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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Centre County ranks #790 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 25%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Centre County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Centre County is affordable. The median rent is $1,181/month against a median household income of $72,748, putting rent at 19.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Centre County is $1,181/month, while owner costs run $1,265/month. Renting saves approximately $84/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $47,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $54,214/year. With a median household income of $72,748, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Centre County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Allegheny County where rent averages $1,111/month, Centre County is approximately 6% more expensive.
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
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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