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 | $292,336 | $1,649 | 6.77% | Hold | View |
RowanNC | 147,067 | 58 | $270,595 | $1,408 | 6.25% | Hold | View |
LincolnNC | 87,933 | 56 | $394,920 | $1,686 | 5.12% | Hold | View |
IredellNC | 187,839 | 53 | $378,630 | $1,712 | 5.43% | Hold | View |
UnionNC | 240,109 | 52 | $441,959 | $2,002 | 5.44% | Hold | View |
CabarrusNC | 226,396 | 51 | $376,074 | $1,716 | 5.47% | Hold | View |
YorkSC | 282,987 | 49 | $382,788 | $1,629 | 5.11% | Hold | View |
MecklenburgNC | 1,115,403 | 47 | $414,187 | $1,698 | 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.