Real Estate Investing in Starlight, Pennsylvania (18461)
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Should you buy in 18461 (Starlight, PA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 52.7% 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 Starlight, PA (18461)?
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Market Analysis: 18461 Starlight
The 18461 ZIP covers a section of Starlight that demands careful diligence. Prices near $244K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
The 18461 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
ZIP 18461's metrics run below Wayne County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
The 18461 ZIP's population of 245 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that registers the need for careful underwriting.
Strategically, 18461 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 Starlight:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 18461 Compare?
| Metric | 18461 | Starlight | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $244,091 | $244,091 | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.5% | 6.5% | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,026 | $1,026 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.3% | 3.3% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 18461 (Starlight, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $244,091 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,026 |
| Price-to-Rent | 19.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.0% |
| Cap Rate | 3.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +6.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.9% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.4% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.3%). 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 18461
Population: 245
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
Should investors consider Starlight, PA?
With a 3.0/5 investability score, Starlight, PA ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $244K and rents of $1,026/mo drive the underlying numbers.
Where do rents currently stand in Starlight, PA?
The typical rental in Starlight, PA commands about $1,026/mo monthly. That rent profile even-keeled cash flow against the $244K purchase basis.
How expensive is real estate in Starlight, PA?
The median home value in Starlight, PA is roughly $244K. That puts it reasonable relative to the PA statewide average.
Is Starlight, PA a good market for FHA house hackers?
Starlight, PA offers a challenging house-hacking opportunity. Small multifamily or rent-by-the-room plays can pair well with the $1,026/mo rent level.
Should investors worry about vacancy in Starlight, PA?
Vacancy in Starlight, PA is elevated, which keeps landlord downtime on reasonable timelines. Most properties lease within the standard window at $1,026/mo.
You know 18461 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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