Cost of Living in Forest County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Forest County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Forest County ranks #1,126 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 36%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Forest County, Pennsylvania
Forest County Faces Serious Housing Burden
Forest County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these eight counties and notably exceeds both the national average of 15.8% and Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%. With a median household income of just $50,061—32% below the national median—housing costs consume an outsized share of local earnings.
Forest County Struggles with Affordability
At 19.4%, Forest County ranks among Pennsylvania's least affordable counties for renters, with a rent-to-income ratio nearly 3 percentage points above the state average. This burden reflects both modest local incomes and housing costs that haven't aligned with the county's economic capacity.
Forest County Renters Face Regional Strain
Forest County's $808 monthly rent exceeds Fayette ($771) and Greene ($754) but trails Franklin ($1,071), yet the real problem is Forest's $50,061 median income—the lowest in this group by far. This income-to-rent mismatch creates the highest affordability pressure in the region.
Nearly One-Fifth of Income Goes to Rent
Forest County renters earning a median $50,061 annually spend $808 monthly on rent, consuming 19.4% of gross income—well above the recommended 30% threshold for housing stability. Homeowners fare better at $481 monthly, suggesting ownership may offer more breathing room than renting in Forest County.
Forest County: Weigh Costs Carefully
If relocating to Forest County, carefully budget housing expenses—renters face the region's tightest affordability squeeze at 19.4% of income. Compare Forest's rental burden against nearby Fayette ($771 rent, 16.5% ratio) or Greene ($754 rent, 13.5% ratio) to understand your true financial impact.
Cost of Living Advisory: Forest County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Forest County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $808/month in gross rent, with 24.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $808/month rent versus $481/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $327/month cheaper — a 40% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $20,614/year. With a median household income of $50,061, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Forest County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Forest County sits 7% more expensive than Warren County ($756/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Forest County
Rent Burden
19.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,168
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Forest County
Median home value is $111,900. Estimated monthly cost: $893 vs. your max of $1,168.
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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