Cost of Living in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lackawanna County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania
Lackawanna rents squeeze household budgets
Lackawanna County renters spend 18.1% of their $64,691 median household income on rent, edging toward affordability stress despite earning slightly below the national median of $74,755. At this ratio, the county sits above the 16.5% Pennsylvania state average, signaling housing cost pressure.
Above-average housing burden statewide
Lackawanna's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Pennsylvania's more expensive counties for renters, surpassing the state average of 16.5% by 1.6 percentage points. The median rent of $973 exceeds the state average of $960, compounding affordability challenges for wage-earning households.
Steepest rents in the region
Lackawanna renters pay $973 monthly—$243 more than Juniata County and $227 more than Jefferson County—making it the priciest rental market in its peer group. Homeowners face similar pressures: the $1,057 monthly ownership cost ranks highest among comparable northeastern Pennsylvania counties.
Lackawanna housing takes 36% of income
On a $64,691 annual income ($5,391 monthly), Lackawanna households allocate $973 to rent and $1,057 to ownership costs—combined, these consume over one-third of gross income. This tight squeeze leaves less than two-thirds for food, utilities, healthcare, and savings.
Compare Lackawanna to affordable neighbors
Renters in Lackawanna should evaluate neighboring Juniata or Jefferson counties: both offer median rents $200+ cheaper monthly and lower home values. A move 30-45 minutes could reclaim $3,000+ annually in housing costs while maintaining reasonable commute distances to job centers.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lackawanna County
Rent Burden
18.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,509
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.6%
of gross income
The median home in Lackawanna County may be a stretch
Median home value is $189,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,516 vs. your max of $1,509.
Rent Affordability Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania?
What is the median rent in Lackawanna County?
Is Lackawanna County affordable?
How does Lackawanna County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Lackawanna County?
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCounties with Similar Housing Costs
Compare Mortgage Rates in Lackawanna County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.