Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Youngstown, OH
Youngstown sits in the Midwest with a population of 62,000 declining at -0.5% annually. The median home costs $95,000 while rents average $720/mo, producing an estimated cap rate of 5.92%. This is a moderate market that rewards careful deal sourcing.
Youngstown works best for experienced investors with a clear strategy — Section 8, student housing, or deep value-add rehabs. The 5.92% 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 $95,000 median — around $76,000 or less. At this price point with $720/mo rents, your cap rate improves to roughly 8.0%. Factor in 1.6% property taxes ($1,520/yr), budget 5% of gross rent for maintenance, and underwrite to a 8.5% vacancy rate. On a 20% down conventional loan at 7%, monthly PITI will run approximately $732.
Population decline (-0.5%) is the primary risk — shrinking markets can see rising vacancy and downward pressure on rents and values. The 8.5% vacancy rate is above the national average, so budget conservatively and screen tenants carefully. Property taxes at 1.6% 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 Youngstown property using our cap rate calculator (pre-filled with Youngstown data). Compare Youngstown against similar markets in the Midwest region. If you're considering a value-add approach, try our BRRRR calculator to model a rehab scenario.