Cost of Living in Northampton County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Northampton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Northampton County ranks #1,787 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 43%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Northampton County, Pennsylvania
Northampton's ratio reflects Lehigh Valley demand
Northampton County's 18.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds national norms, though a solid $86,687 median income helps offset costs. The $1,335 monthly rent reflects the Lehigh Valley's position as a secondary metro destination driving housing prices upward.
Among Pennsylvania's most expensive
Northampton ranks third in state housing burden at 18.5%, trailing only Monroe (19.6%) and tying with Montgomery at the upper tier. The county's $1,335 median rent is 39% above Pennsylvania's state average, reflecting regional growth pressures.
Lehigh Valley premium over rural options
Northampton's $1,335 rent exceeds all comparison counties except Monroe, while its $285,000 median home value reflects metro-adjacent pricing. The Lehigh Valley location commands a significant premium over central Pennsylvania and northwestern counties.
Both pathways carry substantial burden
Renters spend $1,335 monthly (18.5% of $86,687 income) while homeowners pay $1,418 monthly (19.6%), pushing both groups toward the affordability ceiling. This represents the state's second-highest overall housing pressure after Monroe.
Northampton balances access and cost
If Lehigh Valley proximity matters, Northampton offers moderate savings versus Montgomery while significantly undercutting Monroe's 19.6% burden. Weigh the 18.5% ratio against central Pennsylvania alternatives to confirm the metro access justifies the premium.
Cost of Living Advisory: Northampton County
Affordability Verdict
Northampton County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,335/month representing approximately 18.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 30.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Northampton County is $1,335/month, while owner costs run $1,418/month. Renting saves approximately $83/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $53,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $60,771/year. With a median household income of $86,687, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Northampton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Pennsylvania, Northampton County is more affordable than Cumberland County by roughly 13% ($1,335/mo vs $1,184/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Northampton County
Rent Burden
18.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,023
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.6%
of gross income
The median home in Northampton County may be a stretch
Median home value is $285,000. Estimated monthly cost: $2,275 vs. your max of $2,023.
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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