House Hacking Investing in St. Louis, MO
Data-driven house hacking 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 House Hacking
Median Price
$165,000
FHA 3.5% down: $5,775
Median Rent
$1,200/mo
Per-unit rental income
Vacancy Rate
16.9%
Elevated
Pop. Growth
-1.5%
5-year trend
House Hacking 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 | House Hack Score | Cap Rate | Median Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #34 | Phoenix, AZ | 4.3 | 4.9% | $385,000 |
| #35 | Richmond, VA | 4.1 | 6.2% | $280,000 |
| #36 | Philadelphia, PA | 4.1 | 5.6% | $240,000 |
| #37 | Nashville, TN | 4.0 | 5.2% | $400,000 |
| #38 | St. Louis, MO | 4.0 | 7.4% | $165,000 |
| #39 | Baltimore, MD | 3.9 | 6.5% | $180,000 |
| #40 | Las Vegas, NV | 3.8 | 4.8% | $380,000 |
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 house hack score for St. Louis, MO?
St. Louis, MO scores 4.0 out of 10 on our house hack score, ranking #38 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 St. Louis a good city for house hacking investing?
St. Louis, MO ranks #38 for house hacking 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 house hacking markets?
Among our 52 tracked markets, St. Louis, MO ranks #38 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 St. Louis?
With a median home price of $165,000, most 2-4 unit properties in St. Louis, MO should fall within FHA loan limits. An FHA loan with 3.5% down would require approximately $5,775 as a down payment. Rental income from additional units (median $1,200/month each) can significantly offset your mortgage payment.
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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