Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Scranton, PA
The median monthly rent in Scranton, PA is $980, translating to $11,760 in annual gross rental income per unit. The rent-to-price ratio is 0.68% — well below the 1% rule, making pure cash flow investing challenging at median prices.
Renters in Scranton spend approximately 29% of the local median household income ($40,200) on rent. This is within the healthy 25-30% range, indicating rent is affordable relative to local incomes. There may be room for moderate rent increases, especially for updated or well-located units.
The vacancy rate in Scranton is 6.8%. This is a healthy vacancy rate that indicates balanced supply and demand. You should be able to find quality tenants without extended vacancies, though expect normal turnover periods of 2-4 weeks between tenants. Population growth of -0.2% annually means demand is flat to declining — focus on properties in the strongest neighborhoods.
Scranton's GRM (price divided by annual rent) is 12.3x. A GRM between 12-16x is moderate and typical of balanced markets. Deals can work but you need to keep expenses controlled. For comparison, the national average GRM for investment-grade rentals is approximately 13-15x.
At the median rent of $980/mo, a single-family rental in Scranton generates approximately $11,760 in gross annual income. After accounting for 6.8% vacancy ($800 lost), property taxes of $2,088, insurance (~$580), and maintenance (~$580), the estimated NOI is $7,712 per year, or $643/mo.