Self Storage in Demand for Pa. Metros

Self storage has seen significant growth in the past decade, with an added 53 million square feet in 2023 and an estimated added 54 million square feet in 2024, according to a RentCafe self storage report.

For self storage stock and demand, Pittsburgh ranks No. 11 out of the largest 150 metros nationwide, with:

• 5.3 sq. ft. of self storage per capita
• 878.3 online self storage searches per 10,000 residents
• $114 average self storage rent (10×10, non-climate-controlled unit)

Close behind, the Harrisburg-Carlisle metro ranks No. 13 with:

• 5.4 sq. ft. of self storage per capita
• 612.2 online self storage searches per 10,000 residents
• $103 average self storage rent (10×10, non-climate-controlled unit)

And the Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, Ohio-Pennsylvania metro ranks No. 15 with:

• 5 sq. ft. of self storage per capita
• 924.7 online self storage searches per 10,000 residents
• $84 average self storage rent (10×10, non-climate-controlled unit)

All three metros have an undersupply of self storage, limited apartment space and low estimated deliveries of new self storage for this year.

“Traditionally, self storage demand has been driven by significant life events (the so-called four Ds: death, dislocation, divorce and downsizing),” says Maria Gatea, market analyst for RentCafe Self Storage. “But now, lifestyle changes such as remote work and online shopping are creating new avenues for demand. The shift to remote work is increasing the need for decluttering and extra space at home, while the rise of online shopping is driving companies to seek additional storage space for distribution purposes.”

“Overall, the self storage development market in 2024 faces challenges due to economic conditions and market dynamics,” Gatea notes. “But opportunities remain for those who carefully assess their projects.”