IncomeBy County

Elk County, Pennsylvania

Income Data

-8% vs. Pennsylvania average
$64,103
Median Household Income
$35,683
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$64,103
-8% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$35,683
-10% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
49.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Pennsylvania
#38 / 67
by median household income

How Elk County Compares

Elk County$64,103
Pennsylvania Average$69,614
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$64,103
Median Household Income
$35,683
Per Capita Income
$128,600
Median Home Value
49.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Elk County, Pennsylvania

Elk trails national income but shows strength

Elk County's median household income of $64,103 falls $10,652 short of the national median of $74,755, a 14.3% gap. While below the U.S. average, Elk outperforms most peers in this rural county sample. The regional economy shows relative resilience compared to surrounding areas.

Middle-tier earner in Pennsylvania

Elk County's $64,103 median household income trails Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by $5,511, but ranks above half the counties in this eight-county sample. Per capita income of $35,683 similarly performs above several peers. Elk's position suggests a relatively diversified rural economy with modest economic health.

Strongest performer among western peers

Elk's $64,103 ranks third in this eight-county comparison, behind only Delaware ($88,576) and Cumberland ($85,634), and ahead of Dauphin ($74,159). Elk notably outpaces western neighbors Clearfield ($60,181), Clinton ($58,842), and Crawford ($60,254) by meaningful margins. This leadership position reflects either better economic diversification or higher workforce participation.

Most affordable housing in the sample

Elk County's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this entire eight-county sample, meaning renters spend just $720 monthly on average. The median home value of $128,600 is highly accessible relative to household income, providing exceptional affordability. This cost advantage creates significant opportunities for wealth building through homeownership.

Buy now and build generational wealth

Elk residents should capitalize on America's lowest rent burden in this sample by purchasing homes and building substantial equity. With modest incomes but exceptional affordability, strategic real estate investment can generate decades of appreciating value. Pair homeownership with consistent retirement contributions to create meaningful, generational wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Elk County, Pennsylvania?
The median household income in Elk County, Pennsylvania is $64,103, 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 Elk County?
The per capita income in Elk County is $35,683, 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 $64,103.
How does Elk County compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Elk County's median household income of $64,103 is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of $69,614. The per capita income is $35,683, compared to the state average of $37,407.
What is the per capita income in Elk County, Pennsylvania?
The per capita income in Elk County, Pennsylvania is $35,683, 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 Elk County a low-income area in Pennsylvania?
Elk County's median household income of $64,103 is below the Pennsylvania average of $69,614. The per capita income of $35,683 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 Elk County rank for income in Pennsylvania?
Elk County ranks #38 out of 67 counties in Pennsylvania by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $64,103 and per capita income of $35,683, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Elk County

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Your income is above the Elk County median

County median: $64,103 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-8%

vs. National Median

-14%

vs. Elk County MedianAbout equal
vs. Pennsylvania Average▼ 8% below
vs. National Median▼ 14% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent7.4x

Your monthly income ($5,342) vs. median rent ($720/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

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$64,080
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$64,163
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Wright County
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$64,033
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Richmond County
Virginia
$64,184
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Logan County
Illinois
$64,188
+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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