Cost of Living in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Dauphin County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
Dauphin strains above national affordability norms
At 18.7%, Dauphin County's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the national average, representing one of the tighter affordability squeezes in the nation. Median rent of $1,153 per month and household income of $74,159—near the national average—combine to create substantial housing pressure on renters throughout the county.
Pennsylvania's most strained rental market
Dauphin County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% stands well above Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%, making it one of the least affordable counties statewide for renters. The median rent of $1,153 ranks among the highest in the state, driven by the county's role as Harrisburg's economic hub.
Rents far exceed nearby rural counties
Dauphin's $1,153 monthly rent substantially exceeds all rural northern counties—Clearfield ($788), Clinton ($815), Crawford ($800), and Columbia ($904)—reflecting its urban-corridor status. The county's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio represents the tightest burden among regional peers, signaling the cost of development and centrality.
Renters squeezed harder than homeowners
Renters allocate roughly 19% of the $74,159 median household income to $1,153 monthly rent, while homeowners spend about 20% on mortgages averaging $1,232 on homes valued at $222,300. The housing cost burden here ranks among the most challenging in Pennsylvania.
Weigh urban amenities against housing costs
Dauphin offers Harrisburg's job market and urban services, but renters and owners should prepare for Pennsylvania's tightest affordability squeeze. If housing costs concern you, rural alternatives like Elk or Clearfield offer 25–30% lower rents; compare your salary growth opportunities against that savings.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Dauphin County
Rent Burden
18.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,730
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.9%
of gross income
The median home in Dauphin County may be a stretch
Median home value is $222,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,775 vs. your max of $1,730.
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.