Saint Louis, MO — 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, Saint Louis, MO has a median cap rate of 8.4%, making it one of the top cash-flowing rental markets in the United States.
Saint Louis is one of the strongest cash flow markets in the data. With a median home price of $145,685, entry costs are low — making it accessible for beginning investors or those buying multiple properties. With 3-bedroom rents around $1,525/month, the 8.4% cap rate tells the story. Expect around +$230/month cash flow after mortgage, taxes, insurance, and reserves.
The market passes the 1% rule (1.04%), which is increasingly rare and signals strong rent-to-price fundamentals. DSCR of 1.32 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. Saint Louis 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
8.4%
Above average
Monthly Cash Flow
+$230
After all expenses
Price-to-Rent
8.0
Investor-friendly
DSCR
1.32
Passes lender test
Key Metrics
- Median Home Price
- $145,685
- Average Rent (3BR)
- $1,525/mo
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 8.0(good)
- 1% Rule
- 1.04%(passes)
- Cash-on-Cash Return
- 9.0%
- Vacancy Rate
- 8.0%
Market Strength
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.8%(-0.5% vs national)
- Rent Growth (YoY)
- +2.9%(national avg)
- Population Growth
- +1.2% YoY
Property Tax Rate
0.93%
of assessed value (MO avg)
Median Income
$61,043
household (MO avg)
Rent-to-Income
30%
Affordable
Section 8 Max Rent
$1,525/mo
3BR voucher payment
MO Investor Climate
Landlord Friendly
7/10
State Income Tax
Has state tax
Property Tax
0.93% effective
Population Trend
+1.2% (3yr)
Best Zip Codes in Saint Louis for Investors
All Zip Codes in Saint Louis
| Zip | Cap Rate | Cash Flow | Home Price | Rent (3BR) | DSCR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63120 | 32.1% | +$805 | $37,509 | $1,290/mo | 5.03 |
| 63115 | 31.1% | +$834 | $40,552 | $1,350/mo | 4.86 |
| 63107 | 27.8% | +$792 | $44,368 | $1,330/mo | 4.35 |
| 63113 | 25.4% | +$811 | $51,207 | $1,410/mo | 3.98 |
| 63147 | 19.6% | +$732 | $66,644 | $1,440/mo | 3.06 |
| 63103 | 10.8% | +$495 | $133,440 | $1,700/mo | 1.70 |
| 63102 | 9.5% | +$380 | $145,615 | $1,660/mo | 1.49 |
| 63111 | 9.0% | +$265 | $122,558 | $1,330/mo | 1.41 |
| 63106 | 8.9% | +$246 | $118,062 | $1,270/mo | 1.39 |
| 63112 | 8.0% | +$199 | $145,756 | $1,440/mo | 1.26 |
| 63101 | 7.7% | +$215 | $190,783 | $1,830/mo | 1.21 |
| 63118 | 6.7% | +$40 | $181,499 | $1,540/mo | 1.04 |
| 63116 | 6.3% | -$8 | $184,931 | $1,510/mo | 0.99 |
| 63139 | 5.5% | -$164 | $227,573 | $1,670/mo | 0.86 |
| 63108 | 5.3% | -$297 | $317,809 | $2,250/mo | 0.82 |
| 63109 | 4.2% | -$502 | $270,435 | $1,610/mo | 0.65 |
| 63104 | 4.1% | -$559 | $297,064 | $1,760/mo | 0.65 |
| 63110 | 4.0% | -$620 | $304,996 | $1,750/mo | 0.62 |