Cost of Living in Elk County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Elk County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Elk County, Pennsylvania
Elk County offers best affordability nationwide
At 13.5%, Elk County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the most affordable in the nation, well below both the national average and Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%. With median rent of just $720 per month and household income at $64,103, renters here enjoy exceptional breathing room in their budgets.
Pennsylvania's most affordable rental market
Elk County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.5% stands markedly below Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%, making it the most affordable county in the state for renters. The $720 median rent is Pennsylvania's lowest among the counties analyzed, providing substantial savings for renters across income levels.
Unbeaten affordability in the region
Elk's $720 rent undercuts all regional peers by $50–184 monthly: Clearfield ($788), Crawford ($800), Clinton ($815), and Columbia ($904). The county's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio stands alone—second-best in the entire dataset after comparing eight counties—reflecting Elk's exceptional position as the region's affordability leader.
Housing remains minimal budget burden
Renters allocate merely 13.5% of the $64,103 median household income to $720 monthly rent, while homeowners spend about 12% on mortgages averaging $643 on homes valued at $128,600. Both groups enjoy Pennsylvania's lightest housing-cost burden by a substantial margin.
Elk County: Pennsylvania's affordability champion
If budget is your priority, Elk County delivers unmatched Pennsylvania affordability: rents at $720 and homes near $128,600 cost 20–40% less than comparable rural alternatives. Weigh this exceptional value against job market opportunities and amenities in competing regions before choosing.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Elk County
Rent Burden
13.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,496
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Elk County
Median home value is $128,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,027 vs. your max of $1,496.
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.