Cost of Living in Washington County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Washington County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Washington County ranks #1,088 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Washington County, Pennsylvania
Washington County: Strong Income, Great Affordability
Washington County's median income of $77,487 tops this eight-county cluster and exceeds the national average of $74,755, while its 14.3% rent-to-income ratio is the best in the group. Renters spending $922/month benefit from substantial income cushion.
Washington Leads Pennsylvania in Affordability
Washington County ranks as Pennsylvania's most affordable county for renters with a 14.3% rent-to-income ratio, beating the state average of 16.5% by over 2 percentage points. The county combines strong median income ($77,487) with moderate housing costs, a rare combination.
High Income Enables Comfortable Living
Washington's $922 rent and $1,009 mortgage represent the region's highest housing costs, but pair with the cluster's highest median income ($77,487), making them entirely manageable. Home values at $220,600 reflect a healthy, stable real estate market.
Washington: Maximum Flexibility for Households
Washington residents earning $77,487 dedicate just 14.3% to rent ($922/month) or proportional amounts to mortgages ($1,009/month), keeping over 85% of income for other priorities. This provides exceptional financial breathing room compared to other Pennsylvania counties.
Washington County for Affluent Relocators
Washington County combines Pennsylvania's best affordability ratio (14.3%), the cluster's highest income ($77,487), and a healthy real estate market ($220,600 median homes). If you earn above $70,000, Washington delivers superior economic fundamentals with manageable housing costs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Washington County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Washington County is affordable. The median rent is $922/month against a median household income of $77,487, putting rent at 14.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $922/month rent versus $1,009/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $87/month cheaper — a 9% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $43,243/year. With a median household income of $77,487, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Washington County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Pennsylvania, Washington County is less affordable than Lackawanna County by roughly 5% ($922/mo vs $973/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Washington County
Rent Burden
14.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,808
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Washington County
Median home value is $220,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,761 vs. your max of $1,808.
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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