Is Portland a Good Place to Invest in a Rental Property?

View of Mt. Hood from Portland
If you’re looking for a city to buy your next rental property in, Portland is still a great option. Known for its quirky nature, scenery, and abundance of activities (from checking out a game at the Moda Center to hiking one the city’s many trails, exploring the Oregon Zoo, or spending an afternoon at the Portland Japanese Garden), Portland offers something for everyone!

Today, we’re going to explore what makes Portland a good place to buy a rental property to help you decide if this city is the right location for you.

Let’s get started!

About the Portland, Oregon Rental Property Market

The Portland Metro area has multiple cities where you could invest, with some of the most promising locations being in the suburbs.

Here’s some other information about Portland to consider:

  • The average rent in Portland is $1,793 per month, though it varies greatly depending on the type of property, number of household members, amenities, etc.
  • The average home value is $538,294 in 2024, a slight drop from last year. (To compare, the average home value in Salem is $437,987.)
  • The average mortgage payment is $2,883 for 30-year mortgages. (Oregon’s average mortgage payment is $1,946 per month, making Portland higher than the state average but presenting an opportunity for higher market rent.)

The bottom line? Portland delivers a strong return on your investment.

Due to the challenges faced by the city, a significant number of risk-averse residential real estate investors sold Portland properties, and many transitioned to owner-occupied properties. This decreased the number of residential rentals, which added to the already high demand for rental homes.

St. Johns Bridge in Portland Oregon

Other Considerations When Choosing a Rental Property Location

  • If you plan to purchase a rental property, talk with a property management company before your purchase. The most profitable rental properties tend to be the ones with the best location (amenities, services, entertainment, scenery, etc. nearby), supported by the right management. At Evergreen Property Management, we know what rents, expected property maintenance, and the latest rental market data, helping you choose a property that’s right for you.
  • Location makes a huge impact on a rental property’s profitability. You might be able to renovate a home or change up the paint. However, you can’t change the location, so it’s important to buy in the right area. 

Select the right type of property. In Portland, you can purchase and rent out condos, single-family homes, multi-family homes, and many other types of properties.

Downtown Portland Oregon

Conclusion

Portland has a strong demand for rental housing, with many opportunities for real estate investors. Whether you’re buying your first or fifth investment property, little gives you peace of mind like a property management company. Evergreen Property Management strives to take the headache out of property management in Portland so that you can do what you do best: invest.

Want to get started? Contact Evergreen Property Management today! We’re proud property managers for investment properties across Portland.