Cost of Living in Mercer County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Mercer County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Mercer County ranks #1,495 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 48%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Mercer County, Pennsylvania
Mercer stays slightly ahead nationally
Mercer County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio edges out the national standard, offering mild affordability advantages on a $60,614 median income. Rent averages $808 monthly, keeping housing costs lean for a county below the national income median.
Among Pennsylvania's most affordable
Mercer ranks near the top of Pennsylvania's affordability ladder with a 16.0% rent-to-income ratio, beating the state average of 16.5%. The county's $808 median rent reflects a consistent pattern of lower housing costs across western Pennsylvania.
The middle ground of northwest PA
Mercer's $808 rent sits between McKean ($769) and Lycoming ($887), while its $153,600 median home value bridges the gap between McKean's $98,700 and Lycoming's $195,600. The county offers a balanced third option for those exploring the region.
Balanced renting and ownership costs
Renters allocate $808 monthly (16% of $60,614 income) while homeowners pay $767 monthly (15.2%). This symmetry makes Mercer appealing for both demographics, with neither group overextended on housing.
Mercer splits the difference regionally
Seeking the sweet spot between McKean's rock-bottom costs and Lycoming's slightly higher values? Mercer offers balanced housing prices and ownership affordability across a stable regional job market.
Cost of Living Advisory: Mercer County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Mercer County is affordable. The median rent is $808/month against a median household income of $60,614, putting rent at 16.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $808/month rent versus $767/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $41/month cheaper — a 5% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,871/year. With a median household income of $60,614, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Mercer County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Pennsylvania, Mercer County is more affordable than Warren County by roughly 7% ($808/mo vs $756/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Mercer County
Rent Burden
16.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,414
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Mercer County
Median home value is $153,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,226 vs. your max of $1,414.
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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