Real Estate Investing in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania (18701)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 18701 (Wilkes-Barre, PA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — home prices are stretched relative to local incomes. Run the math on your specific situation.
Rare combination of both appreciation and cash flow. These markets don't last long — worth serious consideration.
- High vacancy: 23.1% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Lower household income: $30,821 median — tenant affordability is tighter.
What’s happening in Wilkes-Barre, PA (18701)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 18701 Wilkes-Barre
Investors eyeing 18701 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $178K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 18701 shows the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
Nearby ZIPs in Wilkes-Barre have seen price recovery that 18701 has not matched. Luzerne County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
The 18701 ZIP's population of 3,926 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that shows the need for careful underwriting.
Strategically, 18701 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 Wilkes-Barre:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 18701 Compare?
| Metric | 18701 | Wilkes-Barre | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $178,357 | $185,807 | N/A | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 9.4% | 9.9% | N/A | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,271 | $1,265 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.6% | 5.3% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 18701 (Wilkes-Barre, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $178,357 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,271 |
| Price-to-Rent | 11.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 8.6% |
| Cap Rate | 5.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 15.0% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +9.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +9.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +9.7% ▲ |
🏠 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 (5.6%). 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 18701
Population: 3,926
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 18701
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Daniel J Flood El Sch
Solomon/Plains El Sch
Solomon/Plains MS
Chester Street El Sch
Dana El Ctr
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
Investor Insight: With 2,602 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rental occupancy rate in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Expect elevated vacancy in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Rents at $1,271/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
Is Wilkes-Barre, PA good for landlords?
Wilkes-Barre, PA operates under PA law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect consistent treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
What is the typical renter like in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Tenant demand in Wilkes-Barre, PA is solid. The local workforce $1,271/mo rents across most rental classes.
What does house hacking look like in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
House hacking works a challenging in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Rents of $1,271/mo against $178K acquisition make the strategy solid for owner-occupants.
How do home values compare in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median home value in Wilkes-Barre, PA is roughly $178K. That puts it reasonable relative to the PA statewide average.
You know 18701 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 18701 ranks in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
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