DuBois, PA Housing Market

Market Overview

DuBois, PA presents a weak market position with a PropertyIQ Score of 22/100. The median home value is $137,759, well below the state average of $290,552. The rent index is $1,087, also below the state average of $1,162. Unemployment is 4.1%, matching the state average, while median household income is $60,181, below the state average of $76,081. These metrics indicate a lower-cost market, but the overall score remains low, reflecting limited momentum and softer selling conditions.

The market's low score is shaped by several drivers. The 12-month home value momentum is 3.30%, but the 3-month momentum is -4.99%, signaling a recent pullback after modest annual growth. The home value year over year metric is $17, which suggests essentially flat annual dollar appreciation. Median days on market is 56 days, and 11.2% of listings have a price cut. With 163 homes for sale, the market appears to offer buyers time and negotiating room, but sellers face more competition and softer price conditions than in higher-scoring markets.

Key Trends

First, recent price momentum has turned negative. The 12-month momentum of 3.30% shows some annual growth, but the 3-month figure of -4.99% indicates that values have declined in the most recent quarter. The year-over-year home value change of $17 further supports a flattening trend. This combination suggests that earlier gains may be fading and that near-term price movement is soft.

Second, DuBois is considerably more affordable than the state overall. The median home value of $137,759 is well below the Pennsylvania state average of $290,552. Rents are also lower, with a rent index of $1,087 compared with the state's $1,162. However, median household income is $60,181, below the state average of $76,081. Lower home prices may improve affordability for local buyers, but lower incomes mean the relative cost burden is not as favorable as the price gap alone might imply.

Third, inventory and selling conditions point to a slower market. There are 163 homes for sale, with a median days on market of 56 days. The share of listings with a price cut is 11.2%. These metrics indicate that homes are not moving rapidly and that some sellers are adjusting prices to attract buyers. While not extreme, these conditions contribute to the market's low PropertyIQ Score and suggest a buyer-favorable environment.

Fourth, the labor market appears stable but does not fully offset other weaknesses. The unemployment rate is 4.1%, identical to the state average. That stability is a positive signal, but the median household income remains below the state benchmark. Population growth data is N/A, so it is not possible to assess whether demographic demand is adding pressure to the housing market. Without population growth figures, the demand-side outlook is incomplete.

Who Is This Market For

DuBois is likely best suited for budget-conscious first-time homebuyers and primary-residence buyers who prioritize affordability over rapid appreciation. The median home value of $137,759 is far below the state average of $290,552, creating a lower entry point. Local incomes are below the state average, but home prices are also significantly lower, which may help some households purchase with less upfront capital. The stable unemployment rate of 4.1% supports the idea that the local job market is not a major red flag for owner-occupants.

Long-term rental investors may find the relationship between home prices and rents worth exploring. The rent index of $1,087 is below the state average of $1,162, but the median home value is much further below the state average. That may create a relatively favorable rent-to-price setup compared with higher-cost Pennsylvania markets, though investors should weigh the negative 3-month home value momentum of -4.99% and the 11.2% share of listings with a price cut. Those signals suggest limited near-term appreciation and some seller concessions.

This market is less suited for short-term flippers or move-up buyers relying on quick equity gains. The negative 3-month price momentum, modest year-over-year home value change of $17, and 56-day median days on market indicate that values are not rising quickly. Sellers may need to be patient or willing to negotiate. Without population growth data, there is also limited evidence of expanding demand to push prices higher in the near term.

Outlook

The near-term outlook for DuBois is cautious. The 3-month home value momentum of -4.99% is the strongest signal of current direction, and it points to softening prices after the 12-month gain of 3.30%. With a median days on market of 56 days and 11.2% of listings cutting prices, sellers are likely to face continued competition. The stable unemployment rate of 4.1% and lower median home value of $137,759 may support some buyer interest, but median household income of $60,181 remains below the state average. Because population growth is N/A, there is no clear data-driven case for a demand surge. If the recent 3-month trend persists, values may remain flat to slightly lower, while the annual 3.30% momentum suggests that a full-year decline is not guaranteed. Overall, the data supports a buyer-friendly but low-momentum environment in DuBois.