Real Estate Investing in South Cle Elum, Washington (98943)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 98943 (South Cle Elum, 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.
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 27.6 — 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 South Cle Elum, WA (98943)?
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Market Analysis: 98943 South Cle Elum
ZIP 98943 in South Cle Elum, WA carries a substantial set of headwinds. Home values near $411K and rents of $1,242/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
The investment case in 98943 is notable only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $411K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
The gap between 98943 and stronger South Cle Elum ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
The 98943 ZIP's population of 707 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that stands at the need for careful underwriting.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 98943 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 South Cle Elum:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 98943 Compare?
| Metric | 98943 | South Cle Elum | Ellensburg, WA | Washington |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $410,938 | $410,938 | N/A | $591,536 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 2.5% | 2.5% | N/A | 5.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,242 | $1,242 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.4% | 2.4% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 98943 (South Cle Elum, WA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $410,938 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,242 |
| Price-to-Rent | 27.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.6% |
| Cap Rate | 2.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 4.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +0.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +2.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | N/A |
🏠 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 (2.4%). 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 98943
Population: 707
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
Is South Cle Elum, WA better for rentals, flips, or BRRRR?
In South Cle Elum, WA the solid play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $411K prices and $1,242/mo rents suits that approach.
What is the tenant pool like in South Cle Elum, WA?
The renter base in South Cle Elum, WA is reasonable for the $1,242/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields even-keeled tenants.
How much do tenants pay in South Cle Elum, WA?
South Cle Elum, WA rentals go for roughly $1,242/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $411K acquisition costs.
Is vacancy a concern in South Cle Elum, WA?
Vacancy risk in South Cle Elum, WA is elevated. That supports even-keeled cash flow for typical rental holds.
How viable is house hacking in South Cle Elum, WA?
The a challenging house-hack environment in South Cle Elum, WA reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
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