Upstate New York and the Southern Tier Deliver Strong Cash Flow
New York counties dominate this list, with nine entries, five of which are in the top 15. St. Lawrence, Broome, Steuben, Otsego, and Oswego counties offer some of the country's best rental yields, driven by relatively low home prices compared to consistent rental demand. This often points to stable, albeit not always rapidly growing, local economies where housing costs haven't outpaced rental income potential.
Apache County, AZ: A Remote Oasis for Landlords?
Apache County, Arizona, ranking #7, might surprise many with its high rental yield. Known for its vast, rural landscapes and tribal lands, it boasts the most affordable homes on this list at just $63,700, coupled with a high income-to-home ratio. This combination suggests a market where the barrier to entry for landlords is exceptionally low, translating into strong cash flow despite its remote location and negative population growth.
Valencia County, NM: High Yield, Low Affordability
Valencia County, New Mexico, at #16, presents an interesting paradox for landlords. While it offers strong rental yields, it's also the least affordable county on this list by income-to-home ratio. This suggests that while rental income is robust relative to purchase price, local residents may be stretching to afford housing, which could signal a tighter rental market and potentially higher tenant turnover if economic conditions shift.