Akron, OH — Rental Investment Analysis
🟢STRONG— excellent cash flow marketData: HUD FMR FY2024 + Zillow ZHVI April 2026 + Freddie Mac rates. Last updated June 2026.
Investment Summary
As of 2026, Akron, OH has a median cap rate of 8.8%, making it one of the top cash-flowing rental markets in the United States.
Akron is one of the strongest cash flow markets in the data. With a median home price of $119,585, entry costs are low — making it accessible for beginning investors or those buying multiple properties. With 3-bedroom rents around $1,190/month, the 8.8% cap rate tells the story. Expect around +$236/month cash flow after mortgage, taxes, insurance, and reserves.
The market passes the 1% rule (1.07%), which is increasingly rare and signals strong rent-to-price fundamentals. DSCR of 1.39 means the property's income comfortably covers debt service — DSCR loans should be easy to qualify for here.
Bottom line: Buy here if you want reliable monthly income. Akron is a cash flow market — don't expect rapid appreciation, but the checks come in every month.
Data sources: HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2024), Zillow Home Value Index (April 2026), Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.
Cap Rate
8.8%
Above average
Monthly Cash Flow
+$236
After all expenses
Price-to-Rent
7.8
Investor-friendly
DSCR
1.39
Passes lender test
Key Metrics
- Median Home Price
- $119,585
- Average Rent (3BR)
- $1,190/mo
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 7.8(good)
- 1% Rule
- 1.07%(passes)
- Cash-on-Cash Return
- 10.7%
- Vacancy Rate
- 8.0%
Market Strength
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.9%(-0.4% vs national)
- Rent Growth (YoY)
- +2.9%(national avg)
- Population Growth
- -0.5% YoY
Property Tax Rate
1.53%
of assessed value (OH avg)
Median Income
$61,938
household (OH avg)
Rent-to-Income
23.1%
Affordable
Section 8 Max Rent
$1,190/mo
3BR voucher payment
OH Investor Climate
Landlord Friendly
7/10
State Income Tax
Has state tax
Property Tax
1.53% effective
Population Trend
-0.5% (3yr)
Population Movement (Tax Year 2021→2022)
Net Migration
-54 households
SHRINKING
Total Inflow
4,320
households moved in
Avg Income (New Residents)
$85,709
per household
Where they're coming from:
Where residents are leaving to:
Net outflow may indicate weakening demand — but can mean lower prices and higher cap rates.
Best Zip Codes in Akron for Investors
All Zip Codes in Akron
| Zip | Cap Rate | Cash Flow | Home Price | Rent (3BR) | DSCR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44307 | 12.6% | +$416 | $80,700 | $1,170/mo | 1.97 |
| 44311 | 12.5% | +$414 | $80,994 | $1,170/mo | 1.96 |
| 44306 | 11.6% | +$393 | $91,288 | $1,230/mo | 1.81 |
| 44304 | 10.7% | +$354 | $99,552 | $1,250/mo | 1.67 |
| 44314 | 9.0% | +$236 | $108,529 | $1,180/mo | 1.41 |
| 44301 | 8.9% | +$261 | $124,338 | $1,340/mo | 1.39 |
| 44305 | 8.8% | +$255 | $124,022 | $1,330/mo | 1.39 |
| 44320 | 8.8% | +$221 | $112,045 | $1,190/mo | 1.37 |
| 44310 | 7.9% | +$154 | $119,585 | $1,170/mo | 1.24 |
| 44302 | 6.8% | +$50 | $135,018 | $1,170/mo | 1.07 |
| 44319 | 3.9% | -$517 | $244,669 | $1,380/mo | 0.60 |
| 44313 | 3.2% | -$688 | $257,872 | $1,280/mo | 0.50 |
| 44303 | 2.9% | -$747 | $255,654 | $1,190/mo | 0.45 |