Real Estate Market

Last updated: September 2026

📈 12-Month Price Trend — Cambria

Median home price over the last 12 months. Source: Zillow Research.

📋 Market Summary

🏘️ Housing Profile

Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.

🗺️ Nearby County Comparison

🏠 Buying a Home in Cambria

Cambria, Pennsylvania offers one of the most affordable housing markets in the entire state, with a median home price of just $112,455. For buyers priced out of larger Pennsylvania metros like Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, Cambria County represents a genuinely attainable path to homeownership without sacrificing the charm of a historic, community-rooted region. That price point puts homeownership well within reach for many households, especially when compared to the median household income of $54,221 — a ratio that suggests buying a home here is far more financially feasible than in most American markets today. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a retiree looking to stretch your savings, or someone relocating for a quieter pace of life, the numbers in Cambria are hard to argue with. The current market in Cambria is showing signs of modest softening, with the median home price dipping 0.2% compared to last month. While that's a small movement, it may signal a slight shift in favor of buyers, giving purchasers a bit more room to negotiate than they might have had in previous months. The region doesn't experience the volatile bidding wars common in competitive urban markets, which means buyers can take a measured, deliberate approach to finding the right property. Working with a local real estate agent who understands the nuances of Cambria County's neighborhoods — from Johnstown to Ebensburg — will help you navigate available inventory and identify homes that represent true long-term value. When buying in Cambria, preparation is still essential even in a buyer-friendly market. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage before you start touring homes signals seriousness to sellers and puts you in a stronger position to move quickly when the right property appears. Because Cambria includes a mix of older Victorian-era homes, mid-century properties, and more modern builds, it's especially important to budget for a thorough home inspection — older housing stock can carry hidden maintenance costs that aren't always visible on the surface. Buyers should also research local property tax rates by municipality, as they can vary across the county and significantly impact your total monthly housing cost. Beyond the numbers, Cambria has a lot to offer as a place to put down roots. The region is anchored by a strong sense of local identity, with deep ties to Pennsylvania's industrial heritage and a community culture that's warm and welcoming. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the proximity to Laurel Ridge State Park, Prince Gallitzin State Park, and countless trails and waterways that make the surrounding landscape genuinely beautiful year-round. The area also boasts a growing arts scene, local festivals, and a tight-knit small-town atmosphere that's increasingly appealing to remote workers and families looking to escape the noise and expense of city life. With a homeownership rate of 75.8%, it's clear that the people of Cambria believe in investing in their community — and the market data suggests that belief is well-founded.

🏢 Renting in Cambria

The rental market in Cambria, Pennsylvania is among the most affordable in the state, with a median monthly rent of approximately $700. For renters, this means that comfortable, livable housing is accessible on a wide range of incomes, and the financial pressure that defines renting in larger cities is largely absent here. At $700 per month, renters in Cambria are often getting significantly more square footage, yard space, and overall livability than they would find in comparable price brackets in Pittsburgh or Allentown. The rental inventory in Cambria County tends to include single-family homes, duplexes, and small apartment buildings, offering genuine variety for renters at different life stages — from young professionals to retirees downsizing from larger properties. What does $700 a month actually get you in Cambria? Quite a bit, by most standards. Renters at or near that median price point can typically expect a multi-bedroom home or apartment with a full kitchen, laundry access, and outdoor space in neighborhoods that are quiet and well-established. Many rental properties in the area are older homes with character — hardwood floors, large porches, and architectural details that would cost far more to rent elsewhere. Utilities tend to be the primary additional expense renters face, and while older homes can be less energy efficient, the base rent remains low enough that total monthly housing costs stay manageable for most households earning near the county's median income. When deciding whether to rent or buy in Cambria, the math leans heavily toward buying for those who plan to stay in the area long-term. With a median home price of $112,455, a conventional 30-year mortgage with a modest down payment could result in monthly principal and interest payments that rival or even undercut the $700 median rent — especially in today's environment where locking in a rate offers predictability that rent cannot. Renting still makes sense for newcomers who want to explore different parts of Cambria County before committing, or for those who aren't yet ready for the responsibilities of homeownership. But for anyone with stable employment and a plan to stay, the case for buying is compelling — and the high 75.8% homeownership rate suggests that many Cambria residents have already done that math and made their choice.

📖 Cambria Real Estate Market History

Cambria County's real estate history is inseparable from the rise and fall of the American steel industry. The county, and particularly its largest city Johnstown, was once a powerhouse of iron and steel production, drawing waves of immigrant workers throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries who needed housing, schools, and community infrastructure. This era of industrial prosperity shaped the built environment of Cambria in lasting ways — the dense, walkable neighborhoods of modest workers' homes and grand Victorian residences that still define much of the county's housing stock were constructed during this period of rapid growth. The architectural legacy of that boom remains visible throughout the region today, giving Cambria a sense of historical depth that newer suburban developments simply cannot replicate. The decline of American steel manufacturing in the latter half of the 20th century had a profound impact on Cambria's population and housing market. Bethlehem Steel's presence in Johnstown had once made the area a hub of economic activity, but as mills closed through the 1970s and 1980s, population loss followed, and housing values reflected that contraction. The catastrophic floods that struck Johnstown — most famously in 1889, but also in 1936 and 1977 — further complicated the region's development trajectory, requiring repeated rebuilding and shaping community resilience in ways that are still felt culturally today. These historical pressures help explain why Cambria's home prices remain well below national averages — the market never fully rebounded to its industrial-era peak, but that affordability has become one of the region's defining modern assets. In recent decades, Cambria County's real estate market has stabilized into a modest but consistent market driven by healthcare, education, and government employment rather than heavy industry. Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Indiana University of Pennsylvania's presence in the broader region, and various county and municipal employers provide an employment base that supports steady, if unspectacular, demand for housing. The market today is characterized by long-term homeowners, gradual property appreciation, and growing interest from buyers relocating from more expensive metros who recognize the value in what Cambria offers. While the county continues to work through the challenges of population decline common across rural Pennsylvania, pockets of investment and revitalization — particularly in downtown Johnstown and around Ebensburg, the county seat — suggest that Cambria's real estate story is still very much being written.

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Data sourced from Zillow Research and Redfin Data Center. Updated monthly.