Columbus is one of the Midwest's strongest rent-growth markets, anchored by Intel's semiconductor investment. This page combines HUD Fair Market Rent anchors, ApartmentList-derived vacancy estimates, and CBRE-tier cap-rate benchmarks into one landlord-focused view.
Columbus is one of the Midwest's strongest rent-growth markets, anchored by Intel's semiconductor investment.
Vacancy is currently 6.4% with a year-over-year rent change of +3.1%. Rent direction is positive — underwriting can credit modest growth in year-2 rents but should not extrapolate aggressive trajectories given vacancy levels.
For deal-level analysis, the cap-rate calculator uses our Tier 2 benchmark (mid 6.9% for single-family). The cash-flow analyzer will give you a full P&L including debt service.
| Bedrooms | Median rent | Estimated range |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,141 | $981 – $1,324 |
| 1 BR | $1,226 | $1,054 – $1,422 |
| 2 BR | $1,468 | $1,262 – $1,703 |
| 3 BR | $1,761 | $1,514 – $2,043 |
| 4 BR | $1,978 | $1,701 – $2,294 |
Anchored to HUD FMR for ZIP 43201, aged forward from 2025-10-01 with BLS CPI Shelter (+3.2% / yr, July 2026). Use the estimator below for a different ZIP within Columbus.
This city's raw HUD FY2026 2BR FMR placed among the 15 prebuilt metros in markets.json. One vintage point — not a fabricated history.
Pre-filled for ZIP 43201. Change any field to re-estimate.
The HUD-anchored median 2-bedroom rent in Columbus is approximately $1,468 with year-over-year growth of +3.1%. Individual rents vary widely by submarket and property condition — use the Rent Estimator above for a ZIP-specific number.
Columbus sits in our Tier 2 group with an estimated cap rate band averaging 6.9% for single-family rentals and a vacancy rate of 6.4%. Columbus is one of the Midwest's strongest rent-growth markets, anchored by Intel's semiconductor investment.
Single-family rental cap rates in Columbus typically land near 6.9%, with a metro-tier band drawn from CBRE survey ranges. Run the Cap Rate Calculator for a specific deal.
Year-over-year rent change is +3.1%. Forward 12-month projection blends recent metro trend with BLS shelter CPI. Use the LandlordIQ /get_rent_growth endpoint for the live projection.
No (Ohio state preemption). Notice to vacate: 30 days. Security deposit cap: No statutory cap (>$50 must accrue 5% interest after 6mo). Ohio requires interest on deposits >$50 held more than 6 months. Plain-English summary, not legal advice.
Data: HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026, public, revised county file). Vacancy and rent growth are estimated blends of public datasets clearly labeled. Cap rate band is the Tier 2 benchmark from our benchmarks dataset. Regulation summary is editorial — not legal advice. See methodology.