Pekin, IL — 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, Pekin, IL offers a 7.7% cap rate with median home prices of $126,631 and 3-bedroom rents of $1,190/month.
Pekin offers solid returns for rental investors. With a median home price of $126,631, entry costs are low — making it accessible for beginning investors or those buying multiple properties. With 3-bedroom rents around $1,190/month, the 7.7% cap rate tells the story. Expect around +$122/month cash flow after mortgage, taxes, insurance, and reserves.
The 1% rule comes in at 0.95% — doesn't quite pass, but close enough to find individual deals that work. DSCR of 1.20 is tight — you'll pass most lender minimums but with little margin for error.
Bottom line: Buy here if you want reliable monthly income. Pekin 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
7.7%
Above average
Monthly Cash Flow
+$122
After all expenses
Price-to-Rent
8.9
Investor-friendly
DSCR
1.20
Tight
Key Metrics
- Median Home Price
- $126,631
- Average Rent (3BR)
- $1,190/mo
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 8.9(good)
- 1% Rule
- 0.95%(fails — need 1%+)
- Cash-on-Cash Return
- 5.5%
- Vacancy Rate
- 8.0%
Market Strength
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.1%(+0.8% vs national)
- Rent Growth (YoY)
- +2.9%(national avg)
- Population Growth
- -1.65% YoY
Property Tax Rate
2.08%
of assessed value (IL avg)
Median Income
$72,205
household (IL avg)
Rent-to-Income
19.8%
Affordable
Section 8 Max Rent
$1,190/mo
3BR voucher payment
IL Investor Climate
Landlord Friendly
5/10
State Income Tax
Has state tax
Property Tax
2.08% effective
Population Trend
-1.65% (3yr)