Real Estate Investing in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania (16117)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 16117 (Ellwood City, PA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — stable market with a reasonable entry point and good rental backup if you ever need to move.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- Elevated vacancy: 8.1% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Ellwood City, PA (16117)?
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Market Analysis: 16117 Ellwood City
ZIP 16117 in Ellwood City, PA carries a resilient set of headwinds. Home values near $160K and rents of $1,195/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $160K asset, 16117 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Statewide comparisons place 16117 among PA's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
Employment concentration in 16117 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. robust returns are possible in 16117, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Ellwood City:
Property Strategy for 16117
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $79,705 | $800 | 7.2% | +7.8% | $79,705 |
| 2BR | $120,685 | $1,020 | 6.1% | +7.3% | $60,343 |
| 3BR | $164,330 | $1,380 | 6.0% | +6.3% | $54,777 |
| 4BR | $197,258 | $1,550 | 5.7% | +6.0% | $49,315 |
| 5BR | $188,677 | — | — | +6.3% | $37,735 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 16117 Compare?
| Metric | 16117 | Ellwood City | New Castle, PA | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $159,836 | $159,836 | N/A | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.5% | 4.5% | N/A | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,195 | $1,195 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.8% | 5.8% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 16117 (Ellwood City, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $159,836 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,195 |
| Price-to-Rent | 11.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 9.0% |
| Cap Rate | 5.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +8.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.1% ▲ |
🏠 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 (5.8%). 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 16117
Population: 16,013
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 16117
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
What approach is best for Ellwood City, PA real estate?
In Ellwood City, PA the robust play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $160K prices and $1,195/mo rents suits that approach.
Is Ellwood City, PA a friendly market for rental owners?
The landlord environment in Ellwood City, PA is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
What kind of tenants rent in Ellwood City, PA?
The tenant pool in Ellwood City, PA is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $1,195/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
Is Ellwood City, PA suited for a house hack?
Ellwood City, PA offers a challenging house-hacking opportunity. Small multifamily or rent-by-the-room plays can pair well with the $1,195/mo rent level.
What is the typical vacancy rate in Ellwood City, PA?
Ellwood City, PA carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect reliable absorption at market rents of $1,195/mo.
You know 16117 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 16117 ranks in New Castle, PA
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