Real Estate Investing in Mercer, Pennsylvania (16137)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 16137 (Mercer, PA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- Declining values: -0.4% 5-year CAGR — values have moved lower.
- Elevated vacancy: 10.7% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Mercer, PA (16137)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 16137 Mercer
The 16137 ZIP in Mercer, PA is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $222K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
The 16137 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
In the broader PA picture, 16137 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
The demographic picture in 16137 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Mercer averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
Strategy in 16137 is an operator game, not a passive one. Meanwhile, entry prices of $222K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Mercer:
Property Strategy for 16137
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $165,742 | $970 | 4.2% | +6.5% | $82,871 |
| 3BR | $236,804 | $1,350 | 4.1% | +7.0% | $78,935 |
| 4BR | $299,141 | $1,500 | 3.6% | +6.5% | $74,785 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 16137 Compare?
| Metric | 16137 | Mercer | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $222,483 | $222,483 | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $873 | $873 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.1% | 3.1% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 16137 (Mercer, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $222,483 |
| Monthly Rent | $873 |
| Price-to-Rent | 21.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.7% |
| Cap Rate | 3.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 2.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -2.1% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | -0.4% ▼ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +3.1% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.1%). 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 16137
Population: 12,327
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 16137
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
Are tenants stable in Mercer, PA?
The renter base in Mercer, PA is reasonable for the $873/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields steady tenants.
How strict are landlord regulations in Mercer, PA?
PA ranks as a landlord-friendly state for landlord-tenant law. Mercer generally follows the statewide framework, so landlords face reasonable operating rules.
What are vacancy rates like in Mercer, PA?
Rental vacancy in Mercer, PA is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
Can I live-in-and-rent in Mercer, PA?
House hacking works a challenging in Mercer, PA. Rents of $873/mo against $222K acquisition make the strategy solid for owner-occupants.
What is the best play in Mercer, PA?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Mercer, PA. With home values at $222K and rents near $873/mo, other strategies can work but produce consistent rather than outsized returns.
You know 16137 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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