Real Estate Investing in Altoona, Pennsylvania (16601)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 16601 (Altoona, 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: 10.1% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Altoona, PA (16601)?
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Market Analysis: 16601 Altoona
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Altoona's 16601 ZIP registers signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $148K pricing implies.
Put differently, the numbers look inviting — $148K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 16601 is substantial and deserves full respect.
Regionally, 16601 sits on the difficult end of the PA spectrum. The a solid fit for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
The demographic picture in 16601 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Altoona averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
New investors are better served looking at Altoona's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 16601. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Altoona:
Property Strategy for 16601
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $122,094 | $1,110 | 6.5% | +5.8% | $61,047 |
| 3BR | $143,358 | $1,420 | 7.1% | +5.9% | $47,786 |
| 4BR | $162,792 | $1,660 | 7.3% | +6.5% | $40,698 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 16601 Compare?
| Metric | 16601 | Altoona | Altoona, PA | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $148,387 | $95,907 | N/A | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.2% | 3.3% | N/A | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $965 | $1,121 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.1% | 6.1% | - | - |
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 16601 (Altoona, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $148,387 |
| Monthly Rent | $965 |
| Price-to-Rent | 12.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 7.8% |
| Cap Rate | 5.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +8.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.9% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.2% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +3.8% ▲ |
🏠 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 (5.1%). 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 16601
Population: 33,426
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 16601
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Penn-Lincoln El Sch
Logan El Sch
Pleasant Valley El Sch
Central Pennsylvania Digital Learning Foundation CS
Baker El Sch
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
Is Altoona, PA a good place for real estate investing?
Altoona, PA rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $148K and rents near $965/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
What is the median home value in Altoona, PA?
The median home value in Altoona, PA is roughly $148K. That puts it reasonable relative to the PA statewide average.
What is the typical vacancy rate in Altoona, PA?
Altoona, PA carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect even-keeled absorption at market rents of $965/mo.
Which investment style suits Altoona, PA?
Altoona, PA investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($148K prices, $965/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
What is the typical rental rate in Altoona, PA?
Rents in Altoona, PA run near $965/mo. Compared with median home prices of $148K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
You know 16601 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 16601 ranks in Altoona, PA
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