Rental Investing in Rochester, NY
2026 Market Data & Investment Analysis
Gross Yield
7.4%
Annual rent / price
Median Home Price
$170,000
As of 2026-Q1
Median Monthly Rent
$1,050
Per month
Population
211,328
-0.3% / yr (5y avg)
Calculate Your Return in Rochester
Pre-filled with Rochester's median values. Adjust to match your specific property.
Property Details
Total acquisition cost before taxes
HOA, insurance, property management
% of time the property is empty
% of purchase price (e.g. 2% = 2)
Rule of thumb: 1% of purchase price/yr
Results
Gross Rental Yield
7.41%
Net Rental Yield
4.63%
Cap Rate
4.63%
Monthly Cash Flow
$655.83
Annual Cash Flow
$7,870.00
Market Overview
Median Home Price — 5-Year Trend
Median Monthly Rent — 5-Year Trend
Rochester offers significantly above-average rental yields of 7.4%, making it an attractive market for income-focused investors.
Declining population of 0.3% per year may pose risks to long-term rental demand. Investors should focus on established neighborhoods with stable tenant bases.
The vacancy rate of 8.7% is above average, which could impact cash flow consistency. Thorough tenant screening and competitive pricing are important in this market.
Investment Profile
Rochester is a cash flow-focused market where high rental yields can generate strong monthly income. Lower population growth means price appreciation may be limited, making this primarily an income play.
✓ Strengths
- •High gross yield of 7.4% supports strong monthly cash flow
- •Lower entry prices relative to rents reduce upfront capital needed
- •Income-driven returns are less dependent on market timing
! Risks
- •Limited price appreciation potential reduces total return
- •Declining population may increase vacancy risk over time
Key Metrics
How Rochester Compares
Rochester vs Buffalo: 0.3 percentage point difference in gross yield.
| City | Median Price | Median Rent | Gross Yield | Pop. Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo, NY | $185,000 | $1,100 | 7.1% | -0.4% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $180,000 | $1,200 | 8% | -0.3% |
| Cleveland, OH | $120,000 | $1,000 | 10% | -0.5% |
| Hartford, CT | $250,000 | $1,350 | 6.5% | -0.5% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $220,000 | $1,350 | 7.4% | -0.3% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rental investing profitable in Rochester?▾
What is the average rental yield in Rochester?▾
How does Rochester compare to Buffalo for investors?▾
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Data source: Zillow Research / U.S. Census Bureau. Last updated: 2026-Q1. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.