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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Dauphin County ranks #2,495 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 21%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Dauphin County
Affordability Verdict
Dauphin County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,153/month representing approximately 18.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Dauphin County pay $1,153/month on average, compared to $1,232/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 6%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $46,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $52,800/year. With a median household income of $74,159, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Dauphin County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Dauphin County sits 6% more expensive than Lebanon County ($1,087/month) in terms of median gross rent.
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
Income Needed Calculator
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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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