Real Estate Investing in Polk, Pennsylvania (16342)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 16342 (Polk, 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.
- High vacancy: 23.1% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Polk, PA (16342)?
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Market Analysis: 16342 Polk
ZIP 16342 in Polk, PA carries a notable set of headwinds. Home values near $149K and rents of $873/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 $149K asset, 16342 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Nearby ZIPs in Polk have seen price recovery that 16342 has not matched. Venango County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
Employment concentration in 16342 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. notable returns are possible in 16342, 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 Polk:
Property Strategy for 16342
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $124,623 | $970 | 5.6% | +7.4% | $62,311 |
| 3BR | $169,397 | $1,230 | 5.2% | +5.4% | $56,466 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 16342 Compare?
| Metric | 16342 | Polk | Oil City, PA | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $149,110 | $149,110 | N/A | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.6% | 3.6% | N/A | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $873 | $873 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.6% | 4.6% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 16342 (Polk, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $149,110 |
| Monthly Rent | $873 |
| Price-to-Rent | 14.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 7.0% |
| Cap Rate | 4.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +3.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.9% ▲ |
🏠 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 (4.6%). 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 16342
Population: 2,185
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
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Frequently Asked Questions
What are home prices like in Polk, PA?
Median home price in Polk, PA is near $149K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been even-keeled and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
Where do rents currently stand in Polk, PA?
Investors in Polk, PA typically see rents near $873/mo per month against $149K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
How strong is the working-renter base in Polk, PA?
Tenant demand in Polk, PA is solid. The local workforce $873/mo rents across most rental classes.
Is Polk, PA a good market for FHA house hackers?
Polk, PA is a a challenging market for house hackers. FHA or conventional owner-occupant buyers find the $149K price point reasonable to enter.
Are landlord laws favorable in Polk, PA?
Rental owners in Polk, PA deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
You know 16342 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 16342 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 16342 ranks in Oil City, PA
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