Corpus Christi, TX — Rental Investment Analysis
🟢GOOD— solid returnsData: HUD FMR FY2024 + Zillow ZHVI April 2026 + Freddie Mac rates. Last updated June 2026.
Investment Summary
As of 2026, Corpus Christi, TX offers a 7.9% cap rate with median home prices of $176,954 and 3-bedroom rents of $1,730/month.
Corpus Christi offers solid returns for rental investors. At $176,954 median home price, Corpus Christi is affordable by national standards and within reach for most conventional loans. With 3-bedroom rents around $1,730/month, the 7.9% cap rate tells the story. Expect around +$226/month cash flow after mortgage, taxes, insurance, and reserves.
The 1% rule comes in at 0.98% — doesn't quite pass, but close enough to find individual deals that work. DSCR of 1.24 is tight — you'll pass most lender minimums but with little margin for error.
Bottom line: Buy here if you want reliable monthly income. Corpus Christi 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
7.9%
Above average
Monthly Cash Flow
+$226
After all expenses
Price-to-Rent
8.5
Investor-friendly
DSCR
1.24
Tight
Key Metrics
- Median Home Price
- $176,954
- Average Rent (3BR)
- $1,730/mo
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 8.5(good)
- 1% Rule
- 0.98%(fails — need 1%+)
- Cash-on-Cash Return
- 6.7%
- Vacancy Rate
- 8.0%
Market Strength
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.3%(0% vs national)
- Rent Growth (YoY)
- +2.9%(national avg)
- Population Growth
- +1.5% YoY
Property Tax Rate
1.68%
of assessed value (TX avg)
Median Income
$67,321
household (TX avg)
Rent-to-Income
30.8%
Moderate
Section 8 Max Rent
$1,730/mo
3BR voucher payment
TX Investor Climate
Landlord Friendly
9/10
State Income Tax
None
Property Tax
1.68% effective
Population Trend
+1.5% (3yr)
Population Movement (Tax Year 2021→2022)
Net Migration
+123 households
GROWING
Total Inflow
702
households moved in
Avg Income (New Residents)
$57,615
per household
Where they're coming from:
Where residents are leaving to:
Strong net inflow suggests growing rental demand and upward pressure on rents.
Best Zip Codes in Corpus Christi for Investors
All Zip Codes in Corpus Christi
| Zip | Cap Rate | Cash Flow | Home Price | Rent (3BR) | DSCR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78402 | 19.6% | +$946 | $85,894 | $1,860/mo | 3.07 |
| 78405 | 16.8% | +$687 | $79,319 | $1,490/mo | 2.63 |
| 78407 | 13.9% | +$651 | $104,095 | $1,650/mo | 2.18 |
| 78408 | 12.9% | +$545 | $100,409 | $1,490/mo | 2.02 |
| 78401 | 12.2% | +$509 | $105,767 | $1,490/mo | 1.90 |
| 78416 | 12.1% | +$529 | $110,173 | $1,550/mo | 1.90 |
| 78404 | 8.2% | +$245 | $158,343 | $1,600/mo | 1.29 |
| 78412 | 8.0% | +$264 | $198,119 | $1,950/mo | 1.25 |
| 78415 | 7.9% | +$226 | $176,954 | $1,730/mo | 1.24 |
| 78411 | 7.2% | +$125 | $196,787 | $1,770/mo | 1.12 |
| 78409 | 7.0% | +$106 | $208,219 | $1,840/mo | 1.10 |
| 78380 | 6.8% | +$56 | $174,215 | $1,500/mo | 1.06 |
| 78417 | 6.5% | +$10 | $196,916 | $1,630/mo | 1.01 |
| 78410 | 5.9% | -$99 | $239,832 | $1,850/mo | 0.92 |
| 78413 | 5.7% | -$147 | $263,925 | $1,990/mo | 0.90 |
| 78414 | 4.9% | -$377 | $311,515 | $2,100/mo | 0.77 |
| 78418 | 4.3% | -$531 | $303,846 | $1,850/mo | 0.67 |