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Zip Code 45238

Cincinnati, OH • Hamilton County

Real Estate Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$213,755 (up 3.4% YoY)
Median Home Value
Approx. 40,000 (estimate)
Population
$50,000–$60,000 (estimate for 45238)
Median Income
Average to slightly above average (state metrics)
School District Rating

Market Statistics

Property Values

$213,755 (up 3.4% YoY)
Median Home Value
$1,850 for a 4bd/1ba (recent listing)
Median Rent
$147 (Cincinnati avg.), $193 (Hamilton County median)
Price per Sq Ft

Market Performance

Home Appreciation1.3%–3.4% YoY (2024–2025)
Market VelocityHomes go pending in ~6 days; average listing age 68 days (Cincinnati avg.)
Foreclosure RateNot specified for 45238; generally low in Cincinnati

Area Information

Area SizeApprox. 8.5 sq mi
CountyHamilton
Primary CityCincinnati

Housing Profile

Housing Statistics

Total Housing UnitsData not specified for 45238; Hamilton County has 946 active listings (June 2024)
Owner OccupiedMajority, typical for west Cincinnati neighborhoods
Rental PropertiesSignificant presence, especially in multi-family and duplexes
Vacant UnitsNot specified; vacancy rates generally low in Cincinnati
New ConstructionLimited; area is mostly established housing stock

Housing Types

Single-family homesDuplexesSmall multi-family buildingsCondos

Demographics

Approx. 40,000 (estimate)
Population
Mid-30s to early 40s (typical for area)
Median Age
$50,000–$60,000 (estimate for 45238)
Median Income
Unemployment rate aligns with Cincinnati average (3–4%)
Employment Rate
High school diploma or higher: ~85%; bachelor’s degree or higher: ~20%
Education Levels
Mix of families, singles, and retirees; strong presence of working-class households
Family Composition

Education Quality

School District Performance

Average to slightly above average (state metrics)
District Rating
School DistrictCincinnati Public Schools
Test ScoresNear state average
Graduation Rates~80–85%

Schools in Area

  • Western Hills University High School
  • St. William School
  • Covedale Elementary

Economic Factors

Employment & Business

Job GrowthSteady, driven by healthcare, education, and logistics
Unemployment Rate~3.5% (Cincinnati metro avg.)
Business EnvironmentStable, with small business presence and access to downtown
Commercial ActivityModerate; mix of retail, dining, and service businesses

Major Employers

  • Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
  • Procter & Gamble
  • University of Cincinnati
  • Local retail and service businesses

Infrastructure & Quality of Life

Infrastructure

Transportation Access

  • • Metro bus lines
  • • Proximity to I-75 and I-74
  • • Easy access to downtown Cincinnati

Utilities & Services

  • • Duke Energy (electric/gas)
  • • Greater Cincinnati Water Works
  • • Cincinnati Bell/Altafiber (telecom)

Quality of Life

Safety & Environment

Moderate; property crime slightly above Cincinnati average, violent crime near city average

Good; established tree canopy, some urban density

Healthcare Access

  • • Mercy Health – West Hospital
  • • Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
  • • Local urgent care centers

Development Trends

Planned Developments

  • Small-scale infill housing
  • Retail renovations along Glenway Ave

Infrastructure Projects

  • • Road resurfacing
  • • Sidewalk improvements

Investment Outlook

Growth Outlook

Stable to modest growth; limited new construction, focus on renovation

Investment Opportunities

  • • Value-add single-family homes
  • • Small multi-family properties
  • • Buy-and-hold rental investments

Marketing Intelligence

Target Demographics

  • First-time buyers
  • Young families
  • Investors seeking rental properties
  • Downsizers

Competitive Advantages

  • Lower price point than east side or downtown
  • Quick access to highways and city center
  • Established community feel

Pricing Strategies

Price slightly below city median to attract value-focused buyers; consider incentives for quick closings

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Concerns about property crime rates

Response Strategy:

Highlight neighborhood watch programs, recent police initiatives, and community engagement

Objection: Older housing stock may need updates

Response Strategy:

Emphasize value-add potential and availability of renovation loans

Objection: School ratings are average

Response Strategy:

Point to specific schools with strong programs and community involvement

Professional Recommendations

1

Target marketing to first-time buyers and investors

2

Highlight quick market velocity and affordability

3

Advise sellers on minor renovations to maximize value

4

Stay informed on local rental regulations and school updates

5

Network with local contractors for renovation-ready buyers

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • 45211 (Westwood)
  • 45205 (Price Hill)
  • 45238 vs. 45202 (Downtown): Lower prices, higher rental yields

Market Positioning

Value-oriented, family-friendly, and investor-attractive

Competitive Advantages

  • Affordability
  • Quick market velocity
  • Strong community identity

Price Comparison

45238 median home value ($213,755) is below Cincinnati city median ($229,900) and Hamilton County median ($252,000)

Investment Metrics

Typically 6–8% for small multi-family and single-family rentals
Cap Rates
Gross yields 7–9% (area average)
Rental Yields
Approx. 10–12 (favorable for investors)
Price-to-Rent
Strong for well-maintained rentals; positive cash flow likely
Cash Flow
1–3% annually (modest but stable)
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Attracted by affordability and quick access to amenities; may need education on renovation options

Move-Up Buyers

Seek larger homes or updated properties; may look for value in renovations

Downsizers

Value single-level homes and proximity to services

Investors

Focus on rental demand, cap rates, and value-add opportunities

Relocators

Appreciate access to highways and downtown; may compare with other affordable Cincinnati neighborhoods

This zip code 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.

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