Altoona, PA — Rental Investment Analysis
🟢GOOD— solid returnsData: HUD FMR FY2024 + Zillow ZHVI April 2026 + Freddie Mac rates. Last updated June 2026.
Investment Summary
As of 2026, Altoona, PA offers a 6.2% cap rate with median home prices of $147,628 and 3-bedroom rents of $1,180/month.
Altoona offers solid returns for rental investors. With a median home price of $147,628, entry costs are low — making it accessible for beginning investors or those buying multiple properties. With 3-bedroom rents around $1,180/month, the 6.2% cap rate tells the story. At current prices and rates, expect to lose about $27/month — negative cash flow unless you put more down or find below-market deals.
The 1% rule comes in at 0.80% — doesn't quite pass, but close enough to find individual deals that work. DSCR of 0.97 is below 1.0, meaning rental income doesn't cover the mortgage. DSCR lenders will likely decline this market at current prices.
Bottom line: Altoona offers a balance of moderate cash flow and growth potential. Good for investors who want some income while building equity over time.
Data sources: HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2024), Zillow Home Value Index (April 2026), Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.
Cap Rate
6.2%
Above average
Monthly Cash Flow
-$27
After all expenses
Price-to-Rent
10.4
Investor-friendly
DSCR
0.97
Fails
Key Metrics
- Median Home Price
- $147,628
- Average Rent (3BR)
- $1,180/mo
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 10.4(good)
- 1% Rule
- 0.80%(fails — need 1%+)
- Cash-on-Cash Return
- -1.0%
- Vacancy Rate
- 8.0%
Market Strength
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.2%(-0.1% vs national)
- Rent Growth (YoY)
- +2.9%(national avg)
- Population Growth
- -0.5% YoY
Property Tax Rate
1.43%
of assessed value (PA avg)
Median Income
$67,587
household (PA avg)
Rent-to-Income
21%
Affordable
Section 8 Max Rent
$1,180/mo
3BR voucher payment
PA Investor Climate
Landlord Friendly
6/10
State Income Tax
Has state tax
Property Tax
1.43% effective
Population Trend
-0.5% (3yr)