Wilkes Barre PA Housing Trends

2026 Market Snapshot: Wilkes‑Barre, PA

Affordability across tiers

Wilkes‑Barre remains one of the most affordable cities in the Scranton‑Wilkes‑Barre metro. Zillow’s Home Value Index lists the typical Wilkes‑Barre home value at $170,526, a figure that rose 4.2 % over the past year. Neighborhood values range widely from roughly $141,555 in The Heights to $334,900 in West Mountain. Redfin reports that the median sale price was $179 K in January 2026, which is 61 % lower than the national average. This spread across neighborhoods signals opportunities for first‑time buyers seeking affordable starter homes and investors looking for higher‑end properties.

Rising home values

Both Zillow and Redfin show momentum in Wilkes‑Barre. Zillow notes that homes typically go to pending in about 28 days, while Redfin finds that homes sold in 45 days on average, about 10 days slower than last year. The median sale price of $179 K represents a 17.9 % year‑over‑year increase. In January 2026, there were 30 homes sold, up from 21 the previous year. Zillow reports 153 active listings and 41 new listings, while Realtor.com lists 127 active listings and a median days on market of 52 days. The median list price of $191,900 and median sale price of $173,167 indicate modest room for negotiation.

Implications for buyers and sellers

For sellers, the combination of rising prices and limited inventory means you can achieve strong sale prices—especially if your property is in one of Wilkes‑Barre’s more desirable neighborhoods. Homes are still moving quickly (under 1–2 months on market), so a well‑priced listing is likely to attract multiple buyers. For buyers, Wilkes‑Barre’s home values remain significantly below the national average, so entry‑level homes are relatively attainable; however, you’ll need to be ready to act swiftly given the competitive market. Investors should note the large gap between lower‑priced neighborhoods (e.g., Parsons and Iron Triangle) and higher‑end areas like West Mountain—there are distinct opportunities across the price spectrum.

Learn more

Check out our Wilkes‑Barre Real Estate  HERE page for up‑to‑the‑minute market analysis, current homes for sale, commercial properties and investment opportunities. We also provide information on local amenities, schools and why Wilkes‑Barre is a great place to live.