Real Estate Investing in Scranton, Pennsylvania (18505)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 18505 (Scranton, PA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
Rare combination of both appreciation and cash flow. These markets don't last long — worth serious consideration.
- High vacancy: 15.1% of homes vacant — above national norms.
What’s happening in Scranton, PA (18505)?
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Market Analysis: 18505 Scranton
Investors eyeing 18505 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $190K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
The 18505 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 18505's metrics run below Lackawanna County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
A resilient renter share of 45% in 18505 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
The 18505 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Scranton:
Property Strategy for 18505
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $152,113 | $1,220 | 5.8% | +15.2% | $76,057 |
| 3BR | $199,393 | $1,590 | 5.7% | +13.1% | $66,464 |
| 4BR | $221,852 | $1,720 | 5.6% | +12.0% | $55,463 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 18505 Compare?
| Metric | 18505 | Scranton | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $190,289 | $192,047 | N/A | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 10.1% | 8.7% | N/A | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,265 | $1,310 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.2% | 5.4% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 18505 (Scranton, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $190,289 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,265 |
| Price-to-Rent | 12.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 8.0% |
| Cap Rate | 5.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 15.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +9.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +10.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +8.7% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | 0.0% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (5.2%). 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 18505
Population: 21,417
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 18505
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Riverside El Sch East
John Adams #4
Northeast Intrmd Sch
Robert Morris #27
William Prescott #38
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
Are rents high in Scranton, PA?
Rents in Scranton, PA run near $1,265/mo. Compared with median home prices of $190K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
Do landlords face vacancy issues in Scranton, PA?
Rental vacancy in Scranton, PA is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
Does Scranton, PA make sense for an investment property?
With a 4.0/5 investability score, Scranton, PA ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $190K and rents of $1,265/mo drive the underlying numbers.
What type of investing works in Scranton, PA?
A careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy Scranton, PA best. The market produces predictable results for that approach at the $190K price point.
How much does a house cost in Scranton, PA?
Homes in Scranton, PA typically sell near $190K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which steady long-term demand.
You know 18505 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 18505 ranks in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
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