Economic and Demographic Update

Population: The population of Cleveland in the 3Q of 2021 was 2,030,467. This represents a decrease in total population of 14,474 over the course of the last year. During 2020 Q3, the Cleveland population stood at 2,044,941. The number of people employed rose to 1,045,203 in 2021 Q3 from 1,025,203 over the last quarter, an increase of 20,000 or 1.95% for the period.

Median Income: The median household income for Cleveland in the 3Q of 2021 was $62,708. At this time last year, the median household income was $58,773. 2021 Q3 median income represents a quarter-over-quarter increase of 1.08% and a year-over-year increase of 6.70%. Cleveland has a median household income lower than the U.S. average, which is $74,302.

Current and Historical Data Review (Rates PSF, Vacancy)

Office leasing: Overall office base rent rates have increased by $0.20/SF. Rates went from $17.20/SF in 2021 Q2 to $17.40/SF in this most recent quarter. Office rates grew in 2021 Q3 when compared to last year’s quarter, when office base rent was $17.16/SF.

Vacancy rates also went from 8.10% to 8.30%. They stood at 7.10% this time last year. Throughout the next quarter, the vacancy rate is expected to increase from 8.30% to 8.40%.

In the Cleveland market’s central business district (CBD) specifically, 2021 Q3 base rents stood at $20.58/SF, a decrease from $20.66/SF in 2021 Q2. When compared to last year’s quarter, CBD office rates decreased from $20.44. 

CBD vacancy rates went from 9.34% to 10.47%. Throughout 2021 Q4, the CBD vacancy rate is expected to increase to 10.51%. 

Office Sales Metrics (Cap Rates, Volume, Average Price PSF)

For investors, the cap rate during 2021 Q3 was 9.40%, compared to the previous quarter’s cap rate of 9.60%. The cap rate was 8.90% this quarter last year.

In terms of transaction volume, there were 38 sales transactions during the period. That’s a decrease compared to the 52 transactions in the previous period. Last year at this time, there were 44 transactions. Office transactions were valued at $72,894,720 in 2021 Q3. That’s an increase compared to $13,405,590 of transaction value in the previous period. Last year at this time, office transactions were valued at $17,464,020.

Industrial Leasing Metrics (Rates PSF, Vacancy)

Industrial leasing: For the Cleveland, OH industrial sector, we look at warehouse and distribution spaces specifically. Warehouse and distribution base rent rates have increased by $0.10/SF. Rates went from $5.24 in 2021 Q2 to $5.34/SF in this most recent quarter. Warehouse and distribution rates grew in 2021 Q3 when compared to last year’s quarter, when industrial base rent was $5.10/SF.

Vacancy rates grew from 4.70% to 5.00%. Next quarter, the vacancy rate is expected to reach 5.10%.

Industrial Sales Metrics (Cap Rates, Volume)

For investors, the average industrial cap rate during 2021 Q3 was 7.40%, compared to the previous quarter’s cap rate of 6.80%. The cap rate was 10.30% this quarter last year.

In terms of sales volume, industrial transactions were valued at $78,433,752 during the quarter. That’s an increase compared to $68,539,352 of transaction value in the previous quarter. Last year at this time, industrial sales transactions totaled $174,259,152.