Cash Flow Investing in Cincinnati, OH
Data-driven cash flow analysis for Cincinnati, OH — score breakdown, key investment metrics, and how it compares to other markets.
Last updated: May 2026
Score Breakdown
Key Metrics for Cash Flow
Cap Rate
7.0%
Good
Rent-to-Price
0.67%
Below 1% rule
Vacancy Rate
7.4%
Healthy
Property Tax
1.92%
Above average
Cash Flow Investment Thesis
Cincinnati offers solid cash flow with an improving downtown and growing Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. The tri-state metro provides a deep tenant pool across multiple employment sectors.
How Cincinnati Compares
| Rank | City | Cash Flow Score | Cap Rate | Median Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #17 | Salt Lake City, UT | 4.6 | 5.4% | $420,000 |
| #18 | Sacramento, CA | 4.6 | 4.7% | $450,000 |
| #19 | Boise, ID | 4.6 | 4.5% | $420,000 |
| #20 | Cincinnati, OH | 4.5 | 7.0% | $195,000 |
| #21 | Columbus, OH | 4.4 | 6.8% | $240,000 |
| #22 | Knoxville, TN | 4.3 | 5.8% | $270,000 |
| #23 | Charlotte, NC | 4.3 | 5.6% | $340,000 |
Showing markets ranked near Cincinnati for this strategy.
Quick Math: Estimated Annual Return
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 cash flow score for Cincinnati, OH?
Cincinnati, OH scores 4.5 out of 10 on our cash flow score, ranking #20 out of 52 markets we track. Weighted composite: rent-to-price ratio (30%), cap rate (30%), low vacancy (20%), low property taxes (20%). Scale 0–10.
Is Cincinnati a good city for cash flow investing?
Cincinnati, OH ranks #20 for cash flow investing — a solid mid-tier market with a score of 4.5/10. The median home price is $195,000 with a 7.0% average cap rate.
What is the average cap rate in Cincinnati?
The average cap rate in Cincinnati, OH is 7.0%. The median home price is $195,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,300, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 0.67%.
What are the property taxes in Cincinnati?
The effective property tax rate in Cincinnati, OH is 1.92%. On a $195,000 property, that translates to approximately $3,744 per year in property taxes.
How does Cincinnati compare to other cash flow markets?
Among our 52 tracked markets, Cincinnati, OH ranks #20 for cash flow investing. It falls in the middle of the pack for this strategy.
Does Cincinnati meet the 1% rule?
Cincinnati, OH has a rent-to-price ratio of 0.67%, which falls significantly below the 1% rule. However, the 1% rule is a rough guideline — individual deals can still cash flow well in this market.
Run Your Own Numbers for Cincinnati
Use our free calculators pre-filled with Cincinnati, OH market data, or adjust the numbers for your specific deal.
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