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 7.35% rent-to-price ratio. Higher ratios indicate stronger cash flow potential.
Based on 4.0% 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 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CookIL | 5,225,367 | 72 | $326,039 | $2,256 | 8.30% | Buy | View |
KendallIL | 132,795 | 70 | $389,876 | $2,397 | 7.38% | Buy | View |
McHenryIL | 311,133 | 70 | $357,917 | $2,081 | 6.98% | Buy | View |
WillIL | 696,774 | 70 | $366,080 | $2,255 | 7.39% | Buy | View |
LakeIL | 713,159 | 69 | $384,534 | $2,086 | 6.51% | Buy | View |
KaneIL | 517,254 | 68 | $373,804 | $2,112 | 6.78% | Buy | View |
DuPageIL | 930,559 | 65 | $432,425 | $2,088 | 5.79% | Buy | View |
LakeIN | 497,682 | 64 | $246,598 | $1,423 | 6.93% | Buy | View |
Click any county to see detailed investment analysis
| Metro Area | Verdict | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Decatur, IL Decatur, IL | 85 | $118,242 | $1,021 | 10.36% | Strong Buy | View | |
Connersville, IN Connersville, IN | 82 | $158,083 | Est. | Strong Buy | View | ||
Paducah, KY Paducah, KY | 82 | $165,710 | $1,291 | 9.35% | Strong Buy | View | |
Indiana, PA Indiana, PA | 82 | $158,790 | $1,376 | 10.40% | Strong Buy | View | |
Enid, OK Enid, OK | 81 | $137,435 | $1,076 | 9.39% | Strong Buy | View | |
Current Chicago, IL | 67 | $334,512 | $2,049 | 7.35% | Buy |
The Chicago, IL metro area scores 67/100, ranking #288 of 894 US metros (top 32%). The 7.35% rent-to-price ratio indicates moderate cash flow potential. Among 8 counties, Cook shows the strongest investment potential (score: 72). 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.