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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lackawanna County ranks #2,203 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 30%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lackawanna County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Lackawanna County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $973/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $973/month rent versus $1,057/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $84/month cheaper — a 8% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $45,300/year. With a median household income of $64,691, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Lackawanna County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Washington County where rent averages $922/month, Lackawanna County is approximately 6% more expensive.
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
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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