Real Estate Investing in Johnstown, Pennsylvania (15902)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 15902 (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: 22.0% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Declining values: -3.1% 5-year CAGR — values have moved lower.
- 1-year downturn: Values declined 16.9% in the last year.
- Elevated poverty: 20.5% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
What’s happening in Johnstown, PA (15902)?
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Market Analysis: 15902 Johnstown
Within Cambria County, the 15902 ZIP clocks in at a lower entry point around $49K. Meanwhile, operators who can improve stock here typically see outsized uplift.
The a viable market for angle here is forced equity, not market equity. ZIP 15902 rewards investors who can execute on scope, timeline, and tenant turnover.
Across Johnstown, pockets like 15902 represent the last affordable rungs of a rising ladder. The state-level data shows those rungs thinning.
Demographically, 15902 is a working ZIP — not a luxury market. That profile is exactly what value-add operators need in order to price their renovated product correctly.
Flippers with local expertise can do well in 15902. Out-of-state investors should partner with boots-on-the-ground operators or skip the ZIP entirely.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Johnstown:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 15902 Compare?
| Metric | 15902 | Johnstown | Johnstown, PA | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $48,886 | $49,995 | N/A | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | N/A | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $857 | $898 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 13.7% | 10.8% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 15902 (Johnstown, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $48,886 |
| Monthly Rent | $857 |
| Price-to-Rent | 4.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✓ Passes |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 21.0% |
| Cap Rate | 13.7% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -16.9% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -11.2% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | -3.1% ▼ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +0.5% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The estimated cap rate (13.7%) exceeds the current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%). When borrowing costs less than a property yields, leverage can increase your cash-on-cash return above the cap rate.
⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 15902
Population: 11,593
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 15902
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (3 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Richland HS
Richland El Sch
Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center
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 average home sale price in Johnstown, PA?
Johnstown, PA median home values land near $49K. That is reasonable territory for investors looking at $857/mo-per-month rentals.
How close is Johnstown, PA to meeting the 1% rule?
The 1% rule in Johnstown, PA is reasonable to achieve. Rent-to-price at the median ($857/mo on $49K) lands around 1.75%.
Can I live-in-and-rent in Johnstown, PA?
Johnstown, PA offers an attractive house-hacking opportunity. Small multifamily or rent-by-the-room plays can pair well with the $857/mo rent level.
How much is rent in Johnstown, PA?
Average rent in Johnstown, PA is approximately $857/mo per month. Against $49K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
Is Johnstown, PA a smart market for rental property?
Yes - Johnstown, PA a 4.0/5 investability score. With $49K home prices against $857/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
You know 15902 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 15902 ranks in Johnstown, PA
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