Real Estate Investing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (19138)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 19138 (Philadelphia, PA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — values have been flat. OK for long-horizon buyers, less attractive if you may need to sell soon.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- Elevated vacancy: 9.7% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
- Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (0.3% CAGR).
- Higher unemployment: 8.8% unemployment — tenant risk signal.
What’s happening in Philadelphia, PA (19138)?
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Market Analysis: 19138 Philadelphia
Put differently, ZIP 19138 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $178K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
Rent of $1,678/mo on a $178K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 19138 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
Within PA, ZIP 19138 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Philadelphia County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and healthy enough to shape underwriting.
Resident income in 19138 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. significant returns are possible in 19138, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Philadelphia:
Property Strategy for 19138
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $136,138 | $1,560 | 8.3% | +4.2% | $68,069 |
| 3BR | $170,759 | $1,870 | 7.9% | +2.5% | $56,920 |
| 4BR | $216,777 | $2,090 | 6.9% | +1.6% | $54,194 |
| 5BR | $242,482 | — | — | +1.7% | $48,496 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 19138 Compare?
| Metric | 19138 | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $178,497 | $260,324 | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 0.3% | 1.2% | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,678 | $1,659 | - |
| Cap Rate | 7.3% | 5.6% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 19138 (Philadelphia, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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Property managers serving Philadelphia County
Manage rentals here? List your business →Atlas Property Management is a boutique team offering personal service for single-family rentals across Napa Valley, serving Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, Calistoga, Sonoma, American Canyon, Hiddenbro summary from their website
Citified Realty & Property Management provides management services for single-family, multi-family, and commercial units in Philadelphia, focusing on tenant satisfaction. summary from their website
Chapel Realty Property Management. summary from their website
Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $178,497 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,678 |
| Price-to-Rent | 8.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 11.3% |
| Cap Rate | 7.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +0.3% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.3% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +5.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +8.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) is close to the estimated cap rate (7.3%). 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 19138
Population: 31,737
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 19138
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Barton Clara Sch
Cedarbrook MS
Cooke Jay MS
Elkins Park Sch
Emlen Eleanor C Sch
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 is the tenant pool like in Philadelphia, PA?
The tenant pool in Philadelphia, PA is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $1,678/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
How does Philadelphia, PA stack up for property investment?
Philadelphia, PA reflects an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $178K and average rents around $1,678/mo. That combination puts it in the solid tier for investor interest.
What is the average home sale price in Philadelphia, PA?
Expect median prices around $178K in Philadelphia, PA. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been even-keeled.
How high is vacancy risk in Philadelphia, PA?
Philadelphia, PA carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect steady absorption at market rents of $1,678/mo.
Are eviction rules reasonable in Philadelphia, PA?
For rental operators, Philadelphia, PA rates as landlord-friendly. The regulatory environment standard buy-and-hold operations.
You know 19138 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 19138 ranks in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
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