Real Estate Investing in Scranton, Pennsylvania (18509)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 18509 (Scranton, PA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
Rare combination of both appreciation and cash flow. These markets don't last long — worth serious consideration.
- High vacancy: 12.9% of homes vacant — above national norms.
What’s happening in Scranton, PA (18509)?
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Market Analysis: 18509 Scranton
Investors eyeing 18509 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $223K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
The investment case in 18509 is sturdy only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $223K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
Regionally, 18509 sits on the difficult end of the PA spectrum. The a viable market for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
Resident income in 18509 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
The 18509 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 18509
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $198,020 | $1,640 | 6.0% | +10.6% | $66,007 |
| 4BR | $244,302 | $1,780 | 5.2% | +7.8% | $61,076 |
| 5BR | $316,816 | — | — | +6.3% | $63,363 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 18509 Compare?
| Metric | 18509 | Scranton | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $223,086 | $192,047 | N/A | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 9.5% | 8.7% | N/A | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,258 | $1,310 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.4% | 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 18509 (Scranton, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $223,086 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,258 |
| Price-to-Rent | 14.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.8% |
| Cap Rate | 4.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 13.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +10.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +9.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +8.5% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +4.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (4.4%). 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 18509
Population: 13,268
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 18509
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence CS
John F. Kennedy #7
Neil Armstrong #40
Dunmore El Ctr
Dunmore JSHS
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
How much does a house cost in Scranton, PA?
In Scranton, PA the median home value sits at $223K. Against the broader PA market, that reads as reasonable for most investors.
Are tenants stable in Scranton, PA?
Scranton, PA draws a steady base of working renters. Demand at the $1,258/mo rent level is reasonable for standard single-family and small multi rentals.
Is Scranton, PA a good place for real estate investing?
Scranton, PA sits at an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $223K and average rents around $1,258/mo. That combination puts it in the robust tier for investor interest.
How tight is the rental market in Scranton, PA?
Scranton, PA carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect predictable absorption at market rents of $1,258/mo.
Is Scranton, PA a friendly market for rental owners?
For rental operators, Scranton, PA rates as landlord-friendly. The regulatory environment standard buy-and-hold operations.
You know 18509 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 18509 ranks in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
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