Cleveland is a budget-friendly market in the Midwest with a mid-sized city of 372,624. At a 4.02% estimated cap rate, this is a moderate market where rents of $1,390/mo lag behind home prices. With a median home price of $240,000 and the population has been declining, which investors should factor into long-term projections, Cleveland offers opportunities for investors who source deals carefully.
Market data powered by Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) and Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) · Updated Feb 2026
Cleveland's 0.6% rent-to-price ratio is well below the 1% rule. At median prices of $240,000, the $1,390/mo rent produces only $804/mo in NOI. Investors here need to target below-median properties or pursue value-add strategies to make the numbers work.
At current rates, a 20% down conventional loan ($48K at 7%) would result in approximately $-473/mo cash flow — negative at median prices. Larger down payments, seller financing, or buying 15–25% below median are strategies to turn the numbers positive.
Property taxes consume 23% of gross rent here — one of the highest ratios in our dataset. This significantly compresses margins and makes Cleveland a market where tax-conscious underwriting is essential. Every deal should be stress-tested with potential assessment increases.
Pre-filled with Cleveland medians. Adjust to match a specific property.
Factor in financing to see your actual return on invested capital in Cleveland.
Cleveland, OH has a population of 372,624 and has been growing at -0.1% annually — roughly in line with national trends, meaning demand is stable but not exceptional. The median home price of $240,000 paired with median rents of $1,390/mo produces an estimated cap rate of 4.02%.
Property taxes at 1.63% are notably high and represent a significant drag on cash flow — model this expense carefully, as it can make or break a deal. The vacancy rate of 7.2% runs above average, which increases cash flow volatility and warrants conservative underwriting.
At a price-to-income ratio of 6.8x, homes cost about 6.8 times the local median income of $35,200. This elevated ratio means homeownership is stretched, supporting rental demand but limiting buyer pools. Home values have appreciated at roughly 2% annually. Steady appreciation means total returns will be primarily cash flow-driven — the more sustainable model for long-term wealth building.
Bottom line: Cleveland presents moderate opportunities. Cap rates near 4.02% mean deals need careful sourcing — look for value-add rehabs or emerging neighborhoods where rents are climbing.