Cash Flow Investing in Dayton, OH

Cash Flow Score: 5.4/10Ranked #6 of 52 markets

Data-driven cash flow analysis for Dayton, OH — score breakdown, key investment metrics, and how it compares to other markets.

Last updated: May 2026

Score Breakdown

Cash Flow Score:5.4
Rent-to-Price Ratio(30%)
0.95%6.7
Cap Rate(30%)
8.8%6.6
Low Vacancy(20%)
8.8%4.0
Low Property Taxes(20%)
2.10%3.0

Key Metrics for Cash Flow

Cap Rate

8.8%

Strong

Rent-to-Price

0.95%

Below 1% rule

Vacancy Rate

8.8%

Elevated

Property Tax

2.10%

Above average

Cash Flow Investment Thesis

Dayton benefits from proximity to Wright-Patterson AFB and a revitalizing downtown. Low acquisition costs make it viable for investors building portfolios with limited capital.

How Dayton Compares

RankCityCash Flow ScoreCap RateMedian Price
#1Cleveland, OH5.69.8%$105,000
#2Memphis, TN5.49.2%$130,000
#3Toledo, OH5.49.0%$88,000
#4Birmingham, AL5.48.5%$125,000
#5Huntsville, AL5.47.1%$260,000
#6Dayton, OH5.48.8%$95,000
#7Indianapolis, IN5.38.1%$175,000

Showing markets ranked near Dayton for this strategy.

Quick Math: Estimated Annual Return

Annual Gross Rent ($900/mo)$10,800
Less: Vacancy (8.8%)-$950
Less: Property Tax (2.10%)-$1,995
Less: Insurance (~0.5%)-$475
Less: Maintenance (~1.5%)-$1,425
Estimated NOI$5,955
Implied Cap Rate6.3%

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 Dayton, OH?

Dayton, OH scores 5.4 out of 10 on our cash flow score, ranking #6 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 Dayton a good city for cash flow investing?

Yes — Dayton, OH ranks in the top 10 for cash flow investing with a score of 5.4/10. Key factors include a median home price of $95,000, cap rate of 8.8%, and population growth of -1.8%.

What is the average cap rate in Dayton?

The average cap rate in Dayton, OH is 8.8%. The median home price is $95,000 with a median monthly rent of $900, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 0.95%.

What are the property taxes in Dayton?

The effective property tax rate in Dayton, OH is 2.10%. On a $95,000 property, that translates to approximately $1,995 per year in property taxes.

How does Dayton compare to other cash flow markets?

Among our 52 tracked markets, Dayton, OH ranks #6 for cash flow investing. It performs above average for this strategy.

Does Dayton meet the 1% rule?

Dayton, OH has a rent-to-price ratio of 0.95%, which falls just 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 Dayton

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

Cap Rate Calculator (Dayton Data)Rental Cash Flow CalculatorCash-on-Cash Return CalculatorCap Rate Calculator

Dayton by Strategy

Cash Flow5.4BRRRR6.2House Hacking5.8Appreciation2.4

Market Data

Dayton Cap Rate DetailsAll Cash Flow RankingsAll Ohio MarketsFull 52-City Data Table

Find Financing

Compare lenders for your Dayton investment

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Other Strategy Rankings

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