Cost of Living in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lawrence County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lawrence County ranks #1,383 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 44%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania
Lawrence offers solid affordability below national norms
Lawrence County renters spend just 15.4% of their $60,779 median household income on rent, landing well below both the 30% affordability threshold and the national income benchmark of $74,755. This favorable ratio reflects Lawrence's low rental costs relative to local wages.
Below Pennsylvania's state rental burden
Lawrence County's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio undershoots the state average of 16.5%, positioning it among Pennsylvania's more affordable rental markets. The $778 median rent trails the state average of $960 by $182 monthly, offering meaningful savings.
Competitive with Jefferson and Juniata
Lawrence County rents at $778 monthly place it squarely in the affordability zone alongside Jefferson ($746) and Juniata ($730), though slightly higher than both. Homeowners find similar value: the $865 monthly ownership cost and $136,700 median home value rival Jefferson's budget-friendly profile.
Lawrence income allocation
On a $60,779 annual income ($5,065 monthly), Lawrence households allocate $778 to rent and $865 to ownership costs, leaving over 67% of income for other necessities and savings. This balance reflects a community where housing remains proportional to earnings.
Lawrence delivers quiet affordability
Lawrence County renters save $182 monthly on rent compared to Pennsylvania's average, totaling $2,184 annually—funds that can go toward savings or quality of life. Consider Lawrence if you value affordable housing in a stable community without the premium costs of prosperous counties like Lancaster.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lawrence County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Lawrence County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $778/month in gross rent, with 30.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Lawrence County pay $778/month on average, compared to $865/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 10%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,071/year. With a median household income of $60,779, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Lawrence County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Pennsylvania, Lawrence County is more affordable than Elk County by roughly 8% ($778/mo vs $720/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lawrence County
Rent Burden
15.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,418
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lawrence County
Median home value is $136,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,091 vs. your max of $1,418.
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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