Bainbridge Island, WA — Rental Investment Analysis

🔴POORnegative cash flow likely

Data: HUD FMR FY2024 + Zillow ZHVI April 2026 + Freddie Mac rates. Last updated June 2026.

Investment Summary

As of 2026, Bainbridge Island, WA has a 1.1% cap rate, indicating limited cash flow potential at current prices of $1,187,472 median.

Bainbridge Island is very expensive relative to rents — expect negative cash flow. At $1,187,472 median home price, Bainbridge Island requires significant capital. A 20% down payment alone is $237,494. With 3-bedroom rents around $3,400/month, the 1.1% cap rate tells the story. Cash flow is deeply negative at -$5,214/month with standard assumptions. This market requires appreciation to justify the investment.

At 0.29% on the 1% rule, rents are low relative to purchase prices. You'd need a significant discount from asking price to make the numbers work. DSCR of 0.17 is below 1.0, meaning rental income doesn't cover the mortgage. DSCR lenders will likely decline this market at current prices.

Bottom line: At current valuations, Bainbridge Island doesn't make sense for rental investors focused on returns. Look at lower-cost markets unless you have specific local knowledge.

Data sources: HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2024), Zillow Home Value Index (April 2026), Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Cap Rate

1.1%

Below average

Monthly Cash Flow

-$5,214

After all expenses

Price-to-Rent

29.1

Overpriced for rent

DSCR

0.17

Fails

Key Metrics

Median Home Price
$1,187,472
Average Rent (3BR)
$3,400/mo
Price-to-Rent Ratio
29.1(high)
1% Rule
0.29%(fails — need 1%+)
Cash-on-Cash Return
-22.9%
Vacancy Rate
8.0%

Market Strength

Unemployment Rate
5.2%(+0.9% vs national)
Rent Growth (YoY)
+2.9%(national avg)
Population Growth
+2% YoY

Assumptions Used

20% down, 6.52% rate, 30yr, 8% vacancy, 10% maintenance

Customize these numbers →

Property Tax Rate

0.87%

of assessed value (WA avg)

Median Income

$82,228

household (WA avg)

Rent-to-Income

49.6%

Stretched

Section 8 Max Rent

$3,400/mo

3BR voucher payment

WA Investor Climate

Landlord Friendly

5/10

State Income Tax

None

Property Tax

0.87% effective

Population Trend

+2% (3yr)

Best Zip Codes in Bainbridge Island for Investors

98110
Cap Rate: 1.1%Cash Flow: -$5,214/mo$1,187,472
98110
Cap Rate: 1.1%Cash Flow: -$5,214/mo$1,187,472

All Zip Codes in Bainbridge Island

ZipCap RateCash FlowHome PriceRent (3BR)DSCR
981101.1%-$5,214$1,187,472$3,400/mo0.17
981101.1%-$5,214$1,187,472$3,400/mo0.17