Cost of Living in Cameron County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cameron County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cameron County ranks #507 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 16%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cameron County, Pennsylvania
Cheapest rents, tightest budget margins
Cameron County residents spend 17.6% of income on housing—above the 16.5% national average—despite having Pennsylvania's lowest median rent of $699. The problem: the median income of $47,681 is 36% below the national average, leaving limited cushion despite low rents.
Most affordable rent, least affordable income
Cameron's $699 median rent ranks as Pennsylvania's lowest, but the 17.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 16.5%, reflecting strained local wages. This represents a true affordability paradox: cheap housing on inadequate incomes.
Cheapest in its tier by far
Cameron's $699 rent undercuts Cambria ($733), Clarion ($785), and Carbon ($975) substantially, offering Pennsylvania's deepest discount on housing. However, the $47,681 income is significantly below all comparable rural counties, eroding the rental savings advantage.
Cameron's precarious math
Monthly housing costs of $699 for rent and $595 for ownership consume 17.6% and 14.9% of the $47,681 median income respectively. After housing, Cameron residents have less disposable income than higher-earning counties despite the lowest absolute costs.
Cameron suits remote-first relocators only
Cameron County works only for those with guaranteed external income—remote jobs, pensions, or significant savings—who can leverage its $699 rent and $88,200 home prices to maximum advantage. Local job seekers face uphill battles given the sparse economic base and below-average wages.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cameron County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Cameron County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $699/month in gross rent, with 30.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $699/month rent versus $595/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $104/month cheaper — a 15% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,500/year. With a median household income of $47,681, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Cameron County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Cameron County sits 7% less expensive than Greene County ($754/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cameron County
Rent Burden
17.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,113
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Cameron County
Median home value is $88,200. Estimated monthly cost: $704 vs. your max of $1,113.
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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