HomeInvestor Yield Index

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

Kansas City, MO, Investor Yield Index

Kansas City scores 66/100 (grade A) and ranks #15 of 25tracked metros for rental cash flow. At the Kansas City metro median of $197,211 renting near$1,529/mo, the estimated DSCR is 0.95 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.

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

Index 66/100 · rank #15

Cap rate

5.58%

Gross yield

9.30%

Median price

$197,211

DSCR

0.95

Cash-on-cash

-1.02%

Monthly rent

$1,529

GRM

10.75
Below the DSCR line at standard terms. The estimated 0.95 DSCR falls short of the 1.2 minimum at 6.80% and 25% down, so net rent does not fully cover the debt payment. The 66/100 score ranks Kansas City #15 of 25 for relative cash flow, a larger down payment or a rate buydown is the usual path to qualify.

Run the numbers on a Kansas City deal

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

5.58%
Cap rate · DSCR 0.95 · cash-on-cash -1.02%
Gross yield
9.30%
Cap rate
5.58%
NOI / yr
$11,009
Loan amount
$147,908
Monthly P&I
$964
DSCR
0.95
Annual cash flow
-$562
Cash-on-cash
-1.02%
GRM
10.75
Rent / price
0.78%

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 Kansas City

Is Kansas City, MO a good market for rental investors in 2026?

On the Investor Yield Index it scores 66/100 (grade A), ranking #15 of 25 tracked metros. The median price is $197,211 with rent around $1,529/mo, producing an estimated 5.58% cap rate and 0.95 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 Kansas City stands relative to other markets.

What is the cap rate in Kansas City?

The model estimates a 5.58% 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 Kansas City qualify for a DSCR loan?

It’s tight. The estimated DSCR of 0.95 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 Kansas City

The closest metros above and below Kansas City 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.