Real Estate Investing in Lake Stevens, Washington (98258)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 98258 (Lake Stevens, 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.
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
What’s happening in Lake Stevens, WA (98258)?
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Market Analysis: 98258 Lake Stevens
This part of Snohomish County is not an easy win. The 98258 ZIP clocks in at softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
For an experienced owner, 98258 can be a an appealing option for hunting ground — but the discount at $705K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Turning to rents, 98258 offers a low basis, the region around Lake Stevens has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Resident income in 98258 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
Strategy in 98258 is an operator game, not a passive one. On balance, entry prices of $705K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Lake Stevens:
Property Strategy for 98258
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $487,285 | $2,270 | 3.4% | +8.2% | $487,285 |
| 2BR | $525,302 | $2,640 | 3.6% | +6.9% | $262,651 |
| 3BR | $638,719 | $3,450 | 3.9% | +7.3% | $212,906 |
| 4BR | $778,136 | $4,060 | 3.8% | +8.0% | $194,534 |
| 5BR | $878,306 | — | — | +7.9% | $175,661 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 98258 Compare?
| Metric | 98258 | Lake Stevens | Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | Washington |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $704,712 | $704,712 | N/A | $591,536 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.6% | 3.6% | N/A | 5.9% |
| Avg Rent | $3,015 | $3,015 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.3% | 3.3% | - | - |
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 98258 (Lake Stevens, 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 | $704,712 |
| Monthly Rent | $3,015 |
| Price-to-Rent | 19.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.1% |
| Cap Rate | 3.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 6.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +0.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.6% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -3.1% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.2% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.3%). 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 98258
Population: 52,005
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 98258
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 3,478 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of market is Lake Stevens, WA for investors?
The 3.0/5 investability rating in Lake Stevens, WA reflects its $705K prices and $3,015/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within WA.
What is the typical rental rate in Lake Stevens, WA?
Rents in Lake Stevens, WA run near $3,015/mo. Compared with median home prices of $705K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
What is the rental occupancy rate in Lake Stevens, WA?
Lake Stevens, WA carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect reliable absorption at market rents of $3,015/mo.
Is housing expensive in Lake Stevens, WA?
In Lake Stevens, WA the median home value sits at $705K. Against the broader WA market, that reads as reasonable for most investors.
How should investors approach Lake Stevens, WA?
The best-fit strategy in Lake Stevens, WA is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
You know 98258 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 98258 ranks in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
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