Real Estate Investing in Clinton, Washington (98236)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 98236 (Clinton, WA)? 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.
- High vacancy: 23.4% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 43.3 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Clinton, WA (98236)?
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Market Analysis: 98236 Clinton
ZIP 98236 inside Island County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $744K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 98236 comes in at the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
In the broader WA picture, 98236 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Who lives in 98236 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
looks to the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Clinton:
Property Strategy for 98236
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $551,992 | $1,290 | 1.7% | +5.2% | $551,992 |
| 2BR | $695,999 | $1,590 | 1.6% | +5.4% | $348,000 |
| 3BR | $798,102 | $2,210 | 2.0% | +6.0% | $266,034 |
| 4BR | $989,503 | $2,600 | 1.9% | +7.2% | $247,376 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 98236 Compare?
| Metric | 98236 | Clinton | Oak Harbor, WA | Washington |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $744,237 | $744,237 | N/A | $591,536 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 1.9% | 1.9% | N/A | 5.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,431 | $1,431 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 1.5% | 1.5% | - | - |
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 98236 (Clinton, WA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $744,237 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,431 |
| Price-to-Rent | 43.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 2.3% |
| Cap Rate | 1.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 3.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +3.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.1% ▲ |
🏠 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 (1.5%). 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 98236
Population: 7,052
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
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 8,519 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Clinton, WA stack up for property investment?
Clinton, WA reports an investability rating of 2.0/5, with median home values near $744K and average rents around $1,431/mo. That combination puts it in the significant tier for investor interest.
How do experienced investors play Clinton, WA?
The best-fit strategy in Clinton, WA is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
Should investors worry about vacancy in Clinton, WA?
Clinton, WA sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader WA rental market.
How do landlord-tenant laws work in Clinton, WA?
WA ranks as a tenant-protective state for landlord-tenant law. Clinton generally follows the statewide framework, so landlords face reasonable operating rules.
How much do tenants pay in Clinton, WA?
Expect rents around $1,431/mo per month in Clinton, WA. With home values at $744K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
You know 98236 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 98236 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 98236 ranks in Oak Harbor, WA
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