Maricopa, CA — 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, Maricopa, CA has a median cap rate of 15.4%, making it one of the top cash-flowing rental markets in the United States.
Maricopa is one of the strongest cash flow markets in the data. At $182,261 median home price, Maricopa is affordable by national standards and within reach for most conventional loans. With 3-bedroom rents around $3,170/month, the 15.4% cap rate tells the story. A typical rental here cash flows +$1,371/month after all expenses — strong passive income from day one.
The market passes the 1% rule (1.74%), which is increasingly rare and signals strong rent-to-price fundamentals. DSCR of 2.41 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. Maricopa 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
15.4%
Above average
Monthly Cash Flow
+$1,371
After all expenses
Price-to-Rent
4.8
Investor-friendly
DSCR
2.41
Passes lender test
Key Metrics
- Median Home Price
- $182,261
- Average Rent (3BR)
- $3,170/mo
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 4.8(good)
- 1% Rule
- 1.74%(passes)
- Cash-on-Cash Return
- 39.2%
- Vacancy Rate
- 8.0%
Market Strength
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.3%(+1% vs national)
- Rent Growth (YoY)
- +2.9%(national avg)
- Population Growth
- -1.2% YoY
Property Tax Rate
0.71%
of assessed value (CA avg)
Median Income
$84,097
household (CA avg)
Rent-to-Income
45.2%
Stretched
Section 8 Max Rent
$3,170/mo
3BR voucher payment
CA Investor Climate
Landlord Friendly
3/10
State Income Tax
Has state tax
Property Tax
0.71% effective
Population Trend
-1.2% (3yr)