%
CapRateCity
Free cap rate calculators for every US market
← All markets

Cap Rate Analysis: Lowell, MA

Investment metrics, interactive calculators, and data-driven analysis for Lowell rental properties.

Challenging for pure cash flow
Based on $380,000 median price and $1,720/mo median rent
Est. Cap Rate
3.24%
1% Rule
0.45%
Fails
GRM
18.4x
Price / Income
6.5x

Market Data

Median Home Price$380,000
Median Monthly Rent$1,720
Property Tax Rate1.15%
Population115,554
Population Growth0.4% / yr
Median Household Income$58,200
Vacancy Rate4.5%
Annual Appreciation2.8%

Cap Rate Calculator — Lowell

Pre-filled with Lowell medians. Adjust to match a specific property.

Property Details
$
$
3–8% typical
%
Monthly Expenses
1.15% rate
$
$
8–10% of rent
$
8–12% of rent
$
Cap Rate
2.66%Low
Net Operating Income ÷ Purchase Price
NOI / Year
$10,099
net operating income
Gross Rent Multiplier
18.4x
High (>15)
1% Rule
0.45%
✗ Fails
Monthly Cash Flow
$842
before debt service
Annual Breakdown
Gross Rental Income$20,640
Less Vacancy−$929
Effective Income$19,711
Less Operating Expenses−$9,612
Net Operating Income$10,099

Cash-on-Cash Return — Lowell

Factor in financing to see your actual return on invested capital in Lowell.

$
$95,000
%
%
years
$
taxes + ins + maint + mgmt
$
$
Cash-on-Cash Return
-9.70%Weak
Annual Cash Flow ÷ Total Cash Invested
Total Cash Invested
$106,400
$95,000 down + $11,400 closing
Monthly Mortgage
$1,858
on $285K loan
Monthly Cash Flow
$-860
after all expenses
Annual Cash Flow
$-10,320
before taxes
Cash Flow Breakdown
Monthly Rent$1,720
Less Expenses−$722
Less Mortgage−$1,858
Monthly Cash Flow$-860

Is Lowell a Good Place to Invest in Rental Property?

Lowell, MA has a population of 115,554 and has been growing at 0.4% annually — roughly in line with national trends, meaning demand is stable but not exceptional. The median home price of $380,000 paired with median rents of $1,720/mo produces an estimated cap rate of 3.24%.

Property taxes at 1.15% fall within the national average range and shouldn't present unusual challenges. The vacancy rate of 4.5% is impressively low, indicating tight rental supply and strong tenant demand — favorable for landlords.

At a price-to-income ratio of 6.5x, homes cost about 6.5 times the local median income of $58,200. This elevated ratio means homeownership is stretched, supporting rental demand but limiting buyer pools. Home values have appreciated at roughly 2.8% annually. Steady appreciation means total returns will be primarily cash flow-driven — the more sustainable model for long-term wealth building.

Bottom line: At current median prices, Lowell is challenging for pure cash flow investing. Consider BRRRR strategies with below-market purchases, or look at neighboring metros with stronger price-to-rent ratios.

Run a BRRRR analysis for Lowell
Model a buy-rehab-refinance deal with Lowell data pre-loaded.
Open BRRRR Calculator →