DSCRUpdated September 18, 2026 · Zillow bottom-tier ZHVI + ZORI metro data
Chicago, IL, Investor Yield Index
Chicago scores 100/100 (grade A) and ranks #4 of 25tracked metros for rental cash flow. At the Chicagoland median of $229,682 renting near$2,210/mo, the estimated DSCR is 1.18 at a 6.80% loan rate,which is below the 1.2 lender minimum.
Median-level estimates from Zillow research data, not a live quote. Run your real numbers below.
Index 100/100 · rank #4
Cap rate
Gross yield
Median price
DSCR
Cash-on-cash
Monthly rent
GRM
Run the numbers on a Chicago deal
Pre-filled with Chicago medians. Adjust price, rent, and rate to your actual deal.
Assumptions: 25% down + 3% closing costs, 40% opex/vacancy load 30-year amortization. Lenders typically require DSCR ≥ 1.2. Estimates, not a quote.
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Common questions about Chicago
Is Chicago, IL a good market for rental investors in 2026?
On the Investor Yield Index it scores 100/100 (grade A), ranking #4 of 25 tracked metros. The median price is $229,682 with rent around $2,210/mo, producing an estimated 6.93% cap rate and 1.18 DSCR at a 6.80% financing rate. At today's rates few U.S. metros clear positive cash flow on default terms, so the score is best read as where Chicago stands relative to other markets.
What is the cap rate in Chicago?
The model estimates a 6.93% cap rate at the median price-to-rent ratio, assuming a 40% operating-expense load. Your actual cap rate depends on the specific property and expenses.
Will a rental in Chicago qualify for a DSCR loan?
It’s tight. The estimated DSCR of 1.18 is below the typical 1.2 minimum at 6.80%; a larger down payment or rate buydown may be needed to qualify.
Where does the data on this page come from?
Zillow's public research files. Bottom-tier metro ZHVI for home values and metro ZORI for rents, both as of September 2026. Metrics recompute weekly from the raw CSVs.
Markets ranked near Chicago
The closest metros above and below Chicago on the index, plus the top markets for comparison.
Cleveland, OH
Memphis, TN
Birmingham, AL
Toledo, OH
Oklahoma City, OK
Little Rock, AR
Tulsa, OK
Index assumptions, 25% down, a 40% operating-expense load, 30-year amortization, and a 6.80%loan rate. DSCR is net operating income divided by annual debt service, lenders typically want at least 1.2. Cap rate, gross yield, DSCR, and cash-on-cash are weighted 30, 20, 30, and 20 percent. Prices and rents are metro-level medians for relative comparison, not live quotes or investment advice.