Real Estate Investing in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (17109)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 17109 (Harrisburg, PA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Harrisburg, PA (17109)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 17109 Harrisburg
ZIP 17109 inside Dauphin County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $268K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
Rent of $1,325/mo on a $268K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 17109 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
The gap between 17109 and stronger Harrisburg ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
Resident income in 17109 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 17109 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 Harrisburg:
Property Strategy for 17109
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $214,750 | $1,560 | 5.2% | +7.7% | $107,375 |
| 3BR | $256,191 | $2,010 | 5.6% | +8.0% | $85,397 |
| 4BR | $289,769 | $2,070 | 5.1% | +7.4% | $72,442 |
| 5BR | $333,468 | — | — | +8.4% | $66,694 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 17109 Compare?
| Metric | 17109 | Harrisburg | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $267,945 | $209,104 | N/A | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.5% | 6.7% | N/A | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,325 | $1,377 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% | 4.9% | - | - |
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 17109 (Harrisburg, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $267,945 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,325 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.9% |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.9% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.4% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -2.1% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.9%). 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 17109
Population: 27,422
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 17109
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
Investor Insight: With 5,924 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the renter demographic in Harrisburg, PA?
The renter base in Harrisburg, PA is reasonable for the $1,325/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields reliable tenants.
Does Harrisburg, PA favor landlords or tenants?
Harrisburg, PA falls under PA landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
How much does a house cost in Harrisburg, PA?
Median home price in Harrisburg, PA is near $268K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been reliable and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
What is the rental occupancy rate in Harrisburg, PA?
Rental vacancy in Harrisburg, PA is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
Can I live-in-and-rent in Harrisburg, PA?
Harrisburg, PA offers a challenging house-hacking opportunity. Small multifamily or rent-by-the-room plays can pair well with the $1,325/mo rent level.
You know 17109 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 17109 ranks in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
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