Real Estate Investing in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania (18702)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 18702 (Wilkes-Barre, 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: 14.5% of homes vacant — above national norms.
What’s happening in Wilkes-Barre, PA (18702)?
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Market Analysis: 18702 Wilkes-Barre
This part of Luzerne County is not an easy win. The 18702 ZIP reflects softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
Put differently, the numbers look inviting — $179K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 18702 is substantial and deserves full respect.
From a cash-flow lens, 18702 offers a low basis, the region around Wilkes-Barre has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
A sturdy renter share of 43% in 18702 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
Strategy in 18702 is an operator game, not a passive one. On the rental side, entry prices of $179K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Wilkes-Barre:
Property Strategy for 18702
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $131,401 | $1,230 | 6.7% | +17.8% | $65,701 |
| 3BR | $165,900 | $1,600 | 6.9% | +15.9% | $55,300 |
| 4BR | $216,968 | $1,740 | 5.8% | +12.8% | $54,242 |
| 5BR | $209,726 | — | — | +14.9% | $41,945 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 18702 Compare?
| Metric | 18702 | Wilkes-Barre | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $179,267 | $185,807 | N/A | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 10.4% | 9.9% | N/A | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,388 | $1,265 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 6.0% | 5.3% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 18702 (Wilkes-Barre, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $179,267 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,388 |
| Price-to-Rent | 10.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 9.3% |
| Cap Rate | 6.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 16.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +9.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +10.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +9.5% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +9.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +7.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (6.0%). 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 18702
Population: 42,120
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 18702
Schools in This ZIP Code
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 2,486 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which real estate strategy fits Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The best-fit strategy in Wilkes-Barre, PA is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
What are vacancy rates like in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Vacancy in Wilkes-Barre, PA is elevated, which keeps landlord downtime on reasonable timelines. Most properties lease within the standard window at $1,388/mo.
Should investors consider Wilkes-Barre, PA?
With a 4.0/5 investability score, Wilkes-Barre, PA ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $179K and rents of $1,388/mo drive the underlying numbers.
Is Wilkes-Barre, PA a friendly market for rental owners?
Wilkes-Barre, PA falls under PA landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
Are homes affordable in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Wilkes-Barre, PA home values average about $179K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $1,388/mo in monthly income.
You know 18702 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 18702 ranks in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
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