Cincinnati

OHGreater Cincinnati (Hamilton, Warren, Butler, Clermont counties)

Real Estate Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$290,000 (July 2025)
Median Home Price
~2.26 million (metro area)
Population
$71,000 (metro area, 2024 estimate)
Median Income
Several districts rated 'A' or 'B' (Ohio Dept. of Education)
School District Rating

Market Overview

Property Values

$290,000 (July 2025)
Median Home Price
Not specified (typical range: $150–$180/sqft in 2025)
Price per Sq Ft
4.3% increase (from $278,000 in July 2024)
YoY Change

Market Performance

Days on Market~20-25 days (homes sell quickly when priced right)[4]
Market TypeBalanced but competitive; steady growth and healthy demand[1][2][4]
Months of Supply2 months (well below national average of 6 months)[3]

Sales Activity

Sales Volume1,052 homes sold in Feb 2025 (down 1.6% YoY); 6.2% YTD increase in early 2025[2]
Metro AreaGreater Cincinnati (Hamilton, Warren, Butler, Clermont counties)
Population~2.26 million (metro area)

Economic Indicators

Employment & Growth

Unemployment Rate~3.7% (early 2025, metro area estimate)
Job Growth Rate~1.5% annually (2024-2025 estimate)
Median Household Income$71,000 (metro area, 2024 estimate)

Major Employers

  • Procter & Gamble
  • Kroger
  • Fifth Third Bank
  • Cincinnati Children's Hospital
  • University of Cincinnati

Demographics

~2.26 million (metro area)
Population
37.5 years
Median Age
~0.7% annually (2024-2025)
Population Growth
34% bachelor's degree or higher (metro area)
Education Level

Family Composition

Mix of families, young professionals, and retirees; strong suburban and urban demand

Key Industries

HealthcareFinancial ServicesConsumer GoodsEducationManufacturing

Education

School District

Several districts rated 'A' or 'B' (Ohio Dept. of Education)
District Rating

Top Schools

  • Walnut Hills High School
  • Indian Hill High School
  • Sycamore High School

Higher Education

  • University of Cincinnati
  • Xavier University
  • Northern Kentucky University

Infrastructure & Development

Major Projects

  • Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project (I-75/I-71)
  • The Banks riverfront development
  • Uptown Innovation Corridor

Transportation

  • Metro bus system upgrades
  • Streetcar expansion studies
  • Highway/interchange improvements

Planned Developments

  • Mixed-use projects in Oakley and West End
  • New residential and retail in Over-the-Rhine

Lifestyle & Amenities

Recreation

  • Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
  • Great Parks of Hamilton County
  • Riverfront parks and trails

Dining & Entertainment

  • Over-the-Rhine breweries and restaurants
  • Findlay Market
  • Downtown arts and music venues

Cultural Attractions

  • Cincinnati Art Museum
  • Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
  • National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Investment Analysis

Investment Opportunities

  • Steady appreciation (4-6% annually)[1][4]
  • Strong rental demand near universities and hospitals
  • Affordable entry prices vs. national averages[3]

Growth Outlook

Positive; stable, moderate growth expected through 2026[1][3]

Market Risks

  • Interest rates at 6-7% may limit affordability[3]
  • Potential for slower appreciation if inventory rises
  • Localized oversupply in some new-build areas

Rental Market

Strong; low vacancy rates, especially in urban core and near universities

Marketing Intelligence

Target Demographics

  • Millennial first-time buyers
  • Relocating professionals
  • Investors seeking cash flow

Marketing Channels

  • Zillow/Realtor.com
  • Facebook/Instagram ads
  • Local real estate events

Pricing Strategies

List slightly below recent comps to generate multiple offers in hot neighborhoods

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Interest rates are too high.

Response Strategy:

Show historical context and focus on long-term appreciation and refinance potential.

Objection: Not enough homes in my price range/neighborhood.

Response Strategy:

Expand search criteria and highlight up-and-coming areas with similar amenities.

Objection: Concern about overpaying in a competitive market.

Response Strategy:

Provide recent sales data and stress Cincinnati's steady, non-volatile appreciation.

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate buyers on historical market stability and long-term value.

2

Encourage sellers to price competitively and invest in staging.

3

Leverage professional marketing and social media to reach target demographics.

4

Monitor inventory trends closely to advise clients on timing.

5

Highlight Cincinnati's affordability and lifestyle advantages when competing with other metros.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Columbus, OH
  • Indianapolis, IN
  • Louisville, KY

Market Positioning

Cincinnati is a value market with steady growth and low volatility, appealing to both owner-occupants and investors.

Competitive Advantages

  • Lower median home prices than national average
  • Stable job market and diverse economy
  • Strong rental yields

Price Comparison

Median home price ($290K) is less than half of many coastal markets and below Columbus ($320K) and Indianapolis ($305K)

Investment Metrics

5.5%–7% (multi-family, 2025)
Cap Rates
~7% gross annual yield (single-family rentals)
Rental Yields
~13 (favorable for investors)
Price-to-Rent
Positive cash flow achievable in most neighborhoods with 20% down
Cash Flow
4-5% annual appreciation projected through 2026
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Benefit from moderate prices and grant programs; must act quickly in desirable areas.

Move-Up Buyers

Can leverage equity gains; more inventory in mid-upper price ranges.

Downsizers

Strong demand for condos/townhomes in walkable neighborhoods.

Investors

Attractive cap rates and stable rental demand; focus on multi-family and student housing.

Relocators

Appealing cost of living and job opportunities; need local guidance for neighborhood selection.

This city analysis was generated using comprehensive market data and AI intelligence.

Market conditions change rapidly - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

Related Market Intelligence

Explore connected markets and opportunities