Real Estate Investing in Johnstown, Pennsylvania (15905)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 15905 (Johnstown, 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: 13.7% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (1.4% CAGR).
What’s happening in Johnstown, PA (15905)?
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Market Analysis: 15905 Johnstown
Stepping back, ZIP 15905 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $130K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 15905 clocks in at the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
ZIP 15905's metrics run below Cambria County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
A substantial renter share of 24% in 15905 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
looks to the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Johnstown:
Property Strategy for 15905
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $93,701 | $1,140 | 8.8% | +8.3% | $46,850 |
| 3BR | $133,085 | $1,570 | 8.5% | +9.1% | $44,362 |
| 4BR | $183,007 | $1,640 | 6.5% | +8.8% | $45,752 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 15905 Compare?
| Metric | 15905 | Johnstown | Johnstown, PA | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $130,182 | $49,995 | N/A | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 1.4% | N/A | N/A | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $996 | $898 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 6.0% | 10.8% | - | - |
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 15905 (Johnstown, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $130,182 |
| Monthly Rent | $996 |
| Price-to-Rent | 10.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 9.2% |
| Cap Rate | 6.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -1.0% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +3.7% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +3.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (6.0%). 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 15905
Population: 19,722
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 15905
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
Investor Insight: With 691 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best play in Johnstown, PA?
Johnstown, PA investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($130K prices, $996/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
How strong is tenant demand in Johnstown, PA?
Working renters make up the core of the Johnstown, PA tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
Does Johnstown, PA make sense for an investment property?
The 3.0/5 investability rating in Johnstown, PA reflects its $130K prices and $996/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within PA.
How tight is the rental market in Johnstown, PA?
Vacancy risk in Johnstown, PA is elevated. That supports measured cash flow for typical rental holds.
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Johnstown, PA?
Typical homes in Johnstown, PA go for around $130K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% measured price movement.
You know 15905 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 15905 ranks in Johnstown, PA
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