Home › Pennsylvania › ZIP 18102

Food Truck Market: ZIP 18102

Opportunity Score

64 / 100 Good

Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and food truck competition.

Market Profile

ZIP 18102 scores 16.0/20 for walkability — foot traffic is there. Income levels run 45% below the national average though, which puts real pressure on menu pricing. Value-forward concepts outperform premium ones in markets like this. Customers in this ZIP are price-conscious. That's not a reason to avoid it — it's a reason to price correctly from day one.

Market Summary

ZIP 18102 is an urban area with high foot traffic. with a population of 51,315 and household incomes below the national median ($40,681). There are 38 restaurants here but no registered food trucks — an untapped market with proven dining demand.

Area Profile

51,315

Population

$40,681

Median Income

-45% vs. national

Urban

Area Type

16.0/20

Foot Traffic

Very Walkable

Median Age: 30.8 — mixed-age market, broad menu appeal.

College-Educated: 6.6% — value-focused market, keep prices competitive.

Competition

Food service establishments in ZIP 18102.

Sit-Down Restaurants

2.7 per 10K residents

Fast Food / Counter

4.7 per 10K residents

Operating Costs

Local cost levels affect commissary kitchen rates, permits, and event vendor pricing.

$1,370

2BR Fair Market Rent

$1,224

Median Gross Rent

$150 K

Median Home Value

Bank Branches

$120 K deposits

Commissary estimate: This is a moderate-cost area. Monthly commissary kitchen rentals typically run $160–$360 in markets like this.

What to Expect Here

Fixed Location Beats Roaming

High-foot-traffic areas reward consistency. If you can secure a recurring spot near offices or transit stops, build your weekly schedule around it. Regular customers drive more revenue than novelty seekers.

Price for the Market

This is a price-sensitive ZIP. Operators who succeed here lead with value — generous portions, clear value signals, combo deals. A $15 entrée is a hard sell when the median income is $40,681.

Young Market Dynamics

Median age under 32 and solid walkability is a good combination for street food. Late lunch and post-work hours tend to outperform breakfast in younger markets. Social media discovery works here too.