Centre County, Pennsylvania

Income Data

+5% vs. Pennsylvania average
$72,748
Median Household Income
$38,732
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$72,748
+5% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$38,732
-2% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
23.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in Pennsylvania
#23 / 67
by median household income

How Centre County Compares

Centre County$72,748
Pennsylvania Average$69,614
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$72,748
Median Household Income
$38,732
Per Capita Income
$308,100
Median Home Value
23.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Centre County, Pennsylvania

Centre slightly above national middle

Centre County's median household income of $72,748 falls nearly even with the national median of $74,755, placing the county right at middle-income status nationwide. Home to Penn State University, the county's diverse economy supports the national-average income despite pockets of student-based housing poverty.

Close to Pennsylvania's average

Centre County ranks near the midpoint of Pennsylvania's 67 counties with a median household income of $72,748—a marginal $3,134 above the state average of $69,614. The presence of Penn State and a robust college-town services sector sustain slightly above-average household earnings.

University drives income above peers

Centre County's $72,748 median income edges above Carbon County ($67,877) and significantly outpaces Cambria ($56,292), reflecting Penn State's outsized economic influence on regional wages. The university effect lifts professional and administrative employment above what rural Appalachian peers experience.

High housing burden despite moderate income

Centre County's 19.5% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these eight counties, signaling housing cost pressure despite a median home value of $308,100. The university town's popularity has driven home values and rents upward faster than median household incomes, squeezing housing affordability.

Navigate student debt and build savings

Centre County's $72,748 median income supports modest wealth-building, though elevated housing costs (19.5% burden) limit savings capacity compared to other counties. Prioritize eliminating high-interest debt, explore employer retirement benefits, and establish automated savings transfers to overcome the housing affordability challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Centre County, Pennsylvania?
The median household income in Centre County, Pennsylvania is $72,748, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Centre County?
The per capita income in Centre County is $38,732, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $72,748.
How does Centre County compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Centre County's median household income of $72,748 is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of $69,614. The per capita income is $38,732, compared to the state average of $37,407.
What is the per capita income in Centre County, Pennsylvania?
The per capita income in Centre County, Pennsylvania is $38,732, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Centre County income higher than the Pennsylvania average?
Centre County's median household income of $72,748 is higher than the Pennsylvania average of $69,614. This difference of $3,134 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Centre County rank for income in Pennsylvania?
Centre County ranks #23 out of 67 counties in Pennsylvania by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $72,748 and per capita income of $38,732, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $72,748 per year

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.