The US Cities with the Highest Gross Rent Yields in 2026
Pure cash-flow markets — where the rent-to-price ratio gives landlords meaningful cushion at 2026 debt costs.
DATA · ZILLOW REGIONAL ROLLUPS · 12 CITIES
- 01Detroit, MI$1,338/mo rent on $76k median value20.99%GROSS ANNUAL YIELDMEDIAN $76kYoY -3.9%RENT $1,338/moYIELD 20.99%
- 02Jackson, MS$1,255/mo rent on $88k median value17.10%GROSS ANNUAL YIELDMEDIAN $88kYoY -0.7%RENT $1,255/moYIELD 17.10%
- 03Cleveland, OH$1,425/mo rent on $118k median value14.53%GROSS ANNUAL YIELDMEDIAN $118kYoY -2.1%RENT $1,425/moYIELD 14.53%
- 04Birmingham, AL$1,303/mo rent on $137k median value11.39%GROSS ANNUAL YIELDMEDIAN $137kYoY -2.1%RENT $1,303/moYIELD 11.39%
- 05Baltimore, MD$1,760/mo rent on $192k median value11.02%GROSS ANNUAL YIELDMEDIAN $192kYoY -1.3%RENT $1,760/moYIELD 11.02%
- 06Dayton, OH$1,199/mo rent on $139k median value10.36%GROSS ANNUAL YIELDMEDIAN $139kYoY +1.3%RENT $1,199/moYIELD 10.36%
- 07Toledo, OH$1,122/mo rent on $130k median value10.35%GROSS ANNUAL YIELDMEDIAN $130kYoY +5.1%RENT $1,122/moYIELD 10.35%
- 08Memphis, TN$1,256/mo rent on $147k median value10.23%GROSS ANNUAL YIELDMEDIAN $147kYoY -3.2%RENT $1,256/moYIELD 10.23%
- 09Akron, OH$1,135/mo rent on $141k median value9.70%GROSS ANNUAL YIELDMEDIAN $141kYoY +2.5%RENT $1,135/moYIELD 9.70%
- 10Hartford, CT$1,596/mo rent on $199k median value9.61%GROSS ANNUAL YIELDMEDIAN $199kYoY +4.6%RENT $1,596/moYIELD 9.61%
- 11Philadelphia, PA$1,797/mo rent on $234k median value9.22%GROSS ANNUAL YIELDMEDIAN $234kYoY +1.5%RENT $1,797/moYIELD 9.22%
- 12St. Louis, MO$1,379/mo rent on $186k median value8.88%GROSS ANNUAL YIELDMEDIAN $186kYoY +0.2%RENT $1,379/moYIELD 8.88%
How the ranking is computed.
Pure ranking by gross annual rent yield = (ZORI × 12) / ZHVI. National baseline is roughly 4-5%; markets above 6% have meaningful cushion for BRRRR and long-term rentals at 7-8% debt costs.
Frequently asked.
What is a good rent yield in 2026?
Above 6% gross gives BRRRR room to pencil at typical debt costs. 5-6% is workable but tight. Below 4% generally cannot cash-flow on standard 75% LTV financing — those markets require either cash purchases or appreciation-driven strategies.
Why are these often "C-class" markets?
High gross yield typically correlates with lower appreciation, higher turnover, and tougher tenant management. The trade-off is real: cash flow now vs. capital appreciation later.
Should I just buy in the highest-yield market?
No. The math is necessary but not sufficient. Operational complexity, eviction laws, and your ability to manage at distance all matter. A 9% yield market you can't operate is worse than a 6% yield market you can.
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