Real Estate Investing in Blaine, Washington (98230)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 98230 (Blaine, WA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 14.9% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
What’s happening in Blaine, WA (98230)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 98230 Blaine
Put differently, ZIP 98230 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $541K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
The investment case in 98230 is solid only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $541K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
Within WA, ZIP 98230 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Whatcom submarkets outperform. The gap is real and significant enough to shape underwriting.
Demographically, 98230 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.
Strategy in 98230 is an operator game, not a passive one. From an investor standpoint, entry prices of $541K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Blaine:
Property Strategy for 98230
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $280,761 | $1,420 | 3.6% | +6.4% | $280,761 |
| 2BR | $406,415 | $1,710 | 3.0% | +5.9% | $203,208 |
| 3BR | $576,640 | $2,380 | 3.0% | +6.6% | $192,213 |
| 4BR | $704,440 | $2,870 | 2.9% | +6.6% | $176,110 |
| 5BR | $789,082 | — | — | +7.3% | $157,816 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 98230 Compare?
| Metric | 98230 | Blaine | Washington |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $541,214 | $541,214 | $591,536 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 2.9% | 2.9% | 5.9% |
| Avg Rent | $2,529 | $2,529 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.6% | 3.6% | - |
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 98230 (Blaine, WA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 98230 (Blaine, WA)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $541,214 |
| Monthly Rent | $2,529 |
| Price-to-Rent | 17.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.6% |
| Cap Rate | 3.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 6.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +1.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +2.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.3% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +4.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.6%). 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 98230
Population: 18,757
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 98230
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 1,535 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of vacancy should I budget for in Blaine, WA?
Rental vacancy in Blaine, WA is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
Is WA a landlord-friendly state?
WA law tenant-protective for landlords, and Blaine inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.
How much does a house cost in Blaine, WA?
The median home value in Blaine, WA is roughly $541K. That puts it reasonable relative to the WA statewide average.
How strong are rents in Blaine, WA?
Rent in Blaine, WA is around $2,529/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $541K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
What is the tenant pool like in Blaine, WA?
Working renters make up the core of the Blaine, WA tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
You know 98230 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 98230 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.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 98230 (Blaine)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 98230 (Blaine, WA).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.