HomeInvestor Yield Index

Updated September 18, 2026 · Zillow bottom-tier ZHVI + ZORI metro data

Cleveland, OH, Investor Yield Index

Cleveland scores 100/100 (grade A) and ranks #1 of 25tracked metros for rental cash flow. At the Greater Cleveland median of $148,146 renting near$1,454/mo, the estimated DSCR is 1.20 at a 6.80% loan rate,which clears the 1.2 lender minimum.

Median-level estimates from Zillow research data, not a live quote. Run your real numbers below.

30-yr mortgage: 6.80%DSCR loan: 7.75%Hard money: 11.50%Updated Sep 18, 2026, 7:15 AMLive
A

Index 100/100 · rank #1

Cap rate

7.07%

Gross yield

11.78%

Median price

$148,146

DSCR

1.20

Cash-on-cash

4.28%

Monthly rent

$1,454

GRM

8.49
Clears the DSCR line. At 6.80% financing the estimated 1.20 DSCR beats the 1.2 lender minimum, so rents cover the debt with margin. The 100/100 score reflects relative cash-flow strength versus the other 25 tracked metros.

Run the numbers on a Cleveland deal

Pre-filled with Cleveland medians. Adjust price, rent, and rate to your actual deal.

7.07%
Cap rate · DSCR 1.20 · cash-on-cash 4.28%
Gross yield
11.78%
Cap rate
7.07%
NOI / yr
$10,469
Loan amount
$111,110
Monthly P&I
$724
DSCR
1.20
Annual cash flow
$1,777
Cash-on-cash
4.28%
GRM
8.49
Rent / price
0.98%

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 Cleveland

Is Cleveland, OH a good market for rental investors in 2026?

On the Investor Yield Index it scores 100/100 (grade A), ranking #1 of 25 tracked metros. The median price is $148,146 with rent around $1,454/mo, producing an estimated 7.07% cap rate and 1.20 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 Cleveland stands relative to other markets.

What is the cap rate in Cleveland?

The model estimates a 7.07% 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 Cleveland qualify for a DSCR loan?

Yes, the estimated DSCR of 1.20 clears the typical 1.2 lender minimum at prevailing rates.

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 Cleveland

The closest metros above and below Cleveland on the index, plus the top markets for comparison.

See all 25 markets →

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.