Cash Flow Investing in St. Louis, MO
Data-driven cash flow analysis for St. Louis, MO — 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
7.4%
Good
Rent-to-Price
0.73%
Below 1% rule
Vacancy Rate
16.9%
Elevated
Property Tax
1.38%
Low
Cash Flow Investment Thesis
St. Louis offers strong cash flow in a market with significant neighborhood variation. Focus on the south city corridor and near university areas for the best risk-adjusted returns.
How St. Louis Compares
| Rank | City | Cash Flow Score | Cap Rate | Median Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #21 | Charlotte, NC | 4.3 | 5.6% | $340,000 |
| #22 | Jacksonville, FL | 4.2 | 6.4% | $285,000 |
| #23 | Tampa, FL | 4.1 | 5.5% | $350,000 |
| #24 | Atlanta, GA | 4.0 | 5.9% | $320,000 |
| #25 | Raleigh, NC | 4.0 | 5.1% | $380,000 |
| #26 | St. Louis, MO | 4.0 | 7.4% | $165,000 |
| #27 | Pittsburgh, PA | 3.9 | 7.2% | $180,000 |
Showing markets ranked near St. Louis 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 St. Louis, MO?
St. Louis, MO scores 4.0 out of 10 on our cash flow score, ranking #26 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 St. Louis a good city for cash flow investing?
St. Louis, MO ranks #26 for cash flow investing with a score of 4.0/10. While not a top-ranked market for this strategy, it may have strengths in other investing approaches.
What is the average cap rate in St. Louis?
The average cap rate in St. Louis, MO is 7.4%. The median home price is $165,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,200, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 0.73%.
What are the property taxes in St. Louis?
The effective property tax rate in St. Louis, MO is 1.38%. On a $165,000 property, that translates to approximately $2,277 per year in property taxes.
How does St. Louis compare to other cash flow markets?
Among our 52 tracked markets, St. Louis, MO ranks #26 for cash flow investing. It falls in the middle of the pack for this strategy.
Does St. Louis meet the 1% rule?
St. Louis, MO has a rent-to-price ratio of 0.73%, 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 St. Louis
Use our free calculators pre-filled with St. Louis, MO market data, or adjust the numbers for your specific deal.
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