Real Estate Investing in Cincinnati, Ohio (45238)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 45238 (Cincinnati, OH)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Cincinnati, OH (45238)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 45238 Cincinnati
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Cincinnati's 45238 ZIP registers signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $224K pricing implies.
The investment case in 45238 is sturdy only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $224K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
In the broader OH picture, 45238 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Demographically, 45238 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
Strategy in 45238 is an operator game, not a passive one. Stepping back, entry prices of $224K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Cincinnati:
Property Strategy for 45238
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $120,427 | $950 | 5.7% | +7.3% | $120,427 |
| 2BR | $166,788 | $1,220 | 5.3% | +8.5% | $83,394 |
| 3BR | $216,572 | $1,610 | 5.4% | +7.9% | $72,191 |
| 4BR | $258,097 | $1,780 | 5.0% | +8.2% | $64,524 |
| 5BR | $314,634 | — | — | +7.5% | $62,927 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 45238 Compare?
| Metric | 45238 | Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | Ohio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $223,961 | $262,113 | N/A | $237,530 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.5% | 4.8% | N/A | 7.4% |
| Avg Rent | $1,034 | $1,409 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.6% | 4.6% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 45238 (Cincinnati, OH). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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Property managers serving Hamilton County
Manage rentals here? List your business →Associa RPM provides comprehensive HOA and condominium management services in the greater Columbus, Dublin, Cincinnati, and Dayton areas of Ohio. summary from their website
Gaslight Property offers apartments for rent in Clifton, near UC. summary from their website
SBS Property Management provides management, maintenance, inspections, finances, and communications for Condominium and Homeowner Associations across Ohio. summary from their website
Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $223,961 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,034 |
| Price-to-Rent | 18.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.5% |
| Cap Rate | 3.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +8.0% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -8.6% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -0.9% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +2.3% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.6%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 45238
Population: 48,936
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 45238
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Oyler School
Rees E. Price Academy
Carson School
Riverside Community School Inc. dba Riverside Academy
Cincinnati Technology Academy
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 4,641 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the renter demographic in Cincinnati, OH?
Tenant demand in Cincinnati, OH is solid. The local workforce $1,034/mo rents across most rental classes.
What is the investability score for Cincinnati, OH?
The 3.0/5 investability rating in Cincinnati, OH reflects its $224K prices and $1,034/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within OH.
How do landlord-tenant laws work in Cincinnati, OH?
Landlord-friendliness in Cincinnati, OH is landlord-friendly. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.
What do landlords charge for rent in Cincinnati, OH?
The typical rental in Cincinnati, OH commands about $1,034/mo monthly. That rent profile measured cash flow against the $224K purchase basis.
How do home values compare in Cincinnati, OH?
The median home value in Cincinnati, OH is roughly $224K. That puts it reasonable relative to the OH statewide average.
You know 45238 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 45238 ranks in Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
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