Cost of Living in Potter County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Potter County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Potter County ranks #686 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 22%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Potter County, Pennsylvania
Potter County Beats National Affordability
Potter County renters spend just 15.4% of income on housing, outperforming both the national average and Pennsylvania's 16.5% state average. Though median household income of $59,840 trails the national median of $74,755, residents here benefit from among the lowest rents in the surveyed counties.
Top Tier for Pennsylvania Affordability
Potter County ranks among Pennsylvania's most affordable counties, with a 15.4% rent-to-income ratio that reflects robust affordability for renters. The county's rural character keeps housing costs remarkably low while maintaining stable household incomes.
Pennsylvania's Most Affordable Rents
Potter County's $767 median rent is the lowest among all surveyed Pennsylvania counties, matching Northumberland's affordability while supporting slightly lower incomes. The county competes favorably even with rural peers like Somerset ($749) and Schuylkill ($842), making it a clear affordability leader.
Minimal Housing Cost Burden
At $59,840 median household income, Potter renters allocate just $767 monthly to gross rent, consuming only 15.4% of paychecks. Homeowners pay similarly modest $720 monthly, with a median home value of $146,200 that remains accessible to middle-income buyers.
Potter: Rural Affordability at Its Best
If affordability is your top priority and you're willing to embrace rural Pennsylvania, Potter County delivers the lowest rents in this survey alongside reasonable home values. Compare Potter's 15.4% rent burden to Philadelphia's 26.2% and you'll see the dramatic savings rural relocation can provide.
Cost of Living Advisory: Potter County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Potter County is affordable. The median rent is $767/month against a median household income of $59,840, putting rent at 15.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Potter County is $767/month, while owner costs run $720/month. Owning saves approximately $47/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,857/year. With a median household income of $59,840, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Potter County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Pennsylvania, Potter County is more affordable than Cameron County by roughly 10% ($767/mo vs $699/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Potter County
Rent Burden
15.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,396
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Potter County
Median home value is $146,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,167 vs. your max of $1,396.
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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