Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Cedar Rapids, IA
The median monthly rent in Cedar Rapids, IA is $1,050, translating to $12,600 in annual gross rental income per unit. The rent-to-price ratio is 0.57% — well below the 1% rule, making pure cash flow investing challenging at median prices.
Renters in Cedar Rapids spend approximately 22% of the local median household income ($56,800) on rent. This is well below the 30% threshold, suggesting significant headroom for rent increases. Tenants can afford to pay more, which is bullish for landlords.
The vacancy rate in Cedar Rapids is 5.5%. This is a healthy vacancy rate that indicates balanced supply and demand. You should be able to find quality tenants without extended vacancies, though expect normal turnover periods of 2-4 weeks between tenants. Population growth of 0.4% annually provides stable demand.
Cedar Rapids's GRM (price divided by annual rent) is 14.7x. A GRM between 12-16x is moderate and typical of balanced markets. Deals can work but you need to keep expenses controlled. For comparison, the national average GRM for investment-grade rentals is approximately 13-15x.
At the median rent of $1,050/mo, a single-family rental in Cedar Rapids generates approximately $12,600 in gross annual income. After accounting for 5.5% vacancy ($693 lost), property taxes of $2,738, insurance (~$740), and maintenance (~$740), the estimated NOI is $7,689 per year, or $641/mo.