Cost of Living in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Schuylkill County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Schuylkill County ranks #1,750 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 44%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania
Schuylkill Provides Solid Affordability
Schuylkill County renters spend 15.1% of income on housing, below Pennsylvania's 16.5% average and well below the national benchmark. With median household income of $66,901—below the national median of $74,755—residents still achieve strong housing affordability through modest rents.
Upper Tier of Pennsylvania Affordability
Schuylkill County ranks among the top performers statewide for housing affordability, with a 15.1% rent-to-income ratio that reflects healthy economic conditions. The county balances modest incomes with reasonable rents, making homeownership and renting both accessible.
Affordable Anthracite Region Hub
Schuylkill County's $842 rent sits between nearby Potter County ($767) and Snyder County ($890), while median home values of $140,400 are the lowest among surveyed counties. The county offers a middle ground for those seeking rural affordability with slightly more amenities than Potter.
Balanced Costs Across Housing Types
Schuylkill renters pay $842 monthly (15.1% of income), while homeowners spend nearly identical $817—among the most balanced ratios in this survey. The median home value of $140,400 is the lowest here, suggesting accessible homeownership for middle-income households.
Schuylkill Offers Balanced Housing Options
If you're seeking affordable rents with reasonable homeownership costs, Schuylkill County delivers both in a stable rural setting. The county's low home values and manageable rents make it attractive for families or retirees relocating from higher-cost urban areas.
Cost of Living Advisory: Schuylkill County
Affordability Verdict
Schuylkill County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $842/month — about 15.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Schuylkill County is $842/month, while owner costs run $817/month. Owning saves approximately $25/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,014/year. With a median household income of $66,901, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Schuylkill County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Clearfield County where rent averages $788/month, Schuylkill County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Schuylkill County
Rent Burden
15.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,561
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Schuylkill County
Median home value is $140,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,121 vs. your max of $1,561.
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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