2024 · Pennsylvania
Rental yield in Pennsylvania
In 2024, the typical rental in Pennsylvania produced a gross yield of 5.4% — $1,252/mo median rent against a $278K median home value, ranking 14th of 51 states.
5.4%
Gross rental yield
above the 4.9% U.S. median
$1,252/mo
Median gross rent
incl. utilities (ACS)
$278K
Median home value
owner-occupied (ACS)
Pennsylvania metros by yield
Metropolitan areas in Pennsylvania with at least 65,000 residents, ranked by gross rental yield.
| Metro | Gross yield | Median rent | Median value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnstown, PA | 6.7% | $712/mo | $127K |
| Altoona, PA | 6.3% | $895/mo | $170K |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | 6.0% | $1,072/mo | $215K |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 5.6% | $1,083/mo | $230K |
| Erie, PA | 5.3% | $888/mo | $200K |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | 5.3% | $1,254/mo | $283K |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 5.3% | $1,458/mo | $333K |
| York-Hanover, PA | 5.2% | $1,203/mo | $275K |
| Lancaster, PA | 5.2% | $1,449/mo | $333K |
| Williamsport, PA | 5.2% | $934/mo | $216K |
| Reading, PA | 5.1% | $1,195/mo | $281K |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 5.0% | $1,567/mo | $375K |
| Lebanon, PA | 4.9% | $1,159/mo | $282K |
| Gettysburg, PA | 4.9% | $1,171/mo | $286K |
| Chambersburg, PA | 4.8% | $1,117/mo | $277K |
| State College, PA | 4.2% | $1,189/mo | $339K |
Frequently asked questions
What is the gross rental yield in Pennsylvania?
In 2024, Pennsylvania had a gross rental yield of 5.4% — $1,252/mo median gross rent against a $278K median home value. That ranks 14th of 51 states (1 = highest yield). Nationally the figure was 4.9%.
Which Pennsylvania metros have the best rental yield?
Among Pennsylvania metros covered by the data, gross yield was highest in Johnstown, PA (6.7%), Altoona, PA (6.3%), and Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA (6.0%).
Does this account for expenses or financing?
No. Gross yield is a top-line market screen — it excludes property taxes, insurance, vacancy, management, and financing. Use it to compare markets, then run a specific deal through a cap-rate or cash-flow calculator.
How investors finance deals in Pennsylvania
Yield shows where the numbers work; our Investor Financing Report for Pennsylvania shows the rate premium, denial rate, and DSCR lending investors face there.
Run a Pennsylvania deal
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Gross rental yield = (median gross rent × 12) ÷ median home value. A market screen, not a net return.