is vacancy a concern in Acme, WA?
Acme, WA vacancy trends elevated. Investors running standard buy-and-hold plays see reasonable downtime between tenants.
You know 98220 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 98220 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 98220 ranks in Bellingham, WA
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