Trend based on YoY growth rate. Source: Zillow ZHVI/ZORI
* Based on metro-wide median values. 35% expenses include taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancy, and property management. Individual counties and properties vary significantly.
Based on 4.51% rent-to-price ratio. Higher ratios indicate stronger cash flow potential.
Based on -6.0% YoY price growth. Moderate growth (3-8%) scores highest.
Based on 0.0% population growth. Growing areas indicate economic stability.
Based on price relative to estimated local incomes.
Scores are calculated using real Zillow metro-level home value and rent data, Census population data, and economic indicators. The weighted average produces the overall investment score. This metro score represents area-wide averages; individual counties may vary significantly.
Click any county to see detailed investment analysis
| Metro Area | Verdict | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM | 55 | $340,624 | $1,525 | 5.37% | Hold | View | |
Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis, MN | 55 | $375,610 | $1,696 | 5.42% | Hold | View | |
Houston, TX Houston, TX | 55 | $303,675 | $1,625 | 6.42% | Hold | View | |
Baltimore, MD Baltimore, MD | 55 | $391,727 | $1,892 | 5.80% | Hold | View | |
Lakeland, FL Lakeland, FL | 55 | $298,028 | $1,841 | 7.41% | Hold | View | |
Current Austin, TX | 35 | $422,294 | $1,587 | 4.51% | Avoid |
The Austin, TX metro area scores 35/100, ranking #866 of 894 US metros (top 97%). The 4.51% rent-to-price ratio may require targeting specific counties or creative strategies for positive cash flow. Among 5 counties, Bastrop shows the strongest investment potential (score: 53). Current metro-wide averages make traditional buy-and-hold investing challenging. Consider house hacking, value-add strategies, or drilling down to specific counties.
Use our investment calculators to run detailed numbers on specific properties, or explore individual counties for more targeted opportunities.