Cost of Living in Carbon County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Carbon County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Carbon County, Pennsylvania
Carbon faces above-average rent stress
Carbon County residents spend 17.2% of income on housing—above the 16.5% national average—despite earning $67,877, which trails the national median by 9%. The combination of higher-than-average rent burden and below-average income creates meaningful affordability pressure.
Above-average burden in Pennsylvania
Carbon's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Pennsylvania's 16.5% average, placing it among the state's less affordable counties despite a median rent of $975 that runs 2% above the state norm. This middle-ground pricing combined with below-median incomes creates the strain.
Pricier than poor rural counties
Carbon's $975 rent sits between Cambria ($733) and Centre ($1,181), positioning it as a transitional county between rural and educated-market areas. The affordability stress here exceeds cheaper rural neighbors while offering fewer economic advantages than richer regions.
Housing squeeze in Carbon
Renters allocate $975 monthly (17.2% of income) and homeowners $1,035 (18.3%) against the $67,877 median household income. These percentages indicate genuine housing strain, with nearly one-fifth of income dedicated to shelter costs.
Carbon requires careful income assessment
Consider Carbon County if your income substantially exceeds the $67,877 median or if you can access the $193,700 median home price through favorable financing. Job seekers should verify local earning potential—the county's affordability stress suggests wage growth may lag regional trends.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Carbon County
Rent Burden
17.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,584
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Carbon County
Median home value is $193,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,546 vs. your max of $1,584.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.