Real Estate Investing in Scranton, Pennsylvania (18512)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 18512 (Scranton, PA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — stable market with a reasonable entry point and good rental backup if you ever need to move.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- Elevated vacancy: 8.4% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
- 1-year downturn: Values declined 3.3% in the last year.
What’s happening in Scranton, PA (18512)?
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Market Analysis: 18512 Scranton
Investors eyeing 18512 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $216K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
The 18512 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 18512'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.
Employment concentration in 18512 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
The right play in 18512 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Scranton:
Property Strategy for 18512
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $182,639 | $1,180 | 4.7% | +7.9% | $91,319 |
| 3BR | $240,344 | $1,540 | 4.6% | +8.0% | $80,115 |
| 4BR | $267,681 | $1,660 | 4.5% | +8.1% | $66,920 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 18512 Compare?
| Metric | 18512 | Scranton | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $216,166 | $192,047 | N/A | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.9% | 8.7% | N/A | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,233 | $1,310 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.5% | 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 18512 (Scranton, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $216,166 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,233 |
| Price-to-Rent | 14.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.9% |
| Cap Rate | 4.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -3.3% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.4% ▲ |
🏠 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 (4.5%). 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 18512
Population: 12,714
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 18512
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
What type of investing works in Scranton, PA?
Most investors in Scranton, PA run a careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy. It aligns with the 3.0/5 investability profile and the market fundamentals.
What kind of vacancy should I budget for in Scranton, PA?
Expect elevated vacancy in Scranton, PA. Rents at $1,233/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
How expensive is real estate in Scranton, PA?
In Scranton, PA the median home value sits at $216K. Against the broader PA market, that reads as reasonable for most investors.
Is Scranton, PA a good market for FHA house hackers?
The house hack math a challenging in Scranton, PA. Owner-occupant buyers benefit from the $1,233/mo rents and $216K home values.
What are rental rates like in Scranton, PA?
Scranton, PA rentals go for roughly $1,233/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $216K acquisition costs.
You know 18512 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 18512 ranks in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
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