Real Estate Investing in Maple Falls, Washington (98266)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 98266 (Maple Falls, 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: 14.6% 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 Maple Falls, WA (98266)?
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Market Analysis: 98266 Maple Falls
The 98266 ZIP covers a section of Maple Falls that demands careful diligence. Prices near $389K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 98266 registers the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
ZIP 98266's metrics run below Whatcom County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
Resident income in 98266 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
leans 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 Maple Falls:
Property Strategy for 98266
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $205,822 | $1,310 | 4.6% | +10.0% | $205,822 |
| 2BR | $312,326 | $1,580 | 3.6% | +7.9% | $156,163 |
| 3BR | $415,701 | $2,200 | 3.8% | +7.2% | $138,567 |
| 4BR | $455,673 | $2,650 | 4.2% | +6.5% | $113,918 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 98266 Compare?
| Metric | 98266 | Maple Falls | Bellingham, WA | Washington |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $388,702 | $388,702 | N/A | $591,536 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.1% | 4.1% | N/A | 5.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,422 | $1,422 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% | 2.9% | - | - |
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 98266 (Maple Falls, WA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $388,702 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,422 |
| Price-to-Rent | 22.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.4% |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 6.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +10.1% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.9%). 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 98266
Population: 4,198
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 98266
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
Is vacancy a concern in Maple Falls, WA?
Rental vacancy in Maple Falls, WA is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
Is the tenant base reliable in Maple Falls, WA?
Tenant demand in Maple Falls, WA is solid. The local workforce $1,422/mo rents across most rental classes.
What do rentals go for in Maple Falls, WA?
Average rent in Maple Falls, WA is approximately $1,422/mo per month. Against $389K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
Is Maple Falls, WA good for house hacking?
The house hack math a challenging in Maple Falls, WA. Owner-occupant buyers benefit from the $1,422/mo rents and $389K home values.
What is the smart move for investors in Maple Falls, WA?
In Maple Falls, WA the solid play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $389K prices and $1,422/mo rents suits that approach.
You know 98266 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 98266 ranks in Bellingham, WA
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Community Ratings
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