Appreciation Investing in St. Louis, MO

Appreciation Score: 1.3/10Ranked #49 of 52 markets

Data-driven appreciation analysis for St. Louis, MO — score breakdown, key investment metrics, and how it compares to other markets.

Last updated: May 2026

Score Breakdown

Appreciation Score:1.3
Population Growth(40%)
-1.5%1.3
Median Household Income(25%)
$55,2792.8
Low Vacancy(20%)
16.9%0.0
Metro Size (Demand)(15%)
293,1090.7

Key Metrics for Appreciation

Pop. Growth

-1.5%

Moderate

Median Income

$55,279

Household income

Vacancy Rate

16.9%

Moderate supply

Population

293K

Metro demand indicator

Appreciation Investment Thesis

St. Louis offers strong cash flow in a market with significant neighborhood variation. Focus on the south city corridor and near university areas for the best risk-adjusted returns.

How St. Louis Compares

RankCityAppreciation ScoreCap RateMedian Price
#45Birmingham, AL1.98.5%$125,000
#46Little Rock, AR1.98.3%$150,000
#47Toledo, OH1.89.0%$88,000
#48Baltimore, MD1.36.5%$180,000
#49St. Louis, MO1.37.4%$165,000

Showing markets ranked near St. Louis for this strategy.

Quick Math: Estimated Annual Return

Annual Gross Rent ($1,200/mo)$14,400
Less: Vacancy (16.9%)-$2,434
Less: Property Tax (1.38%)-$2,277
Less: Insurance (~0.5%)-$825
Less: Maintenance (~1.5%)-$2,475
Estimated NOI$6,389
Implied Cap Rate3.9%

Based on median market data. Your actual returns will vary based on specific property, financing, and management costs. Always run your own analysis before investing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the appreciation score for St. Louis, MO?

St. Louis, MO scores 1.3 out of 10 on our appreciation score, ranking #49 out of 52 markets we track. Weighted composite: population growth (40%), median household income (25%), low vacancy (20%), metro size/demand (15%). Scale 0–10.

Is St. Louis a good city for appreciation investing?

St. Louis, MO ranks #49 for appreciation investing with a score of 1.3/10. While not a top-ranked market for this strategy, it may have strengths in other investing approaches.

What is the average cap rate in St. Louis?

The average cap rate in St. Louis, MO is 7.4%. The median home price is $165,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,200, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 0.73%.

What are the property taxes in St. Louis?

The effective property tax rate in St. Louis, MO is 1.38%. On a $165,000 property, that translates to approximately $2,277 per year in property taxes.

How does St. Louis compare to other appreciation markets?

Among our 52 tracked markets, St. Louis, MO ranks #49 for appreciation investing. Other markets may be stronger for this particular strategy, though it may excel in different approaches.

What is driving population growth in St. Louis?

St. Louis, MO has a 5-year population growth rate of -1.5% and a median household income of $55,279. While population has declined, price appreciation can still occur through revitalization, institutional investment, and limited new housing supply.

Run Your Own Numbers for St. Louis

Use our free calculators pre-filled with St. Louis, MO market data, or adjust the numbers for your specific deal.