Cost of Living in Franklin County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Franklin County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Franklin County ranks #1,910 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Franklin County, Pennsylvania
Franklin County Mirrors National Housing Costs
Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% slightly exceeds the national average of 15.8%, reflecting higher housing costs paired with above-average local incomes of $74,946—nearly identical to the national median of $74,755. This county represents a market where national-level affordability pressures are taking hold.
Franklin Ranks Among PA's Pricier Markets
At 17.1%, Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio sits above Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%, and its median rent of $1,071 is the highest among these eight counties and 12% above the state median. Franklin represents the region's premium housing market.
Franklin Leads the Region in Housing Costs
Franklin County's $1,071 monthly rent significantly outpaces every peer here, with median home values of $236,300 representing the region's steepest entry price for ownership. Franklin's higher income base ($74,946) supports these costs, but renters still face above-average burden.
Premium Rents and Mortgages for Higher Earners
Franklin County residents earning $74,946 medially pay $1,071 for rent or $1,169 for mortgage—the region's highest housing costs—consuming 17.1% and 18.8% of income respectively. The county's strong income base absorbs these costs more comfortably than lower-income peers, but affordability remains compressed.
Franklin Suits Higher Earners and Families
Franklin County's premium pricing—$1,071 rent, $236,300 median home values—makes sense if your income approaches or exceeds the county median of $74,946. Budget accordingly and compare against more affordable options like Fayette ($771 rent) or Greene ($754 rent) to ensure Franklin's higher costs align with your financial plan.
Cost of Living Advisory: Franklin County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Franklin County is affordable. The median rent is $1,071/month against a median household income of $74,946, putting rent at 17.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Franklin County pay $1,071/month on average, compared to $1,169/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 8%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $42,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $50,100/year. With a median household income of $74,946, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Franklin County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Butler County where rent averages $1,018/month, Franklin County is approximately 5% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Franklin County
Rent Burden
17.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,749
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.7%
of gross income
The median home in Franklin County may be a stretch
Median home value is $236,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,886 vs. your max of $1,749.
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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