House Hacking Investing in Denver, CO

House Hack Score: 3.6/10Ranked #45 of 52 markets

Data-driven house hacking analysis for Denver, CO — score breakdown, key investment metrics, and how it compares to other markets.

Last updated: May 2026

Score Breakdown

House Hack Score:3.6
Affordable Entry Price(30%)
$525,0001.4
Rent-to-Price Ratio(25%)
0.36%1.0
Low Vacancy(20%)
6.5%6.9
Population Growth(15%)
+6.5%5.3
Livability (Income)(10%)
$91,6817.7

Key Metrics for House Hacking

Median Price

$525,000

FHA 3.5% down: $18,375

Median Rent

$1,900/mo

Per-unit rental income

Vacancy Rate

6.5%

Healthy

Pop. Growth

+6.5%

5-year trend

House Hacking Investment Thesis

Denver offers strong tenant quality with high median incomes and low vacancy. New supply has moderated rent growth in 2025-2026, creating potential value for patient investors who can weather the cycle.

How Denver Compares

RankCityHouse Hack ScoreCap RateMedian Price
#42Savannah, GA3.75.9%$275,000
#43Portland, OR3.74.2%$480,000
#44Orlando, FL3.65.3%$355,000
#45Denver, CO3.64.4%$525,000
#46Charleston, SC3.35.0%$385,000
#47Seattle, WA3.33.8%$720,000
#48San Diego, CA3.03.5%$820,000

Showing markets ranked near Denver for this strategy.

Quick Math: Estimated Annual Return

Annual Gross Rent ($1,900/mo)$22,800
Less: Vacancy (6.5%)-$1,482
Less: Property Tax (0.51%)-$2,678
Less: Insurance (~0.5%)-$2,625
Less: Maintenance (~1.5%)-$7,875
Estimated NOI$8,140
Implied Cap Rate1.6%

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 house hack score for Denver, CO?

Denver, CO scores 3.6 out of 10 on our house hack score, ranking #45 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 Denver a good city for house hacking investing?

Denver, CO ranks #45 for house hacking investing with a score of 3.6/10. While not a top-ranked market for this strategy, it may have strengths in other investing approaches.

What is the average cap rate in Denver?

The average cap rate in Denver, CO is 4.4%. The median home price is $525,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,900, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 0.36%.

What are the property taxes in Denver?

The effective property tax rate in Denver, CO is 0.51%. On a $525,000 property, that translates to approximately $2,678 per year in property taxes.

How does Denver compare to other house hacking markets?

Among our 52 tracked markets, Denver, CO ranks #45 for house hacking investing. Other markets may be stronger for this particular strategy, though it may excel in different approaches.

Can I FHA-finance a house hack in Denver?

With a median home price of $525,000, most 2-4 unit properties in Denver, CO should fall within FHA loan limits. An FHA loan with 3.5% down would require approximately $18,375 as a down payment. Rental income from additional units (median $1,900/month each) can significantly offset your mortgage payment.

Run Your Own Numbers for Denver

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