Cost of Living in Somerset County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Somerset County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Somerset County ranks #720 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 23%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Somerset County, Pennsylvania
Somerset Achieves Excellent Affordability
Somerset County renters spend just 15.1% of income on housing, matching Pennsylvania's best performers and beating the national standard. Median household income of $59,378 falls below the national median of $74,755, yet residents here maintain superior housing affordability through remarkably low rents.
Top-Tier Pennsylvania Affordability
Somerset County ranks among Pennsylvania's most affordable counties, with a 15.1% rent-to-income ratio tied with Schuylkill County. The county demonstrates that lower incomes don't prevent affordability when housing costs remain reasonable.
Among the Most Affordable Rents
Somerset's $749 median rent is the second-lowest in this survey, trailing only Potter County's $767, while median home values of $130,600 are the lowest here. The county rivals Potter for rural affordability while offering slightly different amenities and regional positioning.
Nearly Identical Renting and Owning
Somerset renters pay $749 monthly (15.1% of income), while homeowners spend nearly identical $751—one of the most balanced markets in the survey. The median home value of $130,600 is the lowest here, providing exceptional homeownership access for middle-income buyers.
Somerset: Rural Affordability, Strong Value
If you're prioritizing affordability and considering rural Pennsylvania, Somerset County delivers among the lowest rents and home values in the state. For families relocating on tight budgets, Somerset's combination of low costs and balanced housing markets offers genuine economic relief.
Cost of Living Advisory: Somerset County
Affordability Verdict
Somerset County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $749/month — about 15.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $749/month rent versus $751/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $2/month cheaper — a 0% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,186/year. With a median household income of $59,378, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Somerset County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Pennsylvania, Somerset County is less affordable than Crawford County by roughly 6% ($749/mo vs $800/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Somerset County
Rent Burden
15.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,385
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Somerset County
Median home value is $130,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,043 vs. your max of $1,385.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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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