Real Estate Investing in Kingston, Washington (98342)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 98342 (Kingston, 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: 22.9% 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 35.7 — 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 Kingston, WA (98342)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 98342 Kingston
In practical terms, ZIP 98342 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $716K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $716K asset, 98342 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Statewide comparisons place 98342 among WA's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
Demographically, 98342 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.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 98342 workable. Turnkey investors from out of state usually find the numbers do not hold up in practice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Kingston:
Property Strategy for 98342
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $594,455 | $1,860 | 2.3% | +5.0% | $297,228 |
| 3BR | $746,235 | $2,420 | 2.3% | +5.4% | $248,745 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 98342 Compare?
| Metric | 98342 | Kingston | Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | Washington |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $716,307 | $694,081 | N/A | $591,536 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 2.8% | 2.8% | N/A | 5.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,674 | $2,171 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 1.8% | 2.5% | - | - |
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 98342 (Kingston, WA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $716,307 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,674 |
| Price-to-Rent | 35.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 2.8% |
| Cap Rate | 1.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 4.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +2.8% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.9% ▲ |
🏠 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 (1.8%). 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 98342
Population: 1,398
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 98342
Nearby Schools (1 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Suquamish Elementary School
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 7,253 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home value in Kingston, WA?
Typical homes in Kingston, WA go for around $716K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% measured price movement.
Is Kingston, WA suited for a house hack?
For house hackers, Kingston, WA is a challenging. The $1,674/mo rent on a unit helps defray the mortgage on a $716K property.
What is the renter demographic in Kingston, WA?
Tenant quality in Kingston, WA ranks as solid. Landlords generally report even-keeled occupancy at market rents of $1,674/mo.
What approach is best for Kingston, WA real estate?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Kingston, WA. The numbers - $716K homes against $1,674/mo rents - support that play.
How strong are rents in Kingston, WA?
The typical rental in Kingston, WA commands about $1,674/mo monthly. That rent profile even-keeled cash flow against the $716K purchase basis.
You know 98342 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 98342 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 98342 ranks in Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
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