Real Estate Investing in Mount Vernon, Washington (98274)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 98274 (Mount Vernon, 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.
- Elevated vacancy: 8.5% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
What’s happening in Mount Vernon, WA (98274)?
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Market Analysis: 98274 Mount Vernon
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Mount Vernon's 98274 ZIP comes in at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $629K pricing implies.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 98274 reports the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
In the broader WA picture, 98274 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Demographically, 98274 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 98274 is an operator game, not a passive one. In practical terms, entry prices of $629K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Mount Vernon:
Property Strategy for 98274
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $586,498 | $1,520 | 1.9% | +6.3% | $586,498 |
| 2BR | $520,506 | $1,990 | 2.8% | +6.6% | $260,253 |
| 3BR | $606,210 | $2,770 | 3.3% | +7.0% | $202,070 |
| 4BR | $741,026 | $3,010 | 2.9% | +7.1% | $185,256 |
| 5BR | $840,369 | — | — | +7.5% | $168,074 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 98274 Compare?
| Metric | 98274 | Mount Vernon | Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | Washington |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $628,918 | $600,358 | N/A | $591,536 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.6% | 3.8% | N/A | 5.9% |
| Avg Rent | $2,666 | $2,350 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.3% | 3.0% | - | - |
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 98274 (Mount Vernon, WA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $628,918 |
| Monthly Rent | $2,666 |
| Price-to-Rent | 19.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.1% |
| Cap Rate | 3.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 6.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +3.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.6% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.3%). 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 98274
Population: 19,247
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 98274
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 1,983 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Mount Vernon, WA stack up for property investment?
Mount Vernon, WA stands at an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $629K and average rents around $2,666/mo. That combination puts it in the durable tier for investor interest.
What are rental rates like in Mount Vernon, WA?
Average rent in Mount Vernon, WA is approximately $2,666/mo per month. Against $629K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
What is the smart move for investors in Mount Vernon, WA?
Most investors in Mount Vernon, WA run a careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy. It aligns with the 3.0/5 investability profile and the market fundamentals.
What is the typical vacancy rate in Mount Vernon, WA?
Mount Vernon, WA vacancy trends elevated. Investors running standard buy-and-hold plays see reasonable downtime between tenants.
What is the average home sale price in Mount Vernon, WA?
Expect median prices around $629K in Mount Vernon, WA. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been reliable.
You know 98274 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 98274 ranks in Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA
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