Cost of Living in McKean County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How McKean County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
McKean County ranks #1,767 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 44%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in McKean County, Pennsylvania
McKean leads Pennsylvania in affordability
McKean County residents enjoy a 15.0% rent-to-income ratio, the lowest among Pennsylvania's counties and well below the national benchmark. With median rent at just $769 and homes valued at $98,700, this corner of northwest Pennsylvania offers genuine affordability.
Pennsylvania's most affordable county
McKean ranks as the state's affordable leader, with renters spending only 15% of income on housing versus Pennsylvania's 16.5% average. This advantage flows from modest housing costs ($769 rent, $98,700 median home value) paired with modest but stable incomes.
Beats all nearby counties on price
McKean's $769 median rent undercuts Lycoming ($887), Mercer ($808), and Mifflin ($792) when looking at broader regional affordability. The county's median home value of $98,700 is nearly half that of neighboring Mercer County at $153,600.
The tightest housing-to-income fit
On a $61,705 median income, renters pay $769 monthly (15% of income) and homeowners pay $691 monthly (13.4%). This is Pennsylvania's most favorable housing-cost structure, leaving more income for other necessities.
McKean rewards budget-conscious movers
If affordability tops your relocation priorities, McKean County delivers the lowest housing burden in Pennsylvania. Test-drive the combination of sub-$100K home values and 15% rent ratios against pricier alternatives statewide.
Cost of Living Advisory: McKean County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in McKean County is affordable. The median rent is $769/month against a median household income of $61,705, putting rent at 15.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $769/month rent versus $691/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $78/month cheaper — a 10% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,614/year. With a median household income of $61,705, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in McKean County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Perry County where rent averages $838/month, McKean County is approximately 8% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in McKean County
Rent Burden
15.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,440
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in McKean County
Median home value is $98,700. Estimated monthly cost: $788 vs. your max of $1,440.
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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