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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Carbon County ranks #1,587 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 50%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Carbon County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Carbon County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $975/month in gross rent, with 26.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Carbon County is $975/month, while owner costs run $1,035/month. Renting saves approximately $60/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $44,357/year. With a median household income of $67,877, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Carbon County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Carbon County sits 6% more expensive than Washington County ($922/month) in terms of median gross rent.
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
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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