Cost of Living in Centre County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Centre County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Centre County, Pennsylvania
Centre struggles with college town premium
Centre County renters spend 19.5% of income on housing—the highest ratio in Pennsylvania and well above the 16.5% national benchmark. The median income of $72,748 nearly matches the national average, but housing costs reflect the State College college-town premium that inflates local rents.
Pennsylvania's most strained housing market
Centre's 19.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks worst among Pennsylvania counties, driven by a median rent of $1,181 that outpaces the state average of $960 by 23%. The county's university anchor (Penn State) creates concentrated demand that lifts prices beyond income growth.
College premium over regional peers
Centre's $1,181 median rent exceeds all rural neighboring counties substantially—Carbon ($975), Cambria ($733), Clarion ($785)—while charging less than affluent suburban Bucks ($1,537) and Chester ($1,691). The pricing reflects Centre's unique college-town economics.
State College's expensive equation
Renters dedicate $1,181 monthly (19.5%) and homeowners $1,265 (20.9%) to housing against the $72,748 income, making Centre the state's most cost-burdened county. This leaves Centre households with less discretionary income than peers despite solid median earnings.
Centre County demands above-market income
Move to Centre if your salary or household income substantially exceeds the $72,748 median or if you value Penn State's cultural amenities enough to absorb the 19.5% housing cost. Job seekers should negotiate aggressively—local employers know they must pay premiums to offset the county's highest affordability burden.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Centre County
Rent Burden
19.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,697
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.9%
of gross income
The median home in Centre County may be a stretch
Median home value is $308,100. Estimated monthly cost: $2,460 vs. your max of $1,697.
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.