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Cap Rate Analysis: Grand Rapids, MI

Investment metrics, interactive calculators, and data-driven analysis for Grand Rapids rental properties.

Challenging for pure cash flow
Based on $270,000 median price and $1,380/mo median rent
Est. Cap Rate
3.63%
1% Rule
0.51%
Fails
GRM
16.3x
Price / Income
5.2x

Market Data

Median Home Price$270,000
Median Monthly Rent$1,380
Property Tax Rate1.38%
Population201,013
Population Growth1.1% / yr
Median Household Income$52,400
Vacancy Rate5.2%
Annual Appreciation3.2%

Cap Rate Calculator — Grand Rapids

Pre-filled with Grand Rapids medians. Adjust to match a specific property.

Property Details
$
$
3–8% typical
%
Monthly Expenses
1.38% rate
$
$
8–10% of rent
$
8–12% of rent
$
Cap Rate
2.93%Low
Net Operating Income ÷ Purchase Price
NOI / Year
$7,911
net operating income
Gross Rent Multiplier
16.3x
High (>15)
1% Rule
0.51%
✗ Fails
Monthly Cash Flow
$659
before debt service
Annual Breakdown
Gross Rental Income$16,560
Less Vacancy−$861
Effective Income$15,699
Less Operating Expenses−$7,788
Net Operating Income$7,911

Cash-on-Cash Return — Grand Rapids

Factor in financing to see your actual return on invested capital in Grand Rapids.

$
$67,500
%
%
years
$
taxes + ins + maint + mgmt
$
$
Cash-on-Cash Return
-8.26%Weak
Annual Cash Flow ÷ Total Cash Invested
Total Cash Invested
$75,600
$67,500 down + $8,100 closing
Monthly Mortgage
$1,320
on $203K loan
Monthly Cash Flow
$-520
after all expenses
Annual Cash Flow
$-6,242
before taxes
Cash Flow Breakdown
Monthly Rent$1,380
Less Expenses−$580
Less Mortgage−$1,320
Monthly Cash Flow$-520

Is Grand Rapids a Good Place to Invest in Rental Property?

Grand Rapids, MI has a population of 201,013 and has been growing at 1.1% annually — above the national average, suggesting steady demand pressure on housing. The median home price of $270,000 paired with median rents of $1,380/mo produces an estimated cap rate of 3.63%.

Property taxes at 1.38% fall within the national average range and shouldn't present unusual challenges. The vacancy rate of 5.2% is moderate and within normal parameters for a healthy rental market.

At a price-to-income ratio of 5.2x, homes cost about 5.2 times the local median income of $52,400. This moderate ratio indicates a balanced rent-vs-buy market. Home values have appreciated at roughly 3.2% annually. Steady appreciation means total returns will be primarily cash flow-driven — the more sustainable model for long-term wealth building.

Bottom line: At current median prices, Grand Rapids is challenging for pure cash flow investing. Consider BRRRR strategies with below-market purchases, or look at neighboring metros with stronger price-to-rent ratios.

Run a BRRRR analysis for Grand Rapids
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