Erie County, Pennsylvania

Income Data

-12% vs. Pennsylvania average
$61,476
Median Household Income
$34,285
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$61,476
-12% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$34,285
-13% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
36.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in Pennsylvania
#47 / 67
by median household income

How Erie County Compares

Erie County$61,476
Pennsylvania Average$69,614
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$61,476
Median Household Income
$34,285
Per Capita Income
$169,500
Median Home Value
36.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Erie County, Pennsylvania

Erie trails the nation on income

Erie County's median household income of $61,476 falls $13,279 short of the national median of $74,755. While this represents a meaningful gap, Erie households earn more than many rural Pennsylvania counties, positioning the region in the middle of the national income spectrum.

Below average for Pennsylvania

Erie's median household income ranks below Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614, placing it in the lower half of the state's 67 counties. The $8,138 gap suggests Erie faces steeper affordability challenges than much of the state.

Erie earns more than western peers

Erie's $61,476 income outpaces nearby Forest County ($50,061) and Indiana County ($58,739), but falls short of Franklin County's $74,946. Among this cluster of northwestern and western counties, Erie occupies the middle ground.

Rent remains affordable here

At 17.1% of income, Erie's rent-to-income ratio sits at the national comfort threshold, meaning most households can afford local housing without financial strain. With a median home value of $169,500, homeownership remains achievable for middle-income families.

Build savings despite income gaps

Erie households earning $61,476 should prioritize automated savings and low-cost index funds to bridge the national income gap over time. Even modest monthly investments can compound significantly; consulting a financial advisor about homeownership timelines and retirement planning strengthens long-term wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Erie County, Pennsylvania?
The median household income in Erie County, Pennsylvania is $61,476, 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 Erie County?
The per capita income in Erie County is $34,285, 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 $61,476.
How does Erie County compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Erie County's median household income of $61,476 is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of $69,614. The per capita income is $34,285, compared to the state average of $37,407.
What is the per capita income in Erie County, Pennsylvania?
The per capita income in Erie County, Pennsylvania is $34,285, 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 Erie County a low-income area in Pennsylvania?
Erie County's median household income of $61,476 is below the Pennsylvania average of $69,614. The per capita income of $34,285 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 Erie County rank for income in Pennsylvania?
Erie County ranks #47 out of 67 counties in Pennsylvania by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $61,476 and per capita income of $34,285, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Erie County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Erie County median

County median: $61,476 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-12%

vs. National Median

-18%

vs. Erie County MedianAbout equal
vs. Pennsylvania Average12% below
vs. National Median18% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.8x

Your monthly income ($5,123) vs. median rent ($876/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Erie County, Pennsylvania? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in Pennsylvania

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates

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