IncomeBy County

Columbia County, Pennsylvania

Income Data

-11% vs. Pennsylvania average
$61,992
Median Household Income
$32,432
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$61,992
-11% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$32,432
-18% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
31.1%
income as % of home value
Rank in Pennsylvania
#44 / 67
by median household income

How Columbia County Compares

Columbia County$61,992
Pennsylvania Average$69,614
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$61,992
Median Household Income
$32,432
Per Capita Income
$199,200
Median Home Value
31.1%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Columbia County, Pennsylvania

Columbia income moderately below U.S. average

Columbia County's median household income of $61,992 sits $12,763 below the national median of $74,755, a 17.1% shortfall. While below the U.S. average, Columbia performs better than its most rural peers in this county set. The gap highlights the persistent income challenge across Pennsylvania's non-metro regions.

Below state average but competitive locally

Columbia County's $61,992 median household income trails Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by $7,622, but ranks in the middle tier of this eight-county comparison. Per capita income of $32,432 is similarly middle-ranked. Columbia's position reflects a regional economy stronger than the most rural counties but weaker than the state's wealthier areas.

Mid-range earner among regional peers

Columbia's $61,992 median household income ranks third among the eight-county sample, ahead of Clearfield, Clinton, and Crawford. Elk County ($64,103) and Crawford County ($60,254) bracket Columbia closely, suggesting relatively uniform economic conditions across north-central Pennsylvania. This clustering reflects shared reliance on manufacturing and agriculture.

Housing costs are rising faster than income

Columbia's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio is slightly elevated for this county set, meaning renters spend roughly $905 monthly on average. The median home value of $199,200 is higher relative to household income than in western PA counties, signaling tighter affordability. Future wage growth will be essential to maintain housing accessibility as property values continue climbing.

Act now before housing costs squeeze savings

Columbia residents should prioritize wealth-building while housing remains somewhat affordable, before prices accelerate further. Lock in favorable mortgage rates if buying soon, and maximize tax-deferred retirement contributions to reduce taxable income. Even $200–300 monthly to a diversified investment portfolio compounds significantly over 20–30 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Columbia County, Pennsylvania?
The median household income in Columbia County, Pennsylvania is $61,992, 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 Columbia County?
The per capita income in Columbia County is $32,432, 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 $61,992.
How does Columbia County compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Columbia County's median household income of $61,992 is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of $69,614. The per capita income is $32,432, compared to the state average of $37,407.
What is the per capita income in Columbia County, Pennsylvania?
The per capita income in Columbia County, Pennsylvania is $32,432, 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.
Is Columbia County a low-income area in Pennsylvania?
Columbia County's median household income of $61,992 is below the Pennsylvania average of $69,614. The per capita income of $32,432 is also lower than the state average of $37,407. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Columbia County rank for income in Pennsylvania?
Columbia County ranks #44 out of 67 counties in Pennsylvania by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $61,992 and per capita income of $32,432, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Columbia County

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Your income is above the Columbia County median

County median: $61,992 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-11%

vs. National Median

-17%

vs. Columbia County MedianAbout equal
vs. Pennsylvania Average▼ 11% below
vs. National Median▼ 17% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.7x

Your monthly income ($5,166) vs. median rent ($904/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Gordon County
Georgia
$61,997
+0%
Allen County
Ohio
$62,001
+0%
Washita County
Oklahoma
$61,980
+0%
Highland County
Ohio
$62,008
+0%
Linn County
Missouri
$61,975
+0%
Carlisle County
Kentucky
$62,019
+0%
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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.

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