Real Estate Investing in West Decatur, Pennsylvania (16878)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 16878 (West Decatur, PA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — values have been flat. OK for long-horizon buyers, less attractive if you may need to sell soon.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- Elevated vacancy: 8.0% 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 West Decatur, PA (16878)?
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Market Analysis: 16878 West Decatur
ZIP 16878 in West Decatur, PA carries a robust set of headwinds. Home values near $152K and rents of $1,116/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
Distressed does not mean uninvestable. It means the margin for error is thinner. ZIP 16878 rewards the prepared, punishes the overconfident, and leaves the math unchanged either way.
The gap between 16878 and stronger West Decatur ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
The demographic picture in 16878 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than West Decatur averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
Strategically, 16878 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in West Decatur:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 16878 Compare?
| Metric | 16878 | West Decatur | DuBois, PA | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $151,703 | $151,703 | N/A | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | N/A | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,116 | $1,116 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.7% | 5.7% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 16878 (West Decatur, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $151,703 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,116 |
| Price-to-Rent | 11.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 8.8% |
| Cap Rate | 5.7% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +16.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 10-Year CAGR | N/A |
🏠 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 (5.7%). 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 16878
Population: 1,784
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
Is house hacking profitable in West Decatur, PA?
House hacking works a challenging in West Decatur, PA. Rents of $1,116/mo against $152K acquisition make the strategy solid for owner-occupants.
What is it like being a landlord in West Decatur, PA?
PA ranks as a landlord-friendly state for landlord-tenant law. West Decatur generally follows the statewide framework, so landlords face reasonable operating rules.
Are renters plentiful in West Decatur, PA?
West Decatur, PA draws a steady base of working renters. Demand at the $1,116/mo rent level is reasonable for standard single-family and small multi rentals.
Is West Decatur in PA worth investing in?
Investors tracking West Decatur, PA will find a 2.0/5 rating supported by $152K median home values and $1,116/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting reliable returns.
What is the best play in West Decatur, PA?
West Decatur, PA investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($152K prices, $1,116/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
You know 16878 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 16878 ranks in DuBois, PA
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