HomeInvestor Yield Index

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

Louisville, KY, Investor Yield Index

Louisville scores 49/100 (grade B) and ranks #19 of 25tracked metros for rental cash flow. At the Louisville metro median of $185,968 renting near$1,348/mo, the estimated DSCR is 0.89 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
B

Index 49/100 · rank #19

Cap rate

5.22%

Gross yield

8.70%

Median price

$185,968

DSCR

0.89

Cash-on-cash

-2.32%

Monthly rent

$1,348

GRM

11.50
Below the DSCR line at standard terms. The estimated 0.89 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 49/100 score ranks Louisville #19 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 Louisville deal

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

5.22%
Cap rate · DSCR 0.89 · cash-on-cash -2.32%
Gross yield
8.70%
Cap rate
5.22%
NOI / yr
$9,706
Loan amount
$139,476
Monthly P&I
$909
DSCR
0.89
Annual cash flow
-$1,206
Cash-on-cash
-2.32%
GRM
11.50
Rent / price
0.72%

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 Louisville

Is Louisville, KY a good market for rental investors in 2026?

On the Investor Yield Index it scores 49/100 (grade B), ranking #19 of 25 tracked metros. The median price is $185,968 with rent around $1,348/mo, producing an estimated 5.22% cap rate and 0.89 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 Louisville stands relative to other markets.

What is the cap rate in Louisville?

The model estimates a 5.22% 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 Louisville qualify for a DSCR loan?

It’s tight. The estimated DSCR of 0.89 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 Louisville

The closest metros above and below Louisville 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.