Cumberland, MD — Rental Investment Analysis

🟡MODERATEaverage returns

Data: HUD FMR FY2024 + Zillow ZHVI April 2026 + Freddie Mac rates. Last updated June 2026.

Investment Summary

As of 2026, rental properties in Cumberland, MD yield a 5.1% cap rate. Median home price is $177,433 with 3-bedroom rents at $1,240/month.

Cumberland is a moderate market — workable but not exceptional for cash flow. At $177,433 median home price, Cumberland is affordable by national standards and within reach for most conventional loans. With 3-bedroom rents around $1,240/month, the 5.1% cap rate tells the story. At current prices and rates, expect to lose about $198/month — negative cash flow unless you put more down or find below-market deals.

At 0.69% on the 1% rule, rents are low relative to purchase prices. You'd need a significant discount from asking price to make the numbers work. DSCR of 0.80 is below 1.0, meaning rental income doesn't cover the mortgage. DSCR lenders will likely decline this market at current prices.

Bottom line: Cumberland offers a balance of moderate cash flow and growth potential. Good for investors who want some income while building equity over time.

Data sources: HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2024), Zillow Home Value Index (April 2026), Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Cap Rate

5.1%

Below average

Monthly Cash Flow

-$198

After all expenses

Price-to-Rent

12.1

Investor-friendly

DSCR

0.80

Fails

Key Metrics

Median Home Price
$177,433
Average Rent (3BR)
$1,240/mo
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.1(good)
1% Rule
0.69%(fails — need 1%+)
Cash-on-Cash Return
-5.7%
Vacancy Rate
8.0%

Market Strength

Unemployment Rate
4.4%(+0.1% vs national)
Rent Growth (YoY)
+2.9%(national avg)
Population Growth
+1.05% YoY

Assumptions Used

20% down, 6.52% rate, 30yr, 8% vacancy, 10% maintenance

Customize these numbers →

Property Tax Rate

1%

of assessed value (MD avg)

Median Income

$87,063

household (MD avg)

Rent-to-Income

17.1%

Affordable

Section 8 Max Rent

$1,240/mo

3BR voucher payment

MD Investor Climate

Landlord Friendly

5/10

State Income Tax

Has state tax

Property Tax

1% effective

Population Trend

+1.05% (3yr)

Best Zip Codes in Cumberland for Investors

21502
Cap Rate: 6.2%Cash Flow: -$24/mo$154,435
21524
Cap Rate: 5.1%Cash Flow: -$198/mo$181,443
21529
Cap Rate: 5.0%Cash Flow: -$204/mo$177,433

All Zip Codes in Cumberland

ZipCap RateCash FlowHome PriceRent (3BR)DSCR
215026.2%-$24$154,435$1,240/mo0.97
215245.1%-$198$181,443$1,250/mo0.80
215295.0%-$204$177,433$1,210/mo0.78