Palmdale
Investment Analysis

Palmdale, CA
Housing Market Screening

City-level home-price and one-bedroom-rent references with transparent methodology and limitations.

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City-level screening

19.1x

Home price / annualized 1BR rent

Gross annual 1BR-rent reference
5.2%
Recorded YoY field
-2.3%

Not cap rate, ROI, valuation or buy-versus-rent advice. City fields may reflect different source years.

Median Home Price
$515,000
Average Rent (1BR)
$2,252/mo
Median Income
$78,743
Population
161,412

Housing Screening Context

Palmdale has a computed screening multiple of 19.1x and a gross annual 1BR-rent reference of 5.2%.

These values compare separate city-level fields, not one matched property. They exclude financing, taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancy, transaction costs and tenure horizon.

Recorded year-over-year price change: -2.3%. Source period and forecast assumptions should be reviewed before scenario use.

Read the transparent methodology or open the Housing Research Hub.

Rental Cash Flow Analysis

Monthly Income

Gross Rent $2,252
Annual Gross $27,024

Est. Monthly Expenses

Property Tax (~1.5%) -$644
Insurance (~0.5%) -$215
Maintenance (~1%) -$429
Est. Net Cash Flow $965/mo

Price Forecast 2026–2028

🔮 Palmdale Price Forecast 2026–2028

Based on 5-year Zillow ZHVI trend analysis · Statistical projection
📈 Upward Trend
PROJECTEDNOW$504K2027$527Kâ–² 4.6%2028$537Kâ–² 6.5%20232024Now
$563K$460K
Current
$515K
2026
Projected
$527K
↑ 4.6% by 2027
Projected
$537K
↑ 6.5% by 2028
5yr CAGR:+3.5%
Confidence:Low
R²:0.49
â–¼

For the Palmdale housing market forecast through 2028, we anticipate a period of stabilization rather than dramatic swings. The current median home price of $495,960 has already seen a slight dip of -1.9% YoY, suggesting the rapid appreciation of the past is cooling. With the price-to-rent ratio at 16.3x—below the national average—renting remains a viable option, but the gap is narrowing. The local aerospace and logistics sectors continue to provide a stable employment base, which should support demand despite broader economic headwinds. Affordability remains Palmdale's key advantage, drawing in buyers priced out of Los Angeles proper, but rising insurance costs and potential interest rate volatility could temper growth. The market's current temperature of 61/100 indicates a balanced environment, not a fire sale.

When asking if Palmdale home prices will drop significantly, the data suggests more of a plateau. The 5-year price change of 30.5% and a CAGR of 5.4% show strong historical momentum, but the 46-day average on the market signals buyers are gaining leverage. For those eyeing Palmdale real estate Palmdale 2027, the risk grade of A- points to a resilient market, though one that won't escape the pressures of higher borrowing costs. We expect prices to remain within the recent range of roughly $380k to $510k, with modest fluctuations. The verdict of a NEUTRAL buy/rent stance is appropriate; purchasing is not an immediate bargain, but neither is it a risky overpay. This forecast balances Palmdale's affordability appeal with the reality of a cooling housing cycle.

Projected Cap Rate (2027)
3.2%
5yr CAGR
+3.5%

Job Market

Unemployment 5.2%
National avg: 3.7%
Job Growth (YoY) +1.5%

Healthcare

78
Score
Good

Risk Factors

High Crime Area
Declining Prices

Market Activity

Source: Redfin · 2026-05-31
Sale-to-List 100.3%
Months Supply 3.3
Price Drops 21%
Gone in 2 Wks 31%

Market Position

Affordability Average
Safety Higher Risk

ROI Projector Model an editable scenario

Adjust the sliders to model different investment scenarios for Palmdale.

Total ROI
-95%
on $103,000 invested
Annual ROI
-45.4%
compounded
Total Return
-$98,017
appreciation + cashflow
Mo. Cash Flow
-$1,834
year 1 estimate
Equity Growth Over 5 Years
Y1107kY2112kY3117kY4122kY5127k
Appreciation
$0
Cash Flow
-$98,017
Final Equity
$127,144

* Estimates based on 0.0% annual appreciation, 3% rent growth, 5% vacancy. Does not include closing costs, tax benefits, or capital gains tax. For illustrative purposes only.

Rental Scenario Calculator Estimate your monthly cashflow

Rental Cash-Flow Scenario

Pre-filled for Palmdale

Property

Purchase Price$515,000
Monthly Rent$2,252
Down Payment20%

Financing

Interest Rate6.5%

Expenses

Property Tax1.2%
Insurance (Annual)$1,500
Maintenance Reserve1%
Vacancy Rate5%
Property Management0%
HOA (Monthly)$0
-$1,534
Modeled Monthly Cash Flow
-$18,407/ year
-17.9%
Cash-on-Cash
2.5%
Cap Rate

Monthly Breakdown

+ Rental Income$2,252
− Mortgage (P&I)$2,604
− Property Tax$515
− Insurance$125
− Maintenance$429
− Vacancy Loss$113
= Net Cash Flow-$1,534

Scenario Summary

Down Payment
$103,000
Loan Amount
$412,000
Total Monthly Expenses
$3,786
Gross Yield
5.2%

Investor Toolkit

Research Palmdale before you invest

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investment decisions should be made after consulting with qualified professionals. Data sources include Zillow, Census Bureau, and BLS. Cap rates and yields are estimates based on available data.

Last updated: July 2026