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State College PA Housing Market Report — 2026
Current market data for State College and Centre County: median prices, days on market, transfer tax rates, and neighborhood breakdown. Updated compiled June 2026 from May source data.
May 2026 Market Refresh
Last updated: compiled June 2026 from May 2026 source data
| Redfin median sale price | $458,775 |
|---|---|
| Year over year | +10.6% |
| Median days on market | 5 median days on market |
| Homes sold | 55 homes sold |
| Zillow ZHVI | $417,768 |
State College PA Redfin median sale price: $458,775 (+10.6% YoY, May 2026). State College PA Zillow ZHVI: $417,768. Zillow source label: Zillow Research city ZHVI as of 2026-05-31. Source scope: Redfin Data Center city row, May 2026. Market data is background context only; property-specific value still depends on condition, title, occupancy, repairs, payoff, liens, and closing timeline.
Quick Answer: State College PA Housing Market 2026
According to Redfin (May 2026), State College's median home sale price is $458,775 (+10.6% year-over-year) with a Compete Score of 91/100 — one of the most competitive markets in Pennsylvania. The Zillow Home Value Index for State College is $417,768 (May 2026). Homes average 5 median days on market. State College Borough charges a 3.00% total transfer tax (1% PA state + 2% local). Most other Centre County municipalities charge the standard 2.00%. Cash buyers offer 70–80% of FMV, closing on a title-ready, seller-approved timeline without repairs, contingencies, or agent commissions.
Key Market Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Median home value (Zillow ZHVI) | $417,768 (+10.6% YoY) | Zillow Research City ZHVI CSV, 2026-05-31 |
| Median sale price | $458,775 (+10.6% YoY) | Redfin, May 2026 |
| Median sale price per sq ft | $256 (+6.2% YoY) | Redfin, May 2026 |
| Median days on market | 5 days | Redfin, May 2026 |
| Sale-to-list ratio | 100.8% | Redfin, May 2026 |
| Redfin Compete Score | 91/100 | Redfin, May 2026 |
| Typical cash offer range | $286,000–$327,000 | 70-80% of Zillow ZHVI |
| Transfer tax — State College Borough | 3.00% | Centre County RTT Table |
| Transfer tax — most Centre County townships | 2.00% | Centre County RTT Table |
| Owner-occupied housing | 26.1% | DataUSA / ACS, 2024 |
| Renter-occupied housing | 73.9% | DataUSA / RentCafe, 2024 |
| Population (2024 est.) | 41,050 | US Census / PA Demographics |
The State College Borough Transfer Tax — What Sellers Need to Know
State College Borough charges a 3.00% total realty transfer tax — significantly above the 2.00% standard across most of Centre County. The breakdown matters:
| Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania State RTT | 1.00% |
| State College Borough Local RTT | 1.50% ← above most municipalities |
| State College Area School District | 0.50% |
| Total | 3.00% |
On a $458,775 sale, total RTT is about $13,763. Customarily split 50/50, but negotiable. In cash investor transactions, the seller often pays the full 3%.
Source: Centre County Realty Transfer Tax Rates by Municipality (centrecountypa.gov)
State College Neighborhood Price Breakdown
Median prices vary sharply by neighborhood in State College. Owner-occupied zones like College Heights and Tusseyview command premiums; areas with higher student rental density see different pricing dynamics.
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tusseyview | $619,000 | Highest-priced neighborhood per Redfin (Dec 2025 data). High volatility — +84.8% YoY. Limited inventory; single sales can swing the median significantly. |
| College Heights | ~$584,000 | Premium owner-occupied zone near campus. Popular with faculty. 1950s-70s colonial and ranch homes with large lots by borough standards. |
| State College South | $490,000–$519,000 | +3.1% to +25.6% YoY range (Redfin). Mix of 1960s-1980s homes. Strong owner-occupant demand. |
| Holmes-Foster Historic District | No recent median available | Pre-war craftsman bungalows and colonial revival homes. Owner-occupied premium. Older stock with character but higher maintenance costs. |
| Highlands | ~$360,000 | -5% YoY; ~21 days DOM (homes.com). Slightly longer DOM than citywide average — more room for buyer negotiation. |
| Orchard Park | Near citywide median | Family-oriented. Mix of 1970s-1980s ranches and split-levels. Popular with non-student residents. |
Sources: Redfin neighborhood data, homes.com, Movoto. Prices reflect recent sales; market conditions change. Individual home values vary by condition, size, and lot.
What Penn State Means for the State College Housing Market
You can't understand State College real estate without understanding Penn State University Park. With 46,000+ enrolled students, the university drives everything: rental demand, seasonal inventory cycles, and the demographics of who actually owns homes here.
Only 26% of housing units are owner-occupied — one of the lowest rates of any Pennsylvania municipality. The other 74% are student and faculty rentals. That student population also distorts the median household income figures (reported at $45,424 — artificially low because students report minimal income). The actual non-student working population earns considerably more.
Seasonal demand follows the academic calendar, not the typical spring/fall real estate cycle:
- May–August: Peak seller motivation — faculty relocations, lease turnovers, landlords listing
- January–March: Peak buyer competition — low inventory, aggressive buyers
- November–January: Slowest period — between semesters, holiday season
According to NeighborhoodScout, State College has seen 7.68% appreciation over the past 12 months, outperforming 91% of US communities — a reflection of sustained university-driven demand.
Get a Cash Offer on Your State College Home
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May 2026 source-backed market data
- Redfin median sale price
- $458,775
- Year over year
- +10.6%
- Median days on market
- 5 median days on market
- Homes sold
- 55 homes sold
- Zillow ZHVI
- $417,768 ZHVI
Zillow source label: Zillow Research city ZHVI as of 2026-05-31. Redfin scope: Redfin Data Center city row, May 2026.
State College Housing Market — FAQ
Related resources:
Sell Your State College Home for Cash · 2026 State College Seller Guide · Cash Offer vs. MLS Listing
Sources: Zillow ZHVI — State College · Redfin — State College Housing Market · Centre County RTT Rates · DataUSA — State College Demographics · NeighborhoodScout — State College Real Estate
Market data last updated: compiled June 2026 from May source data. Individual home values vary based on condition, location, and market timing. This page is for informational purposes — contact a licensed real estate professional for personalized advice.