Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Ithaca, NY
Ithaca sits in the Northeast with a population of 50,000 declining at 0% annually. The median home costs $340,000 while rents average $1,970/mo, producing an estimated cap rate of 4.00%. This is a moderate market that rewards careful deal sourcing.
Ithaca works best for experienced investors with a clear strategy — Section 8, student housing, or deep value-add rehabs. The 4.00% cap rate at median prices is tight, so success depends on buying below market, forcing appreciation through renovation, or accessing above-market rent streams through niche tenant bases.
Target properties priced 15-25% below the $340,000 median — around $272,000 or less. At this price point with $1,970/mo rents, your cap rate improves to roughly 5.6%. Factor in 1.71% property taxes ($5,814/yr), budget 5% of gross rent for maintenance, and underwrite to a 6.3% vacancy rate. On a 20% down conventional loan at 7%, monthly PITI will run approximately $2,393.
Property taxes at 1.71% are notably high — this is a significant drag on NOI that some investors underestimate. Every deal should be evaluated individually using our calculator tools. Median data provides a starting point; actual returns depend on the specific property, financing, and your management approach.
Run the numbers on a specific Ithaca property using our cap rate calculator (pre-filled with Ithaca data). Compare Ithaca against similar markets in the Northeast region. If you're considering a value-add approach, try our BRRRR calculator to model a rehab scenario.
Ithaca vs New York state average and national average across key investment metrics. Ithaca beats the national average but trails the New York average on cap rate.