Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Syracuse, NY
Syracuse sits in the Northeast with a population of 148,620 declining at -0.2% annually. The median home costs $155,000 while rents average $1,020/mo, producing an estimated cap rate of 4.81%. This is a moderate market that rewards careful deal sourcing.
Syracuse works best for experienced investors with a clear strategy — Section 8, student housing, or deep value-add rehabs. The 4.81% 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 $155,000 median — around $124,000 or less. At this price point with $1,020/mo rents, your cap rate improves to roughly 6.6%. Factor in 1.75% property taxes ($2,713/yr), budget 5% of gross rent for maintenance, and underwrite to a 6.8% vacancy rate. On a 20% down conventional loan at 7%, monthly PITI will run approximately $1,151.
Population decline (-0.2%) is the primary risk — shrinking markets can see rising vacancy and downward pressure on rents and values. Property taxes at 1.75% 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 Syracuse property using our cap rate calculator (pre-filled with Syracuse data). Compare Syracuse against similar markets in the Northeast region. If you're considering a value-add approach, try our BRRRR calculator to model a rehab scenario.