Real Estate Investing in Gaines, Pennsylvania (16921)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 16921 (Gaines, PA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 62.0% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Gaines, PA (16921)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 16921 Gaines
From a cash-flow lens, ZIP 16921 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $201K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 16921 posts the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
In the broader PA picture, 16921 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Employment concentration in 16921 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 16921 workable. Turnkey investors from out of state usually find the numbers do not hold up in practice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Gaines:
Property Strategy for 16921
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $157,508 | $1,040 | 4.8% | +5.8% | $78,754 |
| 3BR | $226,426 | $1,340 | 4.3% | +6.8% | $75,475 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 16921 Compare?
| Metric | 16921 | Gaines | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $201,307 | $201,307 | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.4% | 6.4% | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $936 | $936 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.6% | 3.6% | - |
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 16921 (Gaines, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 16921 (Gaines, PA)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $201,307 |
| Monthly Rent | $936 |
| Price-to-Rent | 17.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.6% |
| Cap Rate | 3.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +12.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +7.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.4% ▲ |
| 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 (3.6%). 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 16921
Population: 602
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How do home values compare in Gaines, PA?
In Gaines, PA the median home value sits at $201K. Against the broader PA market, that reads as reasonable for most investors.
Is rental property easy to operate in Gaines, PA?
The landlord environment in Gaines, PA is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
Is the tenant base reliable in Gaines, PA?
Tenant demand in Gaines, PA is solid. The local workforce $936/mo rents across most rental classes.
How strong is Gaines, PA for real estate investors?
Gaines, PA scores 3.0/5 for investability. Home values sit at $201K and rents near $936/mo, which keeps the rent-to-price ratio in reasonable territory for buy-and-hold investors.
What monthly rent should investors expect in Gaines, PA?
Rental rates in Gaines, PA average $936/mo. Tenant demand and $201K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
You know 16921 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 16921 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.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 16921 (Gaines)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 16921 (Gaines, PA).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.