Real Estate Investing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (15221)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 15221 (Pittsburgh, PA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — values have been flat. OK for long-horizon buyers, less attractive if you may need to sell soon.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- High vacancy: 15.1% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (1.3% CAGR).
What’s happening in Pittsburgh, PA (15221)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 15221 Pittsburgh
ZIP 15221 inside Allegheny County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $148K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 15221 reports the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
Nearby ZIPs in Pittsburgh have seen price recovery that 15221 has not matched. Allegheny County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
A healthy renter share of 57% in 15221 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
The 15221 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Pittsburgh:
Property Strategy for 15221
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $88,538 | $1,160 | 9.4% | +7.2% | $88,538 |
| 2BR | $112,876 | $1,400 | 8.9% | +6.9% | $56,438 |
| 3BR | $154,934 | $1,790 | 8.3% | +5.8% | $51,645 |
| 4BR | $240,070 | $1,930 | 5.8% | +6.0% | $60,017 |
| 5BR | $193,042 | — | — | +4.1% | $38,608 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 15221 Compare?
| Metric | 15221 | Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $148,309 | $139,617 | N/A | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 1.3% | 2.0% | N/A | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,308 | $1,523 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 6.9% | 5.0% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 15221 (Pittsburgh, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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Property managers serving Allegheny County
Manage rentals here? List your business →Real Property Management Keystone offers property management services in Pittsburgh, PA and surrounding areas. summary from their website
Real Property Management Pittsburgh is a property management company in Pittsburgh, PA. summary from their website
Real Property Management Three Rivers is a property management company in Pittsburgh, PA. summary from their website
Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $148,309 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,308 |
| Price-to-Rent | 9.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 10.6% |
| Cap Rate | 6.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +1.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.3% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.5% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +10.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +7.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.2% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) is close to the estimated cap rate (6.9%). Financing this market at current rates produces a cash-on-cash return near the cap rate. Appreciation and tax benefits may still support the investment.
⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 15221
Population: 29,513
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 15221
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Pittsburgh Faison K-5
Pittsburgh Minadeo K-5
Pittsburgh Westinghouse
Wilkins El STEAM Academy
Penn Hills CS of Entrepreneurship
About Repit School Scores
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We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
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Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Frequently Asked Questions
What does house hacking look like in Pittsburgh, PA?
House hacking in Pittsburgh, PA is a challenging. With home values around $148K and rents at $1,308/mo, owner-occupants can offset a meaningful share of PITI.
Is PA a landlord-friendly state?
Rental owners in Pittsburgh, PA deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
Is vacancy a concern in Pittsburgh, PA?
Pittsburgh, PA carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect reliable absorption at market rents of $1,308/mo.
What is the typical rental rate in Pittsburgh, PA?
Rental rates in Pittsburgh, PA average $1,308/mo. Tenant demand and $148K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
How do home values compare in Pittsburgh, PA?
Expect median prices around $148K in Pittsburgh, PA. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been even-keeled.
You know 15221 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 15221 ranks in Pittsburgh, PA
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