Is Elk County, PA good for real estate investing?

Elk County has an investment score of 78/100, rated as "Strong Buy". The county ranks #14 nationally among 1000 counties analyzed.

What is the median home price in Elk?

The median home price in Elk County is $147,128. This ranks #150 in affordability among all US counties.

Can you cash flow on rental properties in Elk?

Based on median values with 20% down at current rates, a typical rental in Elk County would generate positive cash flow of $0/month. Individual property performance varies based on purchase price, rent, and operating expenses.

Elk County

PennsylvaniaPopulation: 30,886

/100

Strong Buy

#14 of 1,000 counties

#2 in Pennsylvania (67 counties)

Analysis by RentalCalcs ResearchIndependent data + algorithm-driven scoring

Updated July 28, 2026Sources: Zillow ZHVI, Zillow ZORI, US Census ACS, Tax Foundation

Market Snapshot

$147,128

Median Home Price

36% below national median

$8,890/mo

Est. Rent

Based on regional data

6.04%

Rent-to-Price Ratio

Estimated from price data

+$0

Est. Monthly Cash Flow

With 20% down at 6.9% rate

Price History

Median Home Price

Median Rent

Historical data from Zillow ZHVI/ZORI

Score Breakdown

Overall Investment Score

78/100

Cash Flow(30%)

0/100

Rent data not available for cash flow calculation.

Appreciation(25%)

82/100

Based on 13.3% YoY price growth. Moderate growth (3-8%) scores highest.

Stability(25%)

50/100

Population data not available.

Affordability(20%)

98/100

Based on price relative to estimated local incomes.

Scores are calculated using real Zillow home value and rent data, Census population data, and economic indicators. The weighted average produces the overall investment score. Markets with missing rent data use estimated values based on regional averages.

Investment Outlook

Strengths

+Strong price appreciation (+13.3% YoY)
+Affordable relative to local incomes

Challenges

-Negative leverage (cap rate 0.0% < mortgage rate 6.9%)
-Limited rent data (estimates used)

Economic Indicators

Population

30,886

Median Income

—

Data pending

Unemployment Rate

—

Data pending

Price-to-Income

—

Data pending

Who this market fits

Best for

+Appreciation buyers: YoY growth is meaningfully above the long-run average

Skip if

−You can't tolerate negative leverage (cap rate below mortgage rate today)

Compare to Nearby Counties

County					Verdict
IndianaPA	80	$158,787	$1,376	10.40%	Strong Buy	View
CurrentElkPA	78	$147,128	Est. pending	—	Strong Buy
CameronPA	78	$70,313	Est. pending	—	Strong Buy	View
SchuylkillPA	77	$155,809	$1,145	8.82%	Strong Buy	View
SusquehannaPA	75	$224,876	Est. pending	—	Strong Buy	View
NorthumberlandPA	75	$158,522	$966	7.31%	Strong Buy	View

The Bottom Line

Strong BuyElk is a strong buy market with excellent fundamentals for buy-and-hold investors.

Elk County in Pennsylvania scores 78/100, ranking #14 of 1,000 US counties (top 2%). At 20% down and current rates, a median-priced rental roughly breaks even on cash flow. The deal works on appreciation or with better terms, not on month-one cash flow.

Monthly Cash Flow

+$0/mo

Cap Rate

0.0%

Cash-on-Cash

0.0%