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If you’re serious about growing your rental income in 2025, start with the markets where the numbers actually work.
At Ziffy, we pulled verified data straight from our platform. This includes real listings, rent comparables, and the latest market trends to pinpoint the 10 US cities offering the highest rental yields right now.
These aren’t just trending locations. They’re places where investors are locking in strong monthly returns along with long-term growth potential.
Whether you’re planning your next buy-and-hold or looking to boost cash flow on your next deal, these markets should be on your radar.
Table of Contents
How We Identified These High-Yield Markets
This list is built on real data from Ziffy. We analyzed active listings across the country and filtered for properties that showed the strongest rental income potential compared to their purchase price.
To calculate rental yield, we used a straightforward formula:
(Median Monthly Rent X 12) / Median Home Price X 100
We focused on cities where this number was consistently high across a wide range of properties, not just outliers. Then we layered in other key factors investors care about like vacancy rates, population growth, and long-term appreciation potential.
Ziffy doesn’t just surface the best markets. Every listing on the platform includes the financial breakdown you need so you can confidently evaluate deals without jumping between data sources.
Top 10 Cities By Rental Yields
Rank | City | Median Home Price | Median Monthly Rent | Rental Yield | Vacancy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Columbus, GA | $180,735 | $1,198 | 7.95% | 2.9% |
2 | Cleveland, OH | $211,459 | $1,316 | 7.47% | 5.2% |
3 | Oklahoma City, OK | $227,928 | $1,343 | 7.07% | 6.1% |
4 | Indianapolis, IN | $272,161 | $1,487 | 6.56% | 5.5% |
5 | Birmingham, AL | $245,939 | $1,314 | 6.41% | 5.7% |
6 | San Antonio, TX | $283,681 | $1,456 | 6.16% | 5.8% |
7 | Chattanooga, TN | $300,503 | $1,543 | 6.16% | 5.3% |
8 | Kansas City, MO | $293,881 | $1,415 | 5.78% | 5.6% |
9 | Jacksonville, FL | $352,792 | $1,682 | 5.72% | 6.2% |
10 | Dallas, TX | $369,919 | $1,723 | 5.59% | 6.5% |
1. Columbus, GA: Best for Steady Cash Flow and Low Vacancy
Investment Properties Listed Today on Sale in Columbus, GA
Why It Ranks:
Columbus takes the lead in 2025 for its unbeatable combination of affordability and consistent demand. With a rental yield of 7.95% and home prices under $200,000, investors are seeing strong returns without needing massive capital upfront.
What Makes It Work:
-
Military-driven rental demand from Fort Moore - Low vacancy rate of 2.9%
- Strong rental comps near hospitals and base housing
2. Cleveland, OH: Best for Turnkey Rentals and Market Stability
Investment Properties Listed Today on Sale in Cleveland, OH
Why It Ranks:
Cleveland stands out with a 7.47% yield and low price-to-rent ratios. Investors are picking up renovated single-families and duplexes in appreciating neighborhoods near hospitals and universities.
What Makes It Work:
- Revitalized housing stock in urban pockets
- High rental demand near Case Western and Cleveland Clinic
- Diverse employment base fueling tenant pool
3. Oklahoma City, OK: Best for Growth-Oriented Investors
Investment Properties Listed Today on Sale in Oklahoma City, OK
Why It Ranks:
Oklahoma City offers a strong 7.07% yield and remains one of the most investor-accessible metros in the country. It’s a pick for buyers focused on long-term tenant retention and economic expansion.
What Makes It Work:
- Growing aerospace and energy job markets
- Consistent population growth
- Strong SFR rental demand in suburban rings
4. Indianapolis, IN: Best for Midwest Portfolio Diversification
Investment Properties Listed Today on Sale in Indianapolis, IN
Why It Ranks:
Indianapolis delivers a 6.56% yield, backed by a healthy local economy and a growing renter base. Investors like the mix of solid cash flow and appreciation potential, especially in neighborhoods near major employers.
What Makes It Work:
- Job growth at 4.1% in 2024
- Active SFR and small multifamily market
- Competitive rent-to-price ratios
5. Birmingham, AL: Best for Long-Term Renters and Lower Turnover
Investment Properties Listed Today on Sale in Birmingham, AL
Why It Ranks:
With a 6.41% yield and strong healthcare and university anchors, Birmingham is ideal for investors looking for long-term tenants and minimal vacancies.
What Makes It Work:
- Proximity to UAB and medical campuses
- Affordable housing under $250,000
- Solid tenant retention in family-friendly neighborhoods
6. San Antonio, TX: Best for Military and Tourism Rental Demand
Investment Properties Listed Today on Sale in San Antonio, TX
Why It Ranks:
San Antonio pairs affordability with high rental volume, making it a consistent performer. With a 6.16% yield and rising renter population, the market remains one of Texas’s most investor-friendly.
What Makes It Work:
- Large military renter population
- Year-round tourism boosts short-term rental potential
- SFR demand remains strong in expanding suburbs
7. Chattanooga, TN: Best for Dual ROI—Yield + Appreciation
Investment Properties Listed Today on Sale in Chattanooga, TN
Why It Ranks:
Chattanooga offers a 6.16% yield and one of the strongest 10-year equity growth rates in the Southeast. Investors here benefit from a mix of cash flow and rising property values.
What Makes It Work:
- 141% equity growth over the past decade
- Popular with remote workers and young renters
- Market boosted by city-led infrastructure projects
8. Kansas City, MO: Best for Stable Returns and Affordability
Investment Properties Listed Today on Sale in Kansas City, MO
Why It Ranks:
Kansas City continues to offer investors a balanced approach to rental income and affordability, with a 5.78% yield and solid market fundamentals.
What Makes It Work:
- Strong renter demand in both urban and suburban areas
- Steady population growth and infrastructure improvements
- Housing market with year-over-year rental strength
9. Jacksonville, FL: Best for Coastal Rentals and Growth Potential
Investment Properties Listed Today on Sale in Jacksonville, FL
Why It Ranks:
Jacksonville combines rental yield (5.72%) with strong appreciation trends, especially in beach-adjacent and downtown neighborhoods. It’s a top pick for investors eyeing both cash flow and future equity.
What Makes It Work:
- 91% equity growth in 10 years
- Demand driven by logistics, military, and health sectors
- Consistent appreciation in coastal submarkets
10. Dallas, TX: Best for Large-Scale Investors and Market Depth
Investment Properties Listed Today on Sale in Dallas, TX
Why It Ranks:
Dallas rounds out the list with a 5.59% yield and one of the most active real estate markets in the country. Investors benefit from constant demand, deep inventory, and strong job creation.
What Makes It Work:
- Over 57,000 new jobs added in 2024
- Diverse housing stock, from condos to build-to-rents
- Strong demand in both luxury and workforce rental segments
What to Consider Before Investing in a High-Yield Market
Rental yield is important, but it’s not the only number that matters. The best investors look at the full picture before buying, especially when scaling into new markets.
Here’s what you should always check before closing a deal and how Ziffy can help you do that with confidence.
Vacancy Rate
A high yield loses its edge if your unit sits empty. On Ziffy, you can check vacancy data by neighborhood to avoid areas with weak renter demand or high turnover. This gives you a better read on long-term income potential.
Local Laws and Landlord Protections
Not every market is landlord-friendly. Ziffy’s legal risk index helps you spot places with strong rental protections, easier eviction processes, and fewer rent restrictions. This saves time and protects your cash flow.
Job Growth and Population Trends
A growing city usually means a growing pool of tenants. Ziffy tracks these trends and shows you how they influence future rent growth and appreciation. It’s an easy way to spot deals with staying power.
Price-to-Rent Ratio
You want your rent to comfortably cover the mortgage and operating costs. Ziffy shows you the price-to-rent ratio on every listing so you can quickly compare options and zero in on the ones that cash flow from day one.
Fit for Your Investment Strategy
Every market works differently. Some are better for long-term holds. Others fit short-term strategies like flipping or mid-term rentals. Ziffy makes it easy to sort listings by expected returns, holding costs, and time-to-close so you can find what aligns with your goals.
Conclusion
High-yield markets like these give you more than just better cash flow, they give you options. Whether you’re holding long-term or scaling your portfolio this year, the right market makes all the difference.
Ziffy helps you find those deals faster. With tools like real-time comps, deal analysis, and built-in loan approvals, you can go from searching to closing with confidence.
Explore the top markets on Ziffy and run the numbers for yourself.
FAQs
What is a good rental yield in 2025?
A good rental yield in 2025 is typically around 6 percent or higher. Many investors using Ziffy aim for properties in the 6 to 8 percent range, especially in markets with low vacancy and strong rent demand.
How do I calculate rental yield?
Rental yield is calculated by dividing the annual rental income by the purchase price of the property, then multiplying by 100. Ziffy handles this automatically on every listing, so you can compare opportunities without doing the math yourself.
What affects rental yield the most?
Factors like property price, local rent levels, vacancy rates, and operating expenses all impact yield. Ziffy’s deal analyzer lets you test different variables like interest rate, rent estimates, and down payment to see how they affect returns.
Should I only focus on yield when investing in real estate?
Not always. Rental yield is one part of the equation. You’ll also want to consider appreciation potential, local laws, and tenant demand. Ziffy helps you balance these factors with tools like legal risk scores and neighborhood growth trends.
How can Ziffy help me find high-yield rental properties?
Ziffy lets you filter properties by rental yield, price-to-rent ratio, and vacancy trends. Once you find a promising deal, you can analyze the numbers, get pre-approved, and move forward, all in one place.
At Ziffy, we ensure the reliability of our content by relying on primary sources such as government data, industry reports, firsthand accounts from our network of experts, and interviews with specialists. We also incorporate original research from respected publishers when relevant.
Redfin: https: Data center//redfin.com/news/data-center/
Zillow: Research data
