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 5.46% rent-to-price ratio. Higher ratios indicate stronger cash flow potential.
Based on -1.0% 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.
| Verdict | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GastonNC | 228,972 | 59 | $294,435 | $1,644 | 6.70% | Hold | View |
RowanNC | 147,067 | 58 | $272,487 | $1,400 | 6.17% | Hold | View |
LincolnNC | 87,933 | 54 | $397,114 | $1,630 | 4.93% | Hold | View |
IredellNC | 187,839 | 53 | $381,123 | $1,714 | 5.40% | Hold | View |
UnionNC | 240,109 | 52 | $444,351 | $2,041 | 5.51% | Hold | View |
CabarrusNC | 226,396 | 51 | $380,170 | $1,747 | 5.51% | Hold | View |
YorkSC | 282,987 | 49 | $383,156 | $1,627 | 5.09% | Hold | View |
MecklenburgNC | 1,115,403 | 47 | $417,745 | $1,711 | 4.92% | Hold | View |
Click any county to see detailed investment analysis
| Metro Area | Verdict | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lansing, MI Lansing, MI | 69 | $236,853 | $1,304 | 6.61% | Buy | View | |
Iowa City, IA Iowa City, IA | 69 | $287,609 | $1,750 | 7.30% | Buy | View | |
Akron, OH Akron, OH | 69 | $229,491 | $1,246 | 6.52% | Buy | View | |
Detroit, MI Detroit, MI | 69 | $256,081 | $1,481 | 6.94% | Buy | View | |
Bloomington, IL Bloomington, IL | 69 | $249,990 | $1,360 | 6.53% | Buy | View | |
Current Charlotte, NC | 49 | $382,169 | $1,737 | 5.46% | Hold |
The Charlotte, NC metro area scores 49/100, ranking #721 of 894 US metros (top 81%). The 5.46% rent-to-price ratio may require targeting specific counties or creative strategies for positive cash flow. Among 8 counties, Gaston shows the strongest investment potential (score: 59). 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.