Real Estate Investing in Scranton, Pennsylvania (18508)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 18508 (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: 12.8% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- 1-year downturn: Values declined 4.8% in the last year.
- Elevated poverty: 24.3% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
What’s happening in Scranton, PA (18508)?
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Market Analysis: 18508 Scranton
Investors eyeing 18508 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $158K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
On the rental side, the numbers look inviting — $158K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 18508 is substantial and deserves full respect.
Within PA, ZIP 18508 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Lackawanna County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and sturdy enough to shape underwriting.
A solid renter share of 54% in 18508 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
The 18508 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 18508
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $148,948 | $1,330 | 6.4% | +12.3% | $74,474 |
| 3BR | $168,249 | $1,730 | 7.4% | +12.0% | $56,083 |
| 4BR | $188,906 | $1,880 | 7.2% | +12.0% | $47,227 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 18508 Compare?
| Metric | 18508 | Scranton | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $158,319 | $192,047 | N/A | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 9.6% | 8.7% | N/A | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,440 | $1,310 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 7.1% | 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 18508 (Scranton, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $158,319 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,440 |
| Price-to-Rent | 9.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 10.9% |
| Cap Rate | 7.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 16.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -4.8% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +9.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +8.5% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +6.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) is close to the estimated cap rate (7.1%). Financing this market at current rates produces a cash-on-cash return near the cap rate. Appreciation and tax benefits may still support the investment.
⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 18508
Population: 11,347
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 18508
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (2 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
John Adams #4
Robert Morris #27
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
Should investors consider Scranton, PA?
With a 4.0/5 investability score, Scranton, PA ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $158K and rents of $1,440/mo drive the underlying numbers.
What kind of vacancy should I budget for in Scranton, PA?
Scranton, PA vacancy trends elevated. Investors running standard buy-and-hold plays see reasonable downtime between tenants.
What do landlords charge for rent in Scranton, PA?
Expect rents around $1,440/mo per month in Scranton, PA. With home values at $158K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
How do landlord-tenant laws work in Scranton, PA?
PA ranks as a landlord-friendly state for landlord-tenant law. Scranton generally follows the statewide framework, so landlords face reasonable operating rules.
How do home values compare in Scranton, PA?
Homes in Scranton, PA typically sell near $158K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which reliable long-term demand.
You know 18508 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 18508 ranks in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
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