Best ZIP Codes for Cash Flow in Sterling, IL (2026)
Ranked by cap rate — the annual return on the purchase price before financing. ZIPs that also clear the 1% rule are marked.
| # | ZIP | City | Home value | Rent | Cap rate | 5-yr growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 61261 | Lyndon, IL | $124,360 | $1,161 | 7.28% | — |
| 2 | 61283 | Tampico, IL | $133,967 | $909 | 5.29% | 5.0% |
| 3 | 61071 | Rock Falls, IL | $124,801 | $825 | 5.16% | 8.1% |
| 4 | 61014 | Chadwick, IL | $156,441 | $1,008 | 5.03% | 8.4% |
| 5 | 61270 | Morrison, IL | $173,151 | $954 | 4.30% | 6.5% |
| 6 | 61252 | Fulton, IL | $167,773 | $900 | 4.18% | 5.4% |
| 7 | 61081 | Sterling, IL | $149,646 | $800 | 4.17% | 6.1% |
| 8 | 61230 | Albany, IL | $171,349 | $846 | 3.85% | 4.8% |
| 9 | 61277 | Prophetstown, IL | $176,366 | $837 | 3.70% | 7.3% |
| 10 | 61250 | Erie, IL | $180,625 | $837 | 3.61% | 5.7% |
| 11 | 61251 | Fenton, IL | $244,357 | $882 | 2.82% | — |
Ranked from Repit’s own ZIP-level data — Zillow home values and rents, HUD fair-market rents where Zillow has no coverage, and U.S. Census vacancy. Cap rate is gross: annual rent over purchase price, before financing and expenses. Every ZIP above links to its full free page. How we calculate this →
Same metro, different strategy
Appreciation in Sterling, IL · Affordable in Sterling, IL
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