Real Estate Investing in Lorain, Ohio (44052)
Should you buy in 44052 (Lorain, OH)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 14.6% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Elevated poverty: 29.4% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
What’s happening in Lorain, OH (44052)?
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Market Analysis: 44052 Lorain
ZIP 44052 inside Lorain County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $140K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
Meanwhile, the numbers look inviting — $140K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 44052 is substantial and deserves full respect.
In the broader OH picture, 44052 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Employment concentration in 44052 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
The 44052 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Lorain:
Property Strategy for 44052
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $112,247 | $1,140 | 7.3% | +11.2% | $56,124 |
| 3BR | $135,760 | $1,470 | 7.8% | +10.0% | $45,253 |
| 4BR | $139,280 | $1,570 | 8.1% | +9.1% | $34,820 |
| 5BR | $136,158 | — | — | +8.2% | $27,232 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 44052 Compare?
| Metric | 44052 | Lorain | Cleveland-Elyria, OH | Ohio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $139,932 | $171,395 | N/A | $237,530 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 7.9% | 8.0% | N/A | 7.4% |
| Avg Rent | $1,047 | $1,046 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.8% | 5.2% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 44052 (Lorain, OH). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $139,932 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,047 |
| Price-to-Rent | 11.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 9.0% |
| Cap Rate | 5.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 13.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +6.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +7.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +9.5% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -8.0% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.5%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (5.8%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 44052
Population: 28,067
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 44052
Schools in This ZIP Code
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 2,646 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is real estate in Lorain, OH a good investment right now?
Investors tracking Lorain, OH will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $140K median home values and $1,047/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting predictable returns.
What is the smart move for investors in Lorain, OH?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Lorain, OH. With home values at $140K and rents near $1,047/mo, other strategies can work but produce measured rather than outsized returns.
Do rentals sit vacant long in Lorain, OH?
Occupancy in Lorain, OH runs even-keeled with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $1,047/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
Are tenants stable in Lorain, OH?
The tenant pool in Lorain, OH is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $1,047/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Lorain, OH?
Lorain, OH median home values land near $140K. That is reasonable territory for investors looking at $1,047/mo-per-month rentals.
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