Centre County, Pennsylvania
Income Data
At a Glance
How Centre County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
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.
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.