Real Estate Investing in Darrington, Washington (98241)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 98241 (Darrington, WA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 19.7% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Darrington, WA (98241)?
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Market Analysis: 98241 Darrington
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Darrington's 98241 ZIP shows signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $436K pricing implies.
From an investor standpoint, the numbers look inviting — $436K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 98241 is substantial and deserves full respect.
Stepping back, 98241 offers a low basis, the region around Darrington has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
The 98241 ZIP's population of 2,412 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that reflects the need for careful underwriting.
Strategy in 98241 is an operator game, not a passive one. From a cash-flow lens, entry prices of $436K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Darrington:
Property Strategy for 98241
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $370,268 | $2,160 | 4.2% | +8.1% | $185,134 |
| 3BR | $460,079 | $2,850 | 4.5% | +8.3% | $153,360 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 98241 Compare?
| Metric | 98241 | Darrington | Washington |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $436,421 | $436,421 | $591,536 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.6% | 4.6% | 5.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,944 | $1,944 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% | 3.5% | - |
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 98241 (Darrington, WA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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Property managers serving Snohomish County
Manage rentals here? List your business →inTrust Property Management offers HOA Management Services in King & Snohomish Counties. summary from their website
Haven Property Management is a full-service residential management company based in Federal Way, WA, covering the Greater Puget Sound area. summary from their website
Navigate Community Management provides community management services. 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 | $436,421 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,944 |
| Price-to-Rent | 18.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.4% |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.0% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +3.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +9.6% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.5%). 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 98241
Population: 2,412
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 98241
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best play in Darrington, WA?
The best-fit strategy in Darrington, WA is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
What is the typical vacancy rate in Darrington, WA?
Rental vacancy in Darrington, WA is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
How do home values compare in Darrington, WA?
The median home value in Darrington, WA is roughly $436K. That puts it reasonable relative to the WA statewide average.
How strict are landlord regulations in Darrington, WA?
Darrington, WA falls under WA landlord-tenant law, which is tenant-protective. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
How does Darrington, WA rate as a rental market?
Our data puts Darrington, WA at 3.0/5 for investability. Home prices of $436K and rents around $1,944/mo create a solid backdrop for investor activity.
You know 98241 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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