Real Estate Investing in Ronald, Washington (98940)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 98940 (Ronald, 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: 73.5% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (1.5% CAGR).
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 35.6 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Ronald, WA (98940)?
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Market Analysis: 98940 Ronald
ZIP 98940 inside Kittitas County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $569K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
From an investor standpoint, the numbers look inviting — $569K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 98940 is substantial and deserves full respect.
The gap between 98940 and stronger Ronald ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
A notable renter share of 32% in 98940 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
New investors are better served looking at Ronald's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 98940. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Ronald:
Property Strategy for 98940
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $463,334 | $1,140 | 1.8% | +7.1% | $463,334 |
| 2BR | $526,726 | $1,480 | 2.0% | +6.0% | $263,363 |
| 3BR | $754,699 | $2,040 | 1.9% | +7.1% | $251,566 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 98940 Compare?
| Metric | 98940 | Ronald | Ellensburg, WA | Washington |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $568,887 | $568,887 | N/A | $591,536 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 1.5% | 1.5% | N/A | 5.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,332 | $1,332 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 1.8% | 1.8% | - | - |
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 98940 (Ronald, WA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $568,887 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,332 |
| Price-to-Rent | 35.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 2.8% |
| Cap Rate | 1.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 3.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +0.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -2.4% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.3% ▲ |
🏠 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 98940
Population: 461
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Ronald, WA?
Homes in Ronald, WA typically sell near $569K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which measured long-term demand.
What are rental rates like in Ronald, WA?
Investors in Ronald, WA typically see rents near $1,332/mo per month against $569K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
Are tenants stable in Ronald, WA?
Ronald, WA offers a steady renter base at the $1,332/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
How landlord-friendly is Ronald, WA?
Ronald, WA operates under WA law, which is tenant-protective overall for landlords. Expect consistent treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
How do experienced investors play Ronald, WA?
A careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy Ronald, WA best. The market produces steady results for that approach at the $569K price point.
You know 98940 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 98940 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 98940 ranks in Ellensburg, WA
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