Cash Flow Investing in Richmond, VA

Cash Flow Score: 3.8/10Ranked #33 of 52 markets

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

Last updated: May 2026

Score Breakdown

Cash Flow Score:3.8
Rent-to-Price Ratio(30%)
0.54%2.8
Cap Rate(30%)
6.2%3.9
Low Vacancy(20%)
9.5%3.1
Low Property Taxes(20%)
1.20%6.0

Key Metrics for Cash Flow

Cap Rate

6.2%

Good

Rent-to-Price

0.54%

Below 1% rule

Vacancy Rate

9.5%

Elevated

Property Tax

1.20%

Low

Cash Flow Investment Thesis

Richmond is an emerging East Coast market with strong millennial in-migration and a growing tech sector. The Fan District and Church Hill offer proven rental demand with appreciation upside.

How Richmond Compares

RankCityCash Flow ScoreCap RateMedian Price
#27San Antonio, TX3.96.5%$250,000
#28Denver, CO3.94.4%$525,000
#29Milwaukee, WI3.86.7%$175,000
#30Philadelphia, PA3.85.6%$240,000
#31Nashville, TN3.85.2%$400,000
#32Phoenix, AZ3.84.9%$385,000
#33Richmond, VA3.86.2%$280,000

Showing markets ranked near Richmond for this strategy.

Quick Math: Estimated Annual Return

Annual Gross Rent ($1,500/mo)$18,000
Less: Vacancy (9.5%)-$1,710
Less: Property Tax (1.20%)-$3,360
Less: Insurance (~0.5%)-$1,400
Less: Maintenance (~1.5%)-$4,200
Estimated NOI$7,330
Implied Cap Rate2.6%

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 Richmond, VA?

Richmond, VA scores 3.8 out of 10 on our cash flow score, ranking #33 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 Richmond a good city for cash flow investing?

Richmond, VA ranks #33 for cash flow investing with a score of 3.8/10. While not a top-ranked market for this strategy, it may have strengths in other investing approaches.

What is the average cap rate in Richmond?

The average cap rate in Richmond, VA is 6.2%. The median home price is $280,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,500, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 0.54%.

What are the property taxes in Richmond?

The effective property tax rate in Richmond, VA is 1.20%. On a $280,000 property, that translates to approximately $3,360 per year in property taxes.

How does Richmond compare to other cash flow markets?

Among our 52 tracked markets, Richmond, VA ranks #33 for cash flow investing. Other markets may be stronger for this particular strategy, though it may excel in different approaches.

Does Richmond meet the 1% rule?

Richmond, VA has a rent-to-price ratio of 0.54%, 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 Richmond

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

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

Richmond by Strategy

Cash Flow3.8BRRRR4.4House Hacking4.1Appreciation3.2

Market Data

Richmond Cap Rate DetailsAll Cash Flow RankingsAll Virginia MarketsFull 52-City Data Table

Find Financing

Compare lenders for your Richmond investment

DSCR Lenders in VirginiaHard Money in VirginiaFull Lender Directory →

Other Strategy Rankings

Best Cities for BRRRRBest Cities for House HackingBest Cities for Appreciation

Related Guides

Best Markets for Cash Flow Investing in 2026Rental Property Investing: Complete GuideHow to Buy Your First Rental Property

Get Smarter Deal Analysis

Weekly insights on cap rates, cash flow, and strategies used by experienced investors. Free, no spam.