Cost of Living in Adams County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Adams County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Adams County ranks #1,258 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 40%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Adams County, Pennsylvania
Adams keeps pace with nation
Adams County renters spend 16.1% of income on housing, slightly below the national average and well-aligned with affordability benchmarks. With a median household income of $81,071—$6,316 above the national median—Adams offers better financial breathing room than most U.S. counties.
Pennsylvania's affordable middle
Adams ranks in the middle tier of Pennsylvania's 67 counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% compared to the state average of 16.5%. The county's $1,084 median rent runs $124 above the state average, but higher incomes keep the burden manageable.
Competitive with surrounding counties
Adams' median rent of $1,084 sits between nearby Berks County ($1,143) and Armstrong County ($802), making it a middle-ground option in south-central Pennsylvania. Homebuyers will find median values near $256,100, competitive with Berks but notably higher than rural Armstrong at $146,300.
Where Adams income goes
Renters spend $1,084 monthly (16.1% of median income), while homeowners pay $1,330 (19.6%). Together, these housing costs leave the average Adams household with solid discretionary income compared to most Pennsylvania counties.
Adams for balanced affordability
If you're relocating to Pennsylvania, Adams County delivers above-average income with reasonable housing costs—ideal if you want suburban proximity without urban-level rents. Compare these figures to neighboring Berks and Armstrong to find your sweet spot in south-central PA.
Cost of Living Advisory: Adams County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Adams County is affordable. The median rent is $1,084/month against a median household income of $81,071, putting rent at 16.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Adams County is $1,084/month, while owner costs run $1,330/month. Renting saves approximately $246/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $43,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $57,000/year. With a median household income of $81,071, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Adams County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Berks County where rent averages $1,143/month, Adams County is approximately 5% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Adams County
Rent Burden
16.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,892
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.7%
of gross income
The median home in Adams County may be a stretch
Median home value is $256,100. Estimated monthly cost: $2,045 vs. your max of $1,892.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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