Real Estate Investing in Somerset, Pennsylvania (15501)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 15501 (Somerset, PA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 14.5% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 26.9 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
What’s happening in Somerset, PA (15501)?
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Market Analysis: 15501 Somerset
The 15501 ZIP in Somerset, PA is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $198K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
The investment case in 15501 is notable only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $198K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
The gap between 15501 and stronger Somerset ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
A robust renter share of 31% in 15501 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
Strategy in 15501 is an operator game, not a passive one. Put differently, entry prices of $198K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Somerset:
Property Strategy for 15501
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $101,609 | $830 | 5.9% | +9.3% | $101,609 |
| 2BR | $146,999 | $970 | 4.8% | +8.5% | $73,500 |
| 3BR | $199,328 | $1,310 | 4.7% | +7.2% | $66,443 |
| 4BR | $210,493 | $1,470 | 5.0% | +7.2% | $52,623 |
| 5BR | $256,303 | — | — | +7.5% | $51,261 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 15501 Compare?
| Metric | 15501 | Somerset | Somerset, PA | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $197,909 | $167,778 | N/A | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.5% | 5.3% | N/A | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $613 | $743 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.4% | 2.3% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 15501 (Somerset, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $197,909 |
| Monthly Rent | $613 |
| Price-to-Rent | 26.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.7% |
| Cap Rate | 2.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +8.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.9% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.5% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.4%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 15501
Population: 16,447
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 15501
Schools in This ZIP Code
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vacancy a concern in Somerset, PA?
Somerset, PA sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader PA rental market.
Is rental property easy to operate in Somerset, PA?
For rental operators, Somerset, PA rates as landlord-friendly. The regulatory environment standard buy-and-hold operations.
What strategy should investors use in Somerset, PA?
Somerset, PA investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($198K prices, $613/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
How deep is the rental pool in Somerset, PA?
Somerset, PA offers a reliable renter base at the $613/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
How much rent can I charge in Somerset, PA?
Investors in Somerset, PA typically see rents near $613/mo per month against $198K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
You know 15501 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 15501 ranks in Somerset, PA
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