Real Estate Investing in Yakima, Washington (98908)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 98908 (Yakima, WA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — home prices are stretched relative to local incomes. Run the math on your specific situation.
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 Yakima, WA (98908)?
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Market Analysis: 98908 Yakima
ZIP 98908 in Yakima, WA carries a resilient set of headwinds. Home values near $436K and rents of $1,697/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
The 98908 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
In the broader WA picture, 98908 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Resident income in 98908 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
The right play in 98908 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Yakima:
Property Strategy for 98908
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $273,429 | $1,210 | 3.2% | +5.3% | $273,429 |
| 2BR | $319,719 | $1,590 | 3.6% | +5.0% | $159,859 |
| 3BR | $412,258 | $2,210 | 3.9% | +5.0% | $137,419 |
| 4BR | $522,227 | $2,420 | 3.3% | +5.4% | $130,557 |
| 5BR | $585,472 | — | — | +5.4% | $117,094 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 98908 Compare?
| Metric | 98908 | Yakima | Yakima, WA | Washington |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $435,904 | $247,945 | N/A | $591,536 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 2.8% | 3.0% | N/A | 5.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,697 | $1,459 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% | 3.1% | - | - |
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 98908 (Yakima, WA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $435,904 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,697 |
| Price-to-Rent | 21.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.7% |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 5.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +3.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +2.8% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.7% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +6.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.0%). 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 98908
Population: 37,921
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 98908
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 1,916 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yakima in WA worth investing in?
Yakima, WA rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $436K and rents near $1,697/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
How quickly do rentals get leased in Yakima, WA?
Vacancy in Yakima, WA is elevated, which keeps landlord downtime on reasonable timelines. Most properties lease within the standard window at $1,697/mo.
What is the average home sale price in Yakima, WA?
Yakima, WA median home values land near $436K. That is reasonable territory for investors looking at $1,697/mo-per-month rentals.
What approach is best for Yakima, WA real estate?
Yakima, WA investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($436K prices, $1,697/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
How much do tenants pay in Yakima, WA?
The typical rental in Yakima, WA commands about $1,697/mo monthly. That rent profile consistent cash flow against the $436K purchase basis.
You know 98908 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 98908 ranks in Yakima, WA
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