Real Estate Investing in Scranton, Pennsylvania
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in Scranton, PA? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
For Homebuyers
GOOD FIT
Grade B (72/100)
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
For Investors
MIXED
3.3 / 5
(56/100)
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
Risks to Know
1 flag
- High vacancy: 13.4% of homes vacant — above national norms.
What’s happening in Scranton, PA?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
🏦 30-yr Fixed Rate:
6.76%
as of Sep 10
Source: Freddie Mac PMMS
Avg Investability
★★★★★
Avg Home Value
$192,047
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,310
ZIP Codes
7
Market Trends — Scranton, PA
Home Value History
Rent History
Local Pulse Report
AI-researched developments and news for Scranton, PA. Updated on demand as visitors ask.
Growth & development in Scranton, PA Updated 140 days ago
Scranton is experiencing a wave of infrastructure improvements and new business openings, supported by significant state and local funding.
Opportunities
- Premier Brands of America is investing $15 million to open a manufacturing facility in Scott Township, creating 58 new jobs by April 2026. — This expands employment opportunities and brings new investment to the region. Penn's Northeast
- Scranton's City Hall exterior restoration, a $4.8 million project, was nearly complete by April 2025. — This preserves historic architecture and enhances the city's aesthetic appeal. WVIA News
- Over $2.7 million in state funding was approved in January 2026 for various infrastructure improvements in the Scranton region. — These grants will improve roads, sidewalks, and sewer systems, enhancing safety and economic growth. PA House Dem. Caucus
- Scranton saw 70 new businesses open in the last year, with city support through grants and educational programs. — This expands consumer choice and indicates a growing local economy. NYU Journalism
- Lackawanna County plans a $29.1 million Capital Improvement Project for roads, bridges, and county facilities by April 2025. — This addresses long-neglected infrastructure, improving safety and connectivity for residents. Gov. Market News
Concerns
- A bridge replacement project on North Main Avenue in Scranton, started January 2026, will close a section of the road for approximately a year. — This creates traffic disruptions and detours for residents and commuters. WNEP
- Saks & Company announced plans to close its fulfillment center in Foster, laying off 435 employees by March 2026. — This restricts employment opportunities and negatively impacts the local workforce. Commonwealth Foundation
Bottom line: Scranton is actively investing in infrastructure and fostering new businesses, despite some temporary disruptions and job losses.
Local news & events in Scranton, PA Updated 140 days ago
Scranton faces rising housing costs and persistent crime concerns, despite ongoing community events and efforts to improve public safety.
Opportunities
- Scranton hosts numerous annual events like the St. Patrick's Day Parade, La Festa Italiana, and Downtown On Ice, attracting residents and visitors. — These events expand cultural and recreational opportunities, fostering community engagement and local traditions. DiscoverNEPA / City of Scranton
- A 2024 report indicated a promising trend of decreased calls for service for most types of incidents and increased proactive policing in Scranton. — This suggests an improvement in public safety and potentially reduces residents' exposure to crime. WNEP
- Scranton exited financially distressed status in January 2022, indicating improved financial stability for the city. — This improved financial health can lead to better city services and investments, expanding public amenities. PA Dept. of Community & Economic Development
- The City of Scranton increased its Code Enforcement Officer presence to Tuesday through Saturday, starting January 2025. — This enhanced oversight can improve housing compliance and address quality of life concerns, benefiting residents. City of Scranton
Concerns
- A March 2026 report highlighted a rise in violent crime in Scranton, with five homicides in the first half of 2024. — This restricts personal safety and increases the risk of harm for residents. The River Reporter
- A September 2024 consultant's report noted a more than 50% increase in calls to police for suicides and attempted suicides between 2018 and 2023. — This indicates a growing mental health crisis, potentially limiting access to essential support services and imposing emotional costs. WNEP
- An April 2026 report found housing costs in Lackawanna County are sharply outpacing household income, with much of the housing stock built before 1960. — This restricts housing choices and imposes unconsented costs due to potential maintenance and health issues in older homes. WNEP
- The Scranton-Wilkes-Barre metro area's air quality grades dropped for ozone and daily particle pollution in an April 2025 report. — This poses health risks and can lead to increased healthcare costs and reduced quality of life for residents. American Lung Association
- The EPA announced a May 2025 settlement with the Scranton School District for alleged asbestos management plan violations in 15 schools. — This indicates potential health risks for students and staff, imposing unconsented exposure to hazardous materials. US EPA
Bottom line: Scranton is experiencing a mix of community growth and persistent challenges related to crime, mental health, and environmental concerns.
Schools in Scranton, PA Updated 140 days ago
Scranton School District has seen significant financial recovery and program restoration due to increased state funding, despite ongoing challenges with student performance.
Opportunities
- The Scranton School District exited state financial recovery status in 2023, after being placed in recovery in 2019 due to years of borrowing money. — This indicates improved financial stability and greater local control over the district's budget. WVIA News
- State funding for Scranton School District increased by nearly $30 million (almost 40%) from 2022-23 to 2024-25. — Increased funding allows for more resources and opportunities for students and staff. WVIA News
- The district has restored intermediate school music classes, increased STEM offerings, updated buildings, and added mental health services. — These additions expand educational and support opportunities for students. WVIA News
- Scranton School District is expanding special education programs by purchasing the former Friendship House building for $2.5 million. — This expansion addresses growing special needs populations and provides more appropriate learning environments. wnep.com
- The district is slowly bringing back a preschool program through a partnership with the Agency for Community Empowerment of NEPA. — Reinstating preschool provides early educational opportunities, especially for economically disadvantaged students. WVIA News
Concerns
- Scranton School District ranks in the bottom 50% of Pennsylvania school districts for math and reading proficiency in 2022-2023. — Low proficiency rates indicate students may not be receiving an adequate education, limiting future opportunities. Public School Review
- In October 2025, the district faced a financial squeeze due to a state budget impasse, leading to cuts in after-school activities, tutoring, and other programs. — Budget impasses and cuts restrict student access to valuable enrichment and intervention programs. YouTube (FOX56 News)
- The district's average math proficiency score is 16% and reading proficiency is 31%, significantly below statewide averages. — These low scores suggest a systemic challenge in providing a competitive education for many students. Public School Review
- A 2017 state audit found "serious financial instability" and "extreme level of board and administrative staff dysfunction" in the district. — Historical mismanagement created a challenging environment that led to program cuts and financial recovery status. The Times-Tribune
Bottom line: Scranton School District is recovering financially and restoring programs, but student academic performance remains a significant concern.
Civic & policy in Scranton, PA Updated 140 days ago
Scranton and Lackawanna County have seen significant government decisions recently, including zoning changes for hospital expansion, a county-wide property reassessment, and a new policy on interactions with immigration authorities.
Opportunities
- Scranton City Council approved zoning changes in December 2025 to allow Geisinger Community Medical Center to expand, including a five-story annex and a new parking garage. — This expansion is expected to bring a much-needed neonatal intensive care unit, 19 new postpartum beds, and upgrades to emergency medicine, improving healthcare access and capacit… WVIA News, FOX56
- The City of Scranton's proposed 2026 operating budget does not include a municipal tax increase, marking the fourth time Mayor Cognetti has proposed a flat tax rate. — This provides financial relief to taxpayers by maintaining stable city tax rates. City of Scranton
- Lackawanna County introduced a new quarterly payment option for county real estate tax bills in February 2026. — This offers property owners more flexibility in managing their tax payments throughout the year. FOX56, WNEP, Scranton Tax Office
- The Scranton School District received a $28.4 million increase in state funding over three years (2022-2025), allowing for resumed music classes, increased STEM offerings, and updated buildings. — This additional funding expands educational opportunities and resources for students in the district. WVIA News
Concerns
- Lackawanna County implemented a county-wide property reassessment in 2026, the first in decades, leading to updated property values on tax bills. — This reassessment will result in a mixed impact, with roughly one-third of property owners seeing an increase in their tax bills. FOX56, WNEP
- Lackawanna County Commissioners approved a policy in April 2026 governing employee interactions with federal immigration authorities, which some advocates argue does not go far enough to protect immigrants. — While establishing a formal process, some residents and commissioners expressed concerns that the policy lacks clear boundaries and stronger protections against voluntary cooperat… WNEP, WVIA News, FOX56
- Scranton City Council voted to end its 112-year-old split real estate tax millage system in November 2025. — While simplifying tax calculations, the original split rate was intended to encourage development of vacant properties, and its removal may alter this incentive. Reddit (r/georgism)
- The Pennsylvania state budget impasse in late 2025 caused financial strain for the Scranton School District, leading to cuts in after-school activities, professional development, and programs directly impacting students. — This state-level gridlock directly restricted educational enrichment and support programs for students in Scranton. FOX56
Bottom line: Scranton and Lackawanna County have seen a mix of decisions, with healthcare expansion and stable city taxes balanced against property tax changes and concerns over immigration policy.
AI-generated from public web sources. Always verify with official records. Not financial, legal, or investment advice.
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Best ZIP codes in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Scranton is part of this metro. Every ZIP in it, ranked. Free.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in Scranton, PA. Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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Avg Home Value
$192,047
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,310
1% Rule
✗ Below
Landlord Friendly (PA)
★★★★☆
🎓 Colleges & Universities in Scranton
8 Colleges
11,212 Students
59 Off-Campus Renters
Neighborhoods in Scranton
Bull's Head
7 ZIP codes
Downtown
7 ZIP codes
East Mountain
7 ZIP codes
Green Ridge
7 ZIP codes
Hill Section
7 ZIP codes
Hyde Park
7 ZIP codes
Minooka
7 ZIP codes
Pinebrook
7 ZIP codes
Providence
7 ZIP codes
South Side
7 ZIP codes
The Flats
7 ZIP codes
The Plot
7 ZIP codes
Tripp's Park
7 ZIP codes
West Mountain
7 ZIP codes
ZIP Codes in Scranton, PA
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View PlansFrequently Asked Questions About Scranton, PA
What is the typical rental rate in Scranton, PA?
Investors in Scranton, PA typically see rents near $1,310/mo per month against $192K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
Is vacancy a concern in Scranton, PA?
Expect elevated vacancy in Scranton, PA. Rents at $1,310/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
Is Scranton, PA a good place for real estate investing?
Yes - Scranton, PA a 3.3/5 investability score. With $192K home prices against $1,310/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
Are renters plentiful in Scranton, PA?
Scranton, PA draws a consistent base of working renters. Demand at the $1,310/mo rent level is reasonable for standard single-family and small multi rentals.
What are home prices like in Scranton, PA?
Median home price in Scranton, PA is near $192K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been measured and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
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