The search for affordable housing in Pennsylvania ends here. According to the Zillow Home Value Index, these 25 towns represent the most budget-friendly places to buy a home in the Keystone State as of February 2025. These values reflect median home prices for each location, giving you a reliable benchmark for housing affordability.
You might be surprised to discover that many of Pennsylvania’s most affordable communities are located in former coal mining and industrial regions. Several towns on this list have seen remarkable value increases over the past 15 years, with some experiencing growth exceeding 150% despite remaining among the state’s most affordable options. This trend suggests these areas may present unique investment opportunities for budget-conscious homebuyers.
Allegheny County is particularly well-represented on this list, with 7 of the 25 most affordable towns located in this western Pennsylvania region. Meanwhile, Schuylkill County in the east is home to 5 of these affordable communities, highlighting geographic clusters of housing value that you might want to explore if affordability is your primary concern.
1. Charleroi
- Home Value in 2025: $94,193.78
- Home Value in 2020: $67,206.07
- Home Value in 2015: $65,433.94
- Home Value in 2010: $62,920.02
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 49.70%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 43.95%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 40.16%
Situated along the Monongahela River in Washington County, Charleroi topsour list with a story of steady, consistent growth. Your housing budget extends to median values of $94,193.78 in 2025, representing a moderate 49.70% increase from 2010 levels of $62,920.02. You would have witnessed a remarkably linear progression here, with values climbing gradually to $65,433.94 by 2015, then $67,206.07 in 2020, before accelerating somewhat with a 40.16% gain in the last five years.
2. Saint Clair
- Home Value in 2025: $92,957.02
- Home Value in 2020: $44,226.11
- Home Value in 2015: $37,583.76
- Home Value in 2010: $40,426.02
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 129.94%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 147.33%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 110.19%
Perched along the edge of Schuylkill County’s coal region, Saint Clair presents one of the most dramatic recent growth stories you’ll find in Pennsylvania. Your budget reaches to median home values of $92,957.02 in 2025, reflecting a substantial 129.94% increase from 2010 levels of $40,426.02. The town experienced a decline to $37,583.76 by 2015 before beginning a recovery to $44,226.11 in 2020, then more than doubling with an extraordinary 110.19% surge in just the last five years.
3. Oil City
- Home Value in 2025: $92,608.63
- Home Value in 2020: $56,871.65
- Home Value in 2015: $54,614.00
- Home Value in 2010: $54,236.54
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 70.75%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 69.57%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 62.84%
Located at the confluence of Oil Creek and the Allegheny River in Venango County, Oil City offers you a unique combination of historical significance and affordability. Your housing budget extends to median values of $92,608.63 in 2025, representing a solid 70.75% increase from 2010 levels of $54,236.54. Unlike many towns on this list, Oil City’s values remained remarkably stable for years, inching up to $54,614.00 by 2015 and $56,871.65 in 2020, before accelerating dramatically with a 62.84% surge over the following five years.
4. Minersville
- Home Value in 2025: $90,583.68
- Home Value in 2020: $43,210.57
- Home Value in 2015: $35,793.58
- Home Value in 2010: $43,198.91
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 109.69%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 153.07%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 109.63%
Nestled in Schuylkill County’s coal country, Minersville presents you with a fascinating market story of decline and dramatic recovery. Your housing dollar stretches to median values of $90,583.68 in 2025, representing a substantial 109.69% increase from 2010 levels of $43,198.91. The town experienced a significant decline to $35,793.58 by 2015, with values essentially stagnant at $43,210.57 by 2020, before exploding with a remarkable 109.63% gain in just the last five years.
5. Coaldale
- Home Value in 2025: $90,217.92
- Home Value in 2020: $43,373.19
- Home Value in 2015: $34,174.16
- Home Value in 2010: $30,465.79
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 196.13%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 163.99%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 108.00%
Situated in Schuylkill County’s historic coal region, Coaldale delivers one of the most impressive growth stories on this list. Your budget reaches to median home values of $90,217.92 in 2025, reflecting an extraordinary 196.13% increase from 2010 levels of just $30,465.79. You would have witnessed steady appreciation as values climbed to $34,174.16 by 2015, then $43,373.19 in 2020, before more than doubling with a remarkable 108% surge in just the last five years. Despite this explosive growth, Coaldale remains among Pennsylvania’s most affordable communities.
6. Glassport
- Home Value in 2025: $89,644.21
- Home Value in 2020: $54,980.29
- Home Value in 2015: $44,183.22
- Home Value in 2010: $45,372.92
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 97.57%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 102.89%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 63.05%
Located along the Monongahela River in Allegheny County, Glassport provides you with river access and Pittsburgh proximity at a fraction of typical costs. Your housing dollar extends to median values of $89,644.21 in 2025, representing a substantial 97.57% increase from 2010 levels of $45,372.92. The town saw a slight dip to $44,183.22 by 2015 before beginning a strong upward trajectory to $54,980.29 in 2020 and accelerating with an impressive 63.05% gain in the following five years.
7. McKeesport
- Home Value in 2025: $89,150.37
- Home Value in 2020: $59,365.29
- Home Value in 2015: $45,266.68
- Home Value in 2010: $52,967.10
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 68.31%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 96.94%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 50.17%
Positioned at the confluence of the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers in Allegheny County, McKeesport offers you substantial affordability with proximity to Pittsburgh. Your housing budget reaches to median values of $89,150.37 in 2025, reflecting a healthy 68.31% increase from 2010 levels of $52,967.10. The town experienced a significant decline to $45,266.68 by 2015 before beginning a strong recovery to $59,365.29 in 2020 and accelerating with a robust 50.17% gain in the following five years.
8. Turtle Creek
- Home Value in 2025: $87,696.94
- Home Value in 2020: $64,938.60
- Home Value in 2015: $47,111.35
- Home Value in 2010: $51,516.92
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 70.23%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 86.15%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 35.05%
Situated in Allegheny County just east of Pittsburgh, Turtle Creek presents you with metropolitan accessibility at a value price point. Your budget extends to median home values of $87,696.94 in 2025, representing a solid 70.23% increase from 2010 levels of $51,516.92. The town experienced a notable decline to $47,111.35 by 2015 before beginning a strong recovery to $64,938.60 in 2020 and continuing upward with a healthy 35.05% gain in the following five years.
9. East Pittsburgh
- Home Value in 2025: $87,120.18
- Home Value in 2020: $56,677.89
- Home Value in 2015: $43,038.41
- Home Value in 2010: $34,140.22
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 155.18%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 102.42%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 53.71%
Located just east of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, East Pittsburgh offers you metropolitan proximity alongside impressive long-term appreciation. Your housing dollar extends to median values of $87,120.18 in 2025, representing a substantial 155.18% increase from 2010 levels of $34,140.22. Unlike many towns on this list, you would have witnessed consistent growth here, with values climbing to $43,038.41 by 2015, then $56,677.89 in 2020, before adding another 53.71% through 2025.
10. Lansford
- Home Value in 2025: $84,644.79
- Home Value in 2020: $38,585.00
- Home Value in 2015: $32,309.69
- Home Value in 2010: $33,417.12
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 153.30%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 161.98%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 119.37%
Positioned in Carbon County’s coal region, Lansford delivers one of the most dramatic growth stories on this list while maintaining significant affordability. Your budget reaches to median home values of $84,644.79 in 2025, reflecting an exceptional 153.30% increase from 2010 levels of $33,417.12. The town saw a slight dip to $32,309.69 by 2015 before beginning a recovery to $38,585.00 in 2020, then experiencing explosive growth with a remarkable 119.37% surge in just the last five years.
11. Arnold
- Home Value in 2025: $83,933.70
- Home Value in 2020: $51,203.07
- Home Value in 2015: $36,395.02
- Home Value in 2010: $38,341.76
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 118.91%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 130.62%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 63.92%
Situated in Westmoreland County along the Allegheny River, Arnold combines affordability with impressive long-term growth for your consideration. Your housing budget extends to median values of $83,933.70 in 2025, representing a substantial 118.91% increase from 2010 levels of $38,341.76. The town experienced a slight dip to $36,395.02 by 2015 before beginning a strong recovery to $51,203.07 in 2020 and accelerating with a robust 63.92% increase over the following five years.
12. Pitcairn
- Home Value in 2025: $83,143.08
- Home Value in 2020: $54,412.41
- Home Value in 2015: $39,902.84
- Home Value in 2010: $47,683.65
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 74.36%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 108.36%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 52.80%
Nestled in Allegheny County just east of Pittsburgh, Pitcairn presents an intriguing value proposition with excellent accessibility. Your home buying power extends to median values of $83,143.08 in 2025, reflecting a solid 74.36% increase from 2010 levels of $47,683.65. The town experienced a notable decline to $39,902.84 by 2015 before beginning a strong recovery to $54,412.41 in 2020 and continuing upward with a robust 52.80% gain in the following five years. .
13. Homestead
- Home Value in 2025: $79,532.98
- Home Value in 2020: $43,775.46
- Home Value in 2015: $30,757.31
- Home Value in 2010: $31,003.40
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 156.53%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 158.58%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 81.68%
Located just southeast of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, Homestead combines metropolitan accessibility with remarkable growth potential for your consideration. Your budget extends to median home values of $79,532.98 in 2025, representing an impressive 156.53% increase from 2010 levels of $31,003.40. The town saw a slight dip to $30,757.31 by 2015 before beginning a dramatic upward trajectory, reaching $43,775.46 in 2020 and nearly doubling again with an 81.68% surge over the following five years.
14. Monessen
- Home Value in 2025: $76,231.26
- Home Value in 2020: $44,913.31
- Home Value in 2015: $35,668.47
- Home Value in 2010: $36,326.28
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 109.85%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 113.72%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 69.73%
Perched along the Monongahela River in Westmoreland County, Monessen offers you a compelling growth story alongside continued affordability. Your housing budget reaches to median values of $76,231.26 in 2025, reflecting a substantial 109.85% increase from 2010 levels of $36,326.28. The town experienced a slight dip to $35,668.47 by 2015 before beginning a strong recovery to $44,913.31 in 2020 and accelerating with an impressive 69.73% increase over the next five years.
15. Kulpmont
- Home Value in 2025: $74,081.51
- Home Value in 2020: $69,799.57
- Home Value in 2015: $69,500.07
- Home Value in 2010: $67,597.80
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 9.59%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 6.59%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 6.13%
Situated in Northumberland County, Kulpmont stands out on this list for its remarkable stability. Your home buying dollar extends to median values of $74,081.51 in 2025, representing the most modest growth rate on our list at just 9.59% since 2010, when values were $67,597.80. The town has seen minimal fluctuation over the years, with values inching up to $69,500.07 by 2015, reaching $69,799.57 in 2020, and adding a modest 6.13% through 2025.
16. Johnsonburg
- Home Value in 2025: $65,944.88
- Home Value in 2020: $49,293.70
- Home Value in 2015: $41,732.60
- Home Value in 2010: $38,178.62
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 72.73%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 58.02%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 33.78%
Tucked away in the northern reaches of Elk County, Johnsonburg presents you with a story of steady, consistent growth alongside substantial affordability. Your home buying budget extends to median values of $65,944.88 in 2025, representing a solid 72.73% increase from 2010 levels of $38,178.62. Unlike many towns on this list, you would have witnessed a consistently upward trajectory here, with values rising to $41,732.60 by 2015, then $49,293.70 in 2020, before reaching current levels with a healthy 33.78% gain in the last five years.
17. Wilmerding
- Home Value in 2025: $65,471.15
- Home Value in 2020: $43,470.46
- Home Value in 2015: $37,265.14
- Home Value in 2010: $38,228.19
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 71.26%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 75.69%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 50.61%
Located in Allegheny County just east of Pittsburgh, Wilmerding gives you metropolitan accessibility at a fraction of typical costs. Your housing dollar stretches to median values of $65,471.15 in 2025, reflecting a healthy 71.26% increase from 2010 levels of $38,228.19. The town saw a slight dip to $37,265.14 by 2015 before beginning a consistent upward trajectory to $43,470.46 in 2020 and adding another impressive 50.61% in the following five years.
18. Sharon
- Home Value in 2025: $62,974.71
- Home Value in 2020: $43,634.61
- Home Value in 2015: $34,774.29
- Home Value in 2010: $37,764.17
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 66.76%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 81.10%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 44.32%
Straddling the Ohio border in Mercer County, Sharon provides you with excellent value at median home prices of $62,974.71 in 2025. Your potential investment would have seen a respectable 66.76% appreciation since 2010, when values stood at $37,764.17. The town experienced a temporary dip to $34,774.29 by 2015 before beginning a strong recovery to $43,634.61 in 2020 and continuing upward with a robust 44.32% gain over the following five years.
19. Rouseville
- Home Value in 2025: $62,862.13
- Home Value in 2020: $37,261.39
- Home Value in 2015: $39,177.73
- Home Value in 2010: $36,031.45
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 74.46%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 60.45%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 68.71%
Positioned in Venango County’s oil region, Rouseville delivers an intriguing combination of affordability and recent rapid growth for your consideration. Your housing budget extends to median values of $62,862.13 in 2025, representing a solid 74.46% increase from 2010 levels of $36,031.45. The town’s values show an interesting pattern—rising slightly to $39,177.73 by 2015, then dipping to $37,261.39 in 2020, before surging dramatically with a 68.71% increase in just the last five years.
20. Coal Township
- Home Value in 2025: $60,651.84
- Home Value in 2020: $52,629.35
- Home Value in 2015: $42,075.37
- Home Value in 2010: $44,294.86
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 36.93%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 44.15%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 15.24%
Spread across the hills of Northumberland County, Coal Township offers you a more gradual appreciation story alongside substantial affordability. Your home buying budget reaches to median values of $60,651.84 in 2025, reflecting a moderate 36.93% increase from 2010 levels of $44,294.86. You would have observed a slight decline to $42,075.37 by 2015, before values began climbing consistently to $52,629.35 in 2020 and adding another 15.24% through 2025.
21. Duquesne
- Home Value in 2025: $58,191.72
- Home Value in 2020: $31,802.37
- Home Value in 2015: $22,907.23
- Home Value in 2010: $24,968.80
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 133.06%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 154.03%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 82.98%
Located just southeast of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, Duquesne gives you access to the metropolitan area at a fraction of typical costs. Your housing dollar extends to a median value of $58,191.72 in 2025, representing a substantial 133.06% increase from 2010 values of $24,968.80. The town experienced a slight dip to $22,907.23 by 2015 before beginning a strong recovery to $31,802.37 in 2020 and nearly doubling again with an 82.98% increase over the next five years.
22. Shenandoah
- Home Value in 2025: $52,234.57
- Home Value in 2020: $22,349.31
- Home Value in 2015: $18,326.75
- Home Value in 2010: $14,970.52
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 248.92%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 185.02%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 133.72%
Perched in the eastern coal region of Schuylkill County, Shenandoah boasts the most dramatic growth story you’ll find on this list. While remaining Pennsylvania’s fourth most affordable town with median values at $52,234.57 in 2025, you would have seen an astonishing 248.92% increase had you purchased here in 2010 when values were just $14,970.52. The growth acceleration is equally impressive, with values climbing to $18,326.75 by 2015, reaching $22,349.31 in 2020, before more than doubling in the last five years with a 133.72% surge.
23. Mount Carmel
- Home Value in 2025: $52,195.13
- Home Value in 2020: $37,820.87
- Home Value in 2015: $33,323.84
- Home Value in 2010: $39,980.01
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 30.55%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 56.63%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 38.01%
Situated in Northumberland County with its rich coal mining heritage, Mount Carmel offers you a stable housing market at highly affordable prices. Your budget stretches to median home values of $52,195.13 in 2025, representing a solid 30.55% increase since 2010. Interestingly, you would have witnessed values dip from $39,980.01 in 2010 to $33,323.84 in 2015, before climbing to $37,820.87 in 2020 and reaching current levels. This recovery pattern has yielded a robust 56.63% growth over the past decade and an impressive 38.01% increase just since 2020, suggesting Mount Carmel may be experiencing a notable renaissance that could benefit your investment.
24. Mahanoy City
- Home Value in 2025: $45,735.23
- Home Value in 2020: $19,554.32
- Home Value in 2015: $17,111.58
- Home Value in 2010: $16,231.19
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 181.77%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 167.28%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 133.89%
Tucked away in Schuylkill County’s coal region, Mahanoy City presents a remarkable investment story for your consideration. While still Pennsylvania’s second most affordable town with 2025 values at $45,735.23, you’ll find it’s experienced explosive growth of 181.77% since 2010. Your investment would have more than doubled in just the past five years, with a staggering 133.89% growth since 2020. The town’s values have consistently climbed from just $16,231.19 in 2010 to $17,111.58 in 2015, then $19,554.32 in 2020, before surging to current levels, showcasing a dramatic upward trajectory that combines affordability with impressive appreciation.
25. Donora
- Home Value in 2025: $43,183.35
- Home Value in 2020: $35,212.48
- Home Value in 2015: $30,954.36
- Home Value in 2010: $37,641.34
- Percentage Change 2010-2025: 14.72%
- Percentage Change 2015-2025: 39.51%
- Percentage Change 2020-2025: 22.64%
Nestled along the Monongahela River in Washington County, Donora offers you the most affordable housing in Pennsylvania. Your home buying dollars stretch furthest here, with median values at just $43,183.35 in 2025. The town has seen steady appreciation over the years, with values climbing 14.72% since 2010, a more substantial 39.51% since 2015, and 22.64% in just the last five years. Despite this growth, Donora maintains its position as the most budget-friendly option in the state, making it worth your consideration if affordability tops your priority list.
