Cash Flow Investing in Cleveland, OH
Data-driven cash flow analysis for Cleveland, 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
9.8%
Strong
Rent-to-Price
1.05%
Meets 1% rule
Vacancy Rate
10.0%
Elevated
Property Tax
2.19%
Above average
Cash Flow Investment Thesis
Cleveland delivers consistent cash flow with a diversified healthcare and education economy. The Tremont and Ohio City neighborhoods have seen institutional investor activity, validating the rental demand thesis. Property taxes are the main drag — factor them carefully.
How Cleveland Compares
| Rank | City | Cash Flow Score | Cap Rate | Median Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Detroit, MI | 5.7 | 11.2% | $85,000 |
| #2 | Akron, OH | 5.7 | 8.6% | $100,000 |
| #3 | Cleveland, OH | 5.6 | 9.8% | $105,000 |
| #4 | Memphis, TN | 5.4 | 9.2% | $130,000 |
| #5 | Toledo, OH | 5.4 | 9.0% | $88,000 |
| #6 | Dayton, OH | 5.4 | 8.8% | $95,000 |
Showing markets ranked near Cleveland 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 Cleveland, OH?
Cleveland, OH scores 5.6 out of 10 on our cash flow score, ranking #3 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 Cleveland a good city for cash flow investing?
Yes — Cleveland, OH ranks in the top 10 for cash flow investing with a score of 5.6/10. Key factors include a median home price of $105,000, cap rate of 9.8%, and population growth of -2.1%.
What is the average cap rate in Cleveland?
The average cap rate in Cleveland, OH is 9.8%. The median home price is $105,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,100, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 1.05%.
What are the property taxes in Cleveland?
The effective property tax rate in Cleveland, OH is 2.19%. On a $105,000 property, that translates to approximately $2,300 per year in property taxes.
How does Cleveland compare to other cash flow markets?
Among our 52 tracked markets, Cleveland, OH ranks #3 for cash flow investing. It is one of the top-performing markets for this strategy.
Does Cleveland meet the 1% rule?
Yes — Cleveland, OH has a rent-to-price ratio of 1.05%, which exceeds the 1% rule threshold. This means monthly rent ($1,100) is at least 1% of the median home price ($105,000).
Run Your Own Numbers for Cleveland
Use our free calculators pre-filled with Cleveland, OH market data, or adjust the numbers for your specific deal.
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