Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jefferson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jefferson County ranks #523 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania
Jefferson rents eat 15.7% of income
Jefferson County renters spend 15.7% of their median household income on rent—better than the national benchmark where most affordability experts flag 30% as the danger zone. Compared to the national median household income of $74,755, Jefferson residents earn $56,898, making housing costs proportionally manageable relative to local wages.
Among Pennsylvania's most affordable
Jefferson County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%, putting it in the more affordable tier across the state. The county's median rent of $746 significantly undercuts the state average of $960, offering genuine relief for renters.
Cheaper than Lackawanna and Luzerne
Jefferson County rents at $746 monthly underscore its competitive edge—Lackawanna County residents pay $973 and Luzerne County tenants pay $958 for the same housing stock. Even homeowners benefit: Jefferson's median monthly ownership cost of $673 trails both neighboring counties' averages, making it a bargain in the region.
Where Jefferson incomes go
On a $56,898 annual income, the typical Jefferson household allocates $746 monthly to rent (15.7%) and $673 to ownership costs, leaving substantial room in the budget. This breaks down to roughly $4,741 monthly gross income, with housing consuming less than one-third—well within healthy financial guidelines.
Consider Jefferson for affordability
If housing costs are your concern, Jefferson County delivers: rents run $214 cheaper monthly than the state average, and home values average $126,700. Relocating here could free up $2,500+ annually in rent savings compared to pricier Pennsylvania counties while maintaining reasonable homeownership costs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jefferson County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Jefferson County is affordable. The median rent is $746/month against a median household income of $56,898, putting rent at 15.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Jefferson County is $746/month, while owner costs run $673/month. Owning saves approximately $73/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,843/year. With a median household income of $56,898, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Jefferson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Jefferson County sits 7% less expensive than Crawford County ($800/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jefferson County
Rent Burden
15.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,328
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Jefferson County
Median home value is $126,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,011 vs. your max of $1,328.
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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