Allentown, NJ — Rental Investment Analysis

🔴POORnegative cash flow likely

Data: HUD FMR FY2024 + Zillow ZHVI April 2026 + Freddie Mac rates. Last updated June 2026.

Investment Summary

As of 2026, Allentown, NJ has a 1.4% cap rate, indicating limited cash flow potential at current prices of $721,374 median.

Allentown is very expensive relative to rents — expect negative cash flow. At $721,374 median home price, Allentown requires significant capital. A 20% down payment alone is $144,274. With 3-bedroom rents around $2,260/month, the 1.4% cap rate tells the story. Cash flow is deeply negative at -$3,008/month with standard assumptions. This market requires appreciation to justify the investment.

At 0.31% on the 1% rule, rents are low relative to purchase prices. You'd need a significant discount from asking price to make the numbers work. DSCR of 0.22 is below 1.0, meaning rental income doesn't cover the mortgage. DSCR lenders will likely decline this market at current prices.

Bottom line: At current valuations, Allentown doesn't make sense for rental investors focused on returns. Look at lower-cost markets unless you have specific local knowledge.

Data sources: HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2024), Zillow Home Value Index (April 2026), Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Cap Rate

1.4%

Below average

Monthly Cash Flow

-$3,008

After all expenses

Price-to-Rent

26.6

Overpriced for rent

DSCR

0.22

Fails

Key Metrics

Median Home Price
$721,374
Average Rent (3BR)
$2,260/mo
Price-to-Rent Ratio
26.6(high)
1% Rule
0.31%(fails — need 1%+)
Cash-on-Cash Return
-21.8%
Vacancy Rate
8.0%

Market Strength

Unemployment Rate
4.8%(+0.5% vs national)
Rent Growth (YoY)
+2.9%(national avg)
Population Growth
+0.4% YoY

Assumptions Used

20% down, 6.52% rate, 30yr, 8% vacancy, 10% maintenance

Customize these numbers →

Property Tax Rate

2.23%

of assessed value (NJ avg)

Median Income

$89,296

household (NJ avg)

Rent-to-Income

30.4%

Moderate

Section 8 Max Rent

$2,260/mo

3BR voucher payment

NJ Investor Climate

Landlord Friendly

4/10

State Income Tax

Has state tax

Property Tax

2.23% effective

Population Trend

+0.4% (3yr)

Best Zip Codes in Allentown for Investors

08501
Cap Rate: 1.4%Cash Flow: -$3,008/mo$721,374
08501
Cap Rate: 1.4%Cash Flow: -$3,008/mo$721,374
08501
Cap Rate: 1.4%Cash Flow: -$3,008/mo$721,374

All Zip Codes in Allentown

ZipCap RateCash FlowHome PriceRent (3BR)DSCR
085011.4%-$3,008$721,374$2,260/mo0.22
085011.4%-$3,008$721,374$2,260/mo0.22
085011.4%-$3,008$721,374$2,260/mo0.22