Real Estate Investing in Mars, Pennsylvania (16046)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 16046 (Mars, PA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Mars, PA (16046)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 16046 Mars
This part of Butler County is not an easy win. The 16046 ZIP stands at softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 16046 sits at the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
In the broader PA picture, 16046 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Resident income in 16046 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
The right play in 16046 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Mars:
Property Strategy for 16046
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $282,362 | $1,950 | 5.0% | +4.9% | $141,181 |
| 3BR | $414,428 | $2,490 | 4.3% | +5.3% | $138,143 |
| 4BR | $666,693 | $2,690 | 2.9% | +5.5% | $166,673 |
| 5BR | $1,006,881 | — | — | +6.8% | $201,376 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 16046 Compare?
| Metric | 16046 | Mars | Pittsburgh, PA | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $511,354 | $511,354 | N/A | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 2.8% | 2.8% | N/A | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $2,655 | $2,655 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.1% | 4.1% | - | - |
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 16046 (Mars, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 16046 (Mars, PA)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $511,354 |
| Monthly Rent | $2,655 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.2% |
| Cap Rate | 4.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 6.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -0.7% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +2.8% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +3.7% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +9.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (4.1%). 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 16046
Population: 19,577
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 16046
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 2,152 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do home prices stand in Mars, PA?
Homes in Mars, PA typically sell near $511K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which consistent long-term demand.
What is the renter demographic in Mars, PA?
Expect a solid tenant pool in Mars, PA. The rental market absorbs $2,655/mo rents without meaningful friction.
Is Mars, PA landlord-friendly?
Rental owners in Mars, PA deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
What are vacancy rates like in Mars, PA?
Expect elevated vacancy in Mars, PA. Rents at $2,655/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
Does a duplex house hack pencil in Mars, PA?
Mars, PA offers a challenging house-hacking opportunity. Small multifamily or rent-by-the-room plays can pair well with the $2,655/mo rent level.
You know 16046 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 16046 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 16046 ranks in Pittsburgh, PA
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 16046 (Mars)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 16046 (Mars, PA).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.