House Hacking Investing in Louisville, KY

House Hack Score: 5.1/10Ranked #16 of 52 markets

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

Last updated: May 2026

Score Breakdown

House Hack Score:5.1
Affordable Entry Price(30%)
$195,0007.4
Rent-to-Price Ratio(25%)
0.67%4.0
Low Vacancy(20%)
8.0%5.0
Population Growth(15%)
+1.5%2.8
Livability (Income)(10%)
$67,8494.7

Key Metrics for House Hacking

Median Price

$195,000

FHA 3.5% down: $6,825

Median Rent

$1,300/mo

Per-unit rental income

Vacancy Rate

8.0%

Healthy

Pop. Growth

+1.5%

5-year trend

House Hacking Investment Thesis

Louisville shotgun-style duplexes in the Highlands and Germantown are classic house hack properties. Low property taxes boost your effective return, and the walkable neighborhoods attract quality tenants for the other unit.

How Louisville Compares

RankCityHouse Hack ScoreCap RateMedian Price
#12Memphis, TN5.19.2%$130,000
#13Indianapolis, IN5.18.1%$175,000
#14Oklahoma City, OK5.17.7%$175,000
#15Raleigh, NC5.15.1%$380,000
#16Louisville, KY5.17.3%$195,000
#17Charlotte, NC5.05.6%$340,000
#18Austin, TX5.04.3%$450,000

Showing markets ranked near Louisville for this strategy.

Quick Math: Estimated Annual Return

Annual Gross Rent ($1,300/mo)$15,600
Less: Vacancy (8%)-$1,248
Less: Property Tax (0.83%)-$1,619
Less: Insurance (~0.5%)-$975
Less: Maintenance (~1.5%)-$2,925
Estimated NOI$8,833
Implied Cap Rate4.5%

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 Louisville, KY?

Louisville, KY scores 5.1 out of 10 on our house hack score, ranking #16 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 Louisville a good city for house hacking investing?

Louisville, KY ranks #16 for house hacking investing — a solid mid-tier market with a score of 5.1/10. The median home price is $195,000 with a 7.3% average cap rate.

What is the average cap rate in Louisville?

The average cap rate in Louisville, KY is 7.3%. The median home price is $195,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,300, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 0.67%.

What are the property taxes in Louisville?

The effective property tax rate in Louisville, KY is 0.83%. On a $195,000 property, that translates to approximately $1,619 per year in property taxes.

How does Louisville compare to other house hacking markets?

Among our 52 tracked markets, Louisville, KY ranks #16 for house hacking investing. It falls in the middle of the pack for this strategy.

Can I FHA-finance a house hack in Louisville?

With a median home price of $195,000, most 2-4 unit properties in Louisville, KY should fall within FHA loan limits. An FHA loan with 3.5% down would require approximately $6,825 as a down payment. Rental income from additional units (median $1,300/month each) can significantly offset your mortgage payment.

Run Your Own Numbers for Louisville

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