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Tier 2 +3.1% YoY Updated 2024-Q4

Average Rent in Columbus 2025 — Rental Market Report

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.

Median 2BR rent
$1,380
HUD-anchored, 2024-Q4
YoY rent growth
+3.1%
Blended public sources
Vacancy rate
6.4%
Estimated, 2024-Q4
Avg cap rate (SFR)
6.9%
Tier 2 mid-band

Columbus market analysis

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.

Median rent by bedroom — Columbus

BedroomsMedian rentEstimated range
Studio$1,035$890 – $1,201
1 BR$1,121$964 – $1,300
2 BR$1,380$1,187 – $1,601
3 BR$1,789$1,539 – $2,075
4 BR$2,156$1,854 – $2,501

Anchored to HUD FMR for ZIP 43201, aged forward with BLS CPI Shelter (+4.6% / yr). Use the estimator below for a different ZIP within Columbus.

Estimate a specific Columbus rental

Pre-filled for ZIP 43201. Change any field to re-estimate.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in Columbus, OH in 2025?

The HUD-anchored median 2-bedroom rent in Columbus is approximately $1,380, 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.

Is Columbus a good rental market for landlords?

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.

What is the cap rate in Columbus?

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.

How is rent growth trending in Columbus?

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.

Are there rent control rules in Columbus?

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 (FY2024, public). 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.