Cash Flow Investing in Detroit, MI
Data-driven cash flow analysis for Detroit, MI — 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
11.2%
Strong
Rent-to-Price
1.24%
Meets 1% rule
Vacancy Rate
12.9%
Elevated
Property Tax
2.76%
Above average
Cash Flow Investment Thesis
Detroit tops the cash flow rankings due to its extremely low entry prices and high rent-to-price ratios. The key is neighborhood selection — focus on stabilizing areas with active renovation and avoid blocks with high vacancy. Corktown, Midtown, and Grandmont-Rosedale offer the best risk-adjusted cash flow.
How Detroit Compares
| Rank | City | Cash Flow Score | Cap Rate | Median Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #0 | Akron, OH | 5.7 | 8.6% | $100,000 |
| #1 | Detroit, MI | 5.7 | 11.2% | $85,000 |
| #2 | Cleveland, OH | 5.6 | 9.8% | $105,000 |
| #3 | Memphis, TN | 5.4 | 9.2% | $130,000 |
Showing markets ranked near Detroit 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 Detroit, MI?
Detroit, MI scores 5.7 out of 10 on our cash flow score, ranking #1 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 Detroit a good city for cash flow investing?
Yes — Detroit, MI ranks in the top 10 for cash flow investing with a score of 5.7/10. Key factors include a median home price of $85,000, cap rate of 11.2%, and population growth of -2.8%.
What is the average cap rate in Detroit?
The average cap rate in Detroit, MI is 11.2%. The median home price is $85,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,050, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 1.24%.
What are the property taxes in Detroit?
The effective property tax rate in Detroit, MI is 2.76%. On a $85,000 property, that translates to approximately $2,346 per year in property taxes.
How does Detroit compare to other cash flow markets?
Among our 52 tracked markets, Detroit, MI ranks #1 for cash flow investing. It is one of the top-performing markets for this strategy.
Does Detroit meet the 1% rule?
Yes — Detroit, MI has a rent-to-price ratio of 1.24%, which exceeds the 1% rule threshold. This means monthly rent ($1,050) is at least 1% of the median home price ($85,000).
Run Your Own Numbers for Detroit
Use our free calculators pre-filled with Detroit, MI market data, or adjust the numbers for your specific deal.
Detroit by Strategy
Market Data
Find Financing
Compare lenders for your Detroit investment
Other Strategy Rankings
Related Guides
Get Smarter Deal Analysis
Weekly insights on cap rates, cash flow, and strategies used by experienced investors. Free, no spam.