Real Estate Investing in Onalaska, Washington (98570)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 98570 (Onalaska, 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: 15.8% 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 36.4 — 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 Onalaska, WA (98570)?
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Market Analysis: 98570 Onalaska
ZIP 98570 in Onalaska, WA carries a impressive set of headwinds. Home values near $514K and rents of $1,179/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
The 98570 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
On the rental side, 98570 offers a low basis, the region around Onalaska has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
A durable renter share of 26% in 98570 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
Strategically, 98570 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Onalaska:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 98570 Compare?
| Metric | 98570 | Onalaska | Centralia, WA | Washington |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $514,446 | $514,446 | N/A | $591,536 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.8% | 3.8% | N/A | 5.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,179 | $1,179 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 1.8% | 1.8% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 98570 (Onalaska, WA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $514,446 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,179 |
| Price-to-Rent | 36.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 2.8% |
| Cap Rate | 1.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 5.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.8% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +10.0% ▲ |
🏠 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 98570
Population: 5,060
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 98570
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 housing expensive in Onalaska, WA?
Expect median prices around $514K in Onalaska, WA. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been reliable.
Does house hacking make sense in Onalaska, WA?
For house hackers, Onalaska, WA is a challenging. The $1,179/mo rent on a unit helps defray the mortgage on a $514K property.
Should investors consider Onalaska, WA?
Onalaska, WA reflects an investability rating of 2.0/5, with median home values near $514K and average rents around $1,179/mo. That combination puts it in the substantial tier for investor interest.
Is WA a landlord-friendly state?
WA law tenant-protective for landlords, and Onalaska inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.
How tight is the rental market in Onalaska, WA?
Onalaska, WA sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader WA rental market.
You know 98570 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 98570 ranks in Centralia, WA
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