Real Estate Investing in Portland, Oregon (97236)
Should you buy in 97236 (Portland, OR)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Portland, OR (97236)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 97236 Portland
Turning to rents, ZIP 97236 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $438K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $438K asset, 97236 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Regionally, 97236 sits on the difficult end of the OR spectrum. The a credible choice for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
The 97236 ZIP's population of 37,864 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that registers the need for careful underwriting.
Strategically, 97236 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 Portland:
Property Strategy for 97236
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $327,600 | $1,800 | 4.0% | +2.4% | $163,800 |
| 3BR | $411,772 | $2,470 | 4.3% | +3.9% | $137,257 |
| 4BR | $502,852 | $2,900 | 4.2% | +3.8% | $125,713 |
| 5BR | $586,126 | — | — | +4.2% | $117,225 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 97236 Compare?
| Metric | 97236 | Portland | Oregon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $438,300 | $523,055 | $493,884 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 1.9% | 0.9% | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,598 | $1,755 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% | 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 97236 (Portland, OR). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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Property managers serving Multnomah County
Manage rentals here? List your business →AMS Association Management Services NW provides HOA Management Services. summary from their website
Gateway Property Management offers residential property management services in Portland, OR. summary from their website
Grid Property Management is a Portland-based firm providing full-service management and leasing for residential and industrial properties. summary from their website
Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $438,300 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,598 |
| Price-to-Rent | 22.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.4% |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 4.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.4% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -9.5% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -1.7% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +2.4% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.5%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.8%). 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 97236
Population: 37,864
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 97236
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Kelly Elementary School
Benson Polytechnic High School
Lent Elementary School
Alder Elementary School
Earl Boyles Elementary
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of market is Portland, OR for investors?
Our data puts Portland, OR at 2.0/5 for investability. Home prices of $438K and rents around $1,598/mo create a solid backdrop for investor activity.
Are rents high in Portland, OR?
Rents in Portland, OR run near $1,598/mo. Compared with median home prices of $438K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
What is the typical home price in Portland, OR?
In Portland, OR the median home value sits at $438K. Against the broader OR market, that reads as reasonable for most investors.
What is the rental occupancy rate in Portland, OR?
Occupancy in Portland, OR runs even-keeled with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $1,598/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
Is OR a landlord-friendly state?
Landlord-friendliness in Portland, OR is landlord-friendly. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.
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