Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Cincinnati, OH
The median monthly rent in Cincinnati, OH is $1,280, translating to $15,360 in annual gross rental income per unit. The rent-to-price ratio is 0.54% — well below the 1% rule, making pure cash flow investing challenging at median prices.
Renters in Cincinnati spend approximately 34% of the local median household income ($44,800) on rent. This exceeds the standard 30% affordability threshold, suggesting rent growth may face resistance — but it also means a large portion of the population finds buying even more out of reach, supporting rental demand.
The vacancy rate in Cincinnati is 5.8%. 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.
Cincinnati's GRM (price divided by annual rent) is 15.3x. 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 $1,280/mo, a single-family rental in Cincinnati generates approximately $15,360 in gross annual income. After accounting for 5.8% vacancy ($891 lost), property taxes of $3,572, insurance (~$940), and maintenance (~$940), the estimated NOI is $9,017 per year, or $751/mo.