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Rental Property Investment Guide: Lock Haven, PA

Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Lock Haven, PA

Cap Rate
3.22%
Median Price
$190K
Rent/Mo
$910
1% Rule
0.48%
Fails

Market Snapshot

Lock Haven sits in the Northeast with a population of 50,000 growing at 0.2% annually. The median home costs $190,000 while rents average $910/mo, producing an estimated cap rate of 3.22%. Cash flow investing here requires creative strategies like BRRRR or value-add approaches.

Who Should Invest Here

Lock Haven works best for experienced investors with a clear strategy — Section 8, student housing, or deep value-add rehabs. The 3.22% cap rate at median prices is tight, so success depends on buying below market, forcing appreciation through renovation, or accessing above-market rent streams through niche tenant bases.

Deal Criteria for Lock Haven

Target properties priced 15-25% below the $190,000 median — around $152,000 or less. At this price point with $910/mo rents, your cap rate improves to roughly 4.6%. Factor in 1.38% property taxes ($2,622/yr), budget 5% of gross rent for maintenance, and underwrite to a 6% vacancy rate. On a 20% down conventional loan at 7%, monthly PITI will run approximately $1,329.

Risks and Considerations

Every deal should be evaluated individually using our calculator tools. Median data provides a starting point; actual returns depend on the specific property, financing, and your management approach.

Next Steps

Run the numbers on a specific Lock Haven property using our cap rate calculator (pre-filled with Lock Haven data). Compare Lock Haven against similar markets in the Northeast region. If you're considering a value-add approach, try our BRRRR calculator to model a rehab scenario.

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How Lock Haven Compares

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

Metric
Lock Haven
Pennsylvania Avg
National Avg
Cap Rate
3.22%
3.81%
3.81%
Median Price
$190K
$244K
$333K
Median Rent
$910
$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
Lock Haven, PA
3.2%
$190K
$910
1.38%
Cortland, NY
4.7%
$190K
$1,220
1.71%
Binghamton, NY
5.1%
$185K
$1,270
1.72%
Waterbury, CT
4.3%
$195K
$1,180
1.7%
Amsterdam, NY
5.0%
$200K
$1,330
1.71%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lock Haven, PA a good place to invest in rental property?
Lock Haven has an estimated cap rate of 3.22%, which is below the national average of 3.81%. With median home prices at $190K and rents of $910/mo, pure cash flow investing in Lock Haven is challenging at median prices, but value-add strategies can work. Population growth of 0.2% and 6% vacancy rate suggest moderate rental demand.
What is the average cap rate in Lock Haven?
The estimated cap rate for Lock Haven is 3.22%, based on median home prices of $190K, median rents of $910/mo, a 1.38% property tax rate, and 6% vacancy. This compares to a 3.81% average across Pennsylvania and 3.81% nationally. Cap rates for individual properties will vary based on purchase price, actual rents, and property condition.
How much does a rental property cost in Lock Haven?
The median home price in Lock Haven is $190,000, which is 43% below the national average of $333,419. A 20% down payment would be approximately $38,000. Investment properties in Lock Haven range significantly — targeting properties 15-25% below median can improve your cap rate substantially.
What are Lock Haven property taxes for investors?
Lock Haven's effective property tax rate is 1.38%, which is above the Pennsylvania average of 1.38% and above the national average of 1.08%. On a $190K property, annual taxes are approximately $2,622 ($219/mo). Property taxes are moderate and manageable.
Full Lock Haven Analysis →Cap Rate CalculatorBRRRR Calculator

Explore Lock Haven & Related Markets

More Lock Haven Guides

Rent AnalysisProperty Tax GuideCost of Living & AffordabilityAppreciation & Growth ForecastNeighborhood Investment Guide

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