House Hacking Investing in Dayton, OH
Data-driven house hacking analysis for Dayton, OH — score breakdown, key investment metrics, and how it compares to other markets.
Last updated: May 2026
Score Breakdown
Key Metrics for House Hacking
Median Price
$95,000
FHA 3.5% down: $3,325
Median Rent
$900/mo
Per-unit rental income
Vacancy Rate
8.8%
Elevated
Pop. Growth
-1.8%
5-year trend
House Hacking 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
| Rank | City | House Hack Score | Cap Rate | Median Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #0 | Akron, OH | 6.3 | 8.6% | $100,000 |
| #1 | Huntsville, AL | 5.9 | 7.1% | $260,000 |
| #2 | Des Moines, IA | 5.8 | 6.6% | $200,000 |
| #3 | Dayton, OH | 5.8 | 8.8% | $95,000 |
| #4 | Cleveland, OH | 5.7 | 9.8% | $105,000 |
| #5 | Detroit, MI | 5.6 | 11.2% | $85,000 |
Showing markets ranked near Dayton 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 house hack score for Dayton, OH?
Dayton, OH scores 5.8 out of 10 on our house hack score, ranking #3 out of 52 markets we track. Weighted composite: affordable entry price (30%), rent-to-price ratio (25%), low vacancy (20%), population growth (15%), livability/income (10%). Scale 0–10.
Is Dayton a good city for house hacking investing?
Yes — Dayton, OH ranks in the top 10 for house hacking investing with a score of 5.8/10. 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 house hacking markets?
Among our 52 tracked markets, Dayton, OH ranks #3 for house hacking investing. It is one of the top-performing markets for this strategy.
Can I FHA-finance a house hack in Dayton?
With a median home price of $95,000, most 2-4 unit properties in Dayton, OH should fall within FHA loan limits. An FHA loan with 3.5% down would require approximately $3,325 as a down payment. Rental income from additional units (median $900/month each) can significantly offset your mortgage payment.
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.
Dayton by Strategy
Find Financing
Compare lenders for your Dayton 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.