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 6.42% rent-to-price ratio. Higher ratios indicate stronger cash flow potential.
Based on -2.0% 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 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ChambersTX | 47,037 | 67 | $343,668 | $2,055 | 7.18% | Buy | View |
LibertyTX | 93,523 | 66 | $235,330 | $1,493 | 7.61% | Buy | View |
BrazoriaTX | 374,600 | 58 | $320,060 | $1,684 | 6.32% | Hold | View |
MontgomeryTX | 629,989 | 57 | $341,565 | $1,655 | 5.82% | Hold | View |
Fort BendTX | 832,607 | 56 | $377,798 | $1,897 | 6.03% | Hold | View |
HarrisTX | 4,726,177 | 56 | $279,264 | $1,584 | 6.81% | Hold | View |
WallerTX | 57,463 | 56 | $359,420 | $2,215 | 7.40% | Hold | View |
GalvestonTX | 350,801 | 54 | $312,963 | $1,598 | 6.13% | Hold | View |
AustinTX | 30,406 | 46 | $415,712 | $1,604 | 4.63% | Hold | View |
Click any county to see detailed investment analysis
| Metro Area | Verdict | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Utica, NY Utica, NY | 75 | $218,900 | $1,413 | 7.75% | Strong Buy | View | |
Springfield, IL Springfield, IL | 75 | $187,233 | $1,120 | 7.18% | Strong Buy | View | |
Columbus, MS Columbus, MS | 75 | $178,027 | $1,353 | 9.12% | Strong Buy | View | |
Youngstown, OH Youngstown, OH | 75 | $165,204 | $1,007 | 7.31% | Strong Buy | View | |
Tupelo, MS Tupelo, MS | 75 | $178,650 | $1,183 | 7.94% | Strong Buy | View | |
Current Houston, TX | 55 | $303,675 | $1,625 | 6.42% | Hold |
The Houston, TX metro area scores 55/100, ranking #632 of 894 US metros (top 71%). The 6.42% rent-to-price ratio indicates moderate cash flow potential. Among 9 counties, Chambers shows the strongest investment potential (score: 67). 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.