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Cost of Living & Affordability: Lewisburg, PA

Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Lewisburg, PA

Cap Rate
3.14%
Median Price
$280K
Rent/Mo
$1,320
1% Rule
0.47%
Fails

Housing Affordability

Lewisburg's price-to-income ratio is 5.9x — homes cost 5.9 times the local median household income of $47,800. Housing is stretched relative to local incomes. Many workers are effectively priced out of buying, creating deep rental demand. This is favorable for landlords but also means your tenants may be more cost-sensitive.

Rent vs Buy Analysis

A typical mortgage payment on a median-priced home in Lewisburg (20% down at 7%) is approximately $1,862/mo for principal and interest alone — add taxes and insurance and the all-in payment reaches roughly $2,277. The median rent of $1,320/mo is significantly less than buying — this rent-vs-buy gap is one of the strongest indicators of sustainable rental demand. When renting is cheaper than buying, the renter pool stays deep and vacancy stays low.

Income & Employment

The median household income in Lewisburg is $47,800, with a population of 50,000 growing at 0.2% per year. Lewisburg is a smaller market. Research the local employment base carefully — smaller cities can be significantly impacted by a single employer's decisions.

What This Means for Investors

The stretched affordability means strong rental demand, but tight margins require precision. Target below-median prices where rents are still strong, or use value-add strategies to force equity and improve cash flow.

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How Lewisburg Compares

Lewisburg vs Pennsylvania state average and national average across key investment metrics. Lewisburg's cap rate is below both benchmarks — deal sourcing is critical here.

Metric
Lewisburg
Pennsylvania Avg
National Avg
Cap Rate
3.14%
3.81%
3.81%
Median Price
$280K
$244K
$333K
Median Rent
$1,320
$1,250
$1,524
Property Tax
1.38%
1.38%
1.08%
Vacancy
6%
6%
5.6%
Pop. Growth
0.2%/yr
0.2%/yr
0.9%/yr

Nearby Northeast Markets

City
Cap Rate
Price
Rent
Tax
Lewisburg, PA
3.1%
$280K
$1,320
1.38%
Chambersburg, PA
2.6%
$280K
$1,200
1.38%
Buffalo, NY
3.2%
$270K
$1,370
1.69%
Vineland, NJ
3.9%
$270K
$1,650
2.18%
Rochester, NY
3.8%
$265K
$1,500
1.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lewisburg affordable for renters?
Renters in Lewisburg spend approximately 33% of median household income on rent. This exceeds the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs are stretched relative to local incomes. The median household income is $47,800, below the level needed for comfortable renting.
What is the price-to-income ratio in Lewisburg?
Lewisburg's price-to-income ratio is 5.9x, meaning homes cost 5.9 times the local median income. This is moderate — some residents can buy, many choose to rent.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Lewisburg?
A mortgage payment (20% down, 7% rate) on the median $280K home is approximately $1,490/mo before taxes and insurance. Adding those costs brings it to roughly $1,905/mo. The median rent of $1,320/mo is less than the cost of buying — this gap supports continued rental demand.
How does Lewisburg's cost of living compare to the national average?
Home prices in Lewisburg ($280K) are 16% below the national average. Rents ($1,320/mo) are 13% below average. Property taxes (1.38%) are above the 1.08% national average.
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Explore Lewisburg & Related Markets

More Lewisburg Guides

Rental Property Investment GuideRent AnalysisProperty Tax GuideAppreciation & Growth ForecastNeighborhood Investment Guide

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