Lorain, OH — 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, Lorain, OH offers a 7.6% cap rate with median home prices of $139,130 and 3-bedroom rents of $1,290/month.
Lorain offers solid returns for rental investors. With a median home price of $139,130, entry costs are low — making it accessible for beginning investors or those buying multiple properties. With 3-bedroom rents around $1,290/month, the 7.6% cap rate tells the story. Expect around +$137/month cash flow after mortgage, taxes, insurance, and reserves.
The 1% rule comes in at 0.94% — doesn't quite pass, but close enough to find individual deals that work. DSCR of 1.18 is tight — you'll pass most lender minimums but with little margin for error.
Bottom line: Buy here if you want reliable monthly income. Lorain 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
7.6%
Above average
Monthly Cash Flow
+$137
After all expenses
Price-to-Rent
8.9
Investor-friendly
DSCR
1.18
Tight
Key Metrics
- Median Home Price
- $139,130
- Average Rent (3BR)
- $1,290/mo
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 8.9(good)
- 1% Rule
- 0.94%(fails — need 1%+)
- Cash-on-Cash Return
- 5.1%
- 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
25%
Affordable
Section 8 Max Rent
$1,290/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)