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State

Data from November 2026

Housing , home prices, rents and assistance in Pennsylvania (2026)

A typical home in Pennsylvania is worth $254,500; the typical rent is $1,209 a month. Depending on the county, the FHA limit for a one-unit home is between $541,287 and $630,200. 75 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve Pennsylvania; 32 say they serve you in Spanish.

Most populous:

Typical home value by county

  • Under $153,000
  • $153,000–$179,000
  • $179,000–$216,400
  • $216,400–$257,300
  • $257,300 or more

Tap the map to see each county’s figure and open its page.

Typical home value
$254,500
24% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $332,700
Typical rent per month
$1,209
14% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $1,413
Typical household income
$77,971
3% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $80,734
FHA limit, 1 unit
$541,287 to $630,200
It changes by county. The highest applies in 5 counties.
U.S.: $541,287 to $1,299,500
Property tax
1.3%
of value a year
The typical bill is $3,311 a year.
U.S.: 0.94%

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD)

In short

Living in Pennsylvania

A typical home in Pennsylvania is worth $254,500, 24% less than in the country overall. Across its 67 counties, the typical value runs from $88,900 in Cameron County to $485,600 in Chester County. A typical household earns $77,971 a year and pays $1,209 a month in rent; 48% of renters put 30% or more of their income toward housing. 69% of households live in a home they own; they pay a typical property tax of $3,311 a year, about 1.3% of value.

The conforming loan limit for a one-unit home runs from $832,750 to $1,209,750 depending on the county. To pay HUD’s fair rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Pennsylvania ($1,528) without spending more than 30% of income, you need about $29.38 an hour working full time.

Source: Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Data from 2026 data Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

The essentials in Pennsylvania

More on property tax

  • Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program (PTRR)

    Older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older, homeowners or renters, can receive a rebate of $380 to $1,000 based on income; some qualify for a supplement. You apply each year to the Department of Revenue; Spanish materials are available.

    Pennsylvania Department of Revenue · Verified October 23, 2026

  • Property Tax/Rent Rebate: who qualifies and the deadline

    The rebate is for Pennsylvania homeowners and renters who are 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, or people with disabilities 18 or older. Household income must also be $48,110 or less a year. For 2025 rebates, the deadline to submit the application is December 31, 2026; applications postmarked by that date are accepted.

    Pennsylvania Department of Revenue · Verified October 31, 2026

  • Homestead exclusion from school property tax (apply by March 1)

    Under the Taxpayer Relief Act, the State sends school districts funds to lower the property tax on owner-occupied homes: each home's assessed value is reduced by the same amount before the tax is computed. Only a primary residence qualifies. You apply by the preceding March 1; ask your county assessment office for the form.

    Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) · Verified October 31, 2026

  • Appealing the assessment to the county board: 40 days or September 1

    If the county changes your assessment or sets a new one, the notice must say you may appeal to the board within 40 days of the notice date. Also, every year you can appeal any assessment, changed or not, by filing a written appeal by September 1 or the date the county commissioners set (no earlier than August 1).

    Pennsylvania General Assembly (Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes) · Verified October 31, 2026

  • State realty transfer tax (1 percent) plus local tax

    The State charges 1 percent of the value of real estate transferred by deed; buyer and seller are jointly liable, though in practice they often split it. County recorders of deeds also collect a local realty transfer tax (in most places another 1 percent; each locality sets it).

    Pennsylvania Department of Revenue · Verified October 23, 2026

The homes here

Housing in Pennsylvania

What homes there are in Pennsylvania, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).

What homes there are

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Kind of home

In Pennsylvania, 6 in 10 homes are single-family detached houses; in the U.S., 6.

Year built

The typical home in Pennsylvania was built in 1965, 15 years before the typical one in the U.S..

In Pennsylvania, 65% of homes have 3 bedrooms or more, more than in the U.S. (61%).

All homes, occupied or empty. A figure the Census cannot measure precisely enough here is not shown.

Census tables: B25024, B25034, B25035, B25041

What it costs here

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Value of owner-occupied homes

The largest group of owner-occupied homes in Pennsylvania is worth between $300K and $500K: 26%.

Monthly rent with utilities

The largest group of rented homes in Pennsylvania pays between $1,000 and $1,499 a month: 33%.

With a mortgage

$1,762 a month

United States: $1,963 a month

Without a mortgage

$644 a month

United States: $638 a month

Owners with a mortgage

58%

United States: 61%

Owning costs less in Pennsylvania: with a mortgage, the typical cost is $1,762 a month; in the U.S., $1,963. Without one, $644.

Value: what owners think their home is worth. Rent: rent plus utilities, for homes of every size. The FHA limit is the most an FHA loan (Federal Housing Administration) lends for a one-unit home; the fair market rent (FMR) is the one HUD uses for housing vouchers.

Census tables: B25075, B25063, B25088, B25081

How it changed

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024

Change since 2015–2019

Homes in Pennsylvania gained value more slowly than in the U.S.: 41% since 2015–2019, against 53%.

The typical rent in Pennsylvania rose 29% over the same time; in the U.S., it rose 33%.

While home values in Pennsylvania changed +41% and rent +29%, the typical household income rose 26%.

Change between two 5-year periods that do not overlap, in each period's dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

Census tables: B25077, B25064, B19013

How people live

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

MeasurePennsylvaniaUnited States
Rental vacancy 4.9%5.5%
Homeowner vacancy 0.8%0.9%
More than one person per room 1.6%3.4%
People per household 2.392.53
Drive alone 68%69%
Carpool 8%9%
Public transit 4%3%
Walk or bike 4%3%
Work from home 16%15%
Other means 1%2%
Typical commute 20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes

Much as in the U.S., the rental vacancy rate in Pennsylvania is 4.9%.

In Pennsylvania, 1.6% of households live with more than one person per room, against 3.4% in the U.S..

Households in Pennsylvania are smaller: 2.39 people on average; in the U.S., 2.53.

In Pennsylvania, 68% of workers drive alone to work; in the U.S., 69%.

Vacancy: empty homes offered for rent or for sale. Rooms: every room in the home, not only bedrooms. Commute: the minute range of the typical worker.

Census tables: B25004, B25003, B25014, B25010, B08301, B08303

Places

Explore the counties in Pennsylvania

Sort by any column or type a name. The 25 most populous are shown; the button reveals the rest.

See the counties page

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

Calculator

Work out your payment in Pennsylvania

Start from the typical home value in Pennsylvania, $254,500, and this week’s average rate. Move the price and the down payment to see your monthly payment. If you already visited a county, the calculator uses its numbers.

More math for Pennsylvania

$
%

Estimated monthly payment

$2,187

FHA loan over 30 years, with estimated taxes and insurance.

See the full calculation

Prices and risks

Three official measures that help you decide: how much home prices have changed according to FHFA, how prices compare with the national average according to BEA, and how many homes sit in a flood zone according to FEMA.

Home prices

How have home prices changed?

According to the FHFA House Price Index, home prices in Pennsylvania rose 77% in the 10 years through 2025.

Price change each year

Period Pennsylvania United States
In 2025 +4.7% +2.9%
5 years (2020–2025) +48% +47%
10 years (2015–2025) +77% +85%

The index follows the prices of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals on loans bought or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual state indexes experimental.

Source: FHFA House Price Index (HPI) Data from 2025 data FHFA House Price Index (HPI)

Cost of living

How expensive are prices here?

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), in 2024 prices in Pennsylvania were 2% lower than the U.S. average. Housing rents were 15% lower than nationwide.

Category Pennsylvania United States Versus the U.S.
All prices Consumer goods and services 97.6 100.0 2% less
Housing rents What renters pay 85.1 100.6 15% less
Water, power and gas Water, sewer, electricity and gas 109.3 98.4 11% more
Goods Food, clothing, transportation and more 99.4 99.6 about the same
Other services Services other than rent 99.8 100.1 about the same

BEA expresses each index as a percentage of the average U.S. price level: a higher number means higher prices, and a lower one, lower prices.

Source: Regional price parities (BEA) Data from 2024 data Regional price parities (BEA)

Flooding

Is there a flood risk?

According to FEMA, in Pennsylvania 2% of homes (92,246) are in a high-risk flood zone. Of those homes, 23% have NFIP flood insurance.

  • A high-risk zone (Special Flood Hazard Area) has a 1% or greater chance of flooding each year. 44 CFR 59.1
  • If the home is in that zone and the loan comes from a regulated lender, federal law requires flood insurance for the life of the loan, in communities that take part in the NFIP. 42 U.S.C. 4012a
  • Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. FEMA, FloodSmart
Pennsylvania United States
Homes in a high-risk zone 2% 3.5%
Of those, with NFIP insurance 23% 48%
All homes with NFIP insurance 0.7% 2.9%

The NFIP is the federal flood insurance program; private policies are not counted. FEMA counts homes with its National Structure Inventory. We add up the county figures FEMA publishes.

Look up your address on FEMA’s map Source: Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA) As of August 3, 2026 Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA)

Places

Cities in Pennsylvania

The 16 most populous cities with a page. Each one compares its prices and rents with its county.

See the other cities (257)

    Help to buy

    Assistance programs in Pennsylvania

    Our list has 4 official programs that help you buy in Pennsylvania. Each card says what kind of help it gives and when we checked its official page.

    See all 4 programs
    1. Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan

      Pennsylvania state agency loan for the down payment and closing costs: up to 4% of the price or $6,000, at 0%, repaid over 10 years. Offered by Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).

      Repayable Verified November 5, 2026

    2. Keystone Forgivable in Ten Years Loan Program (K-FIT)

      PHFA second loan of 5% of the price (or the appraised value, whichever is lower) for the down payment and closing costs, forgiven 10% each year over ten years; it goes with the Keystone Home Loan mortgage. Offered by Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).

      Forgivable Verified November 5, 2026

    3. Keystone Due At Time of Expiration Loan Program (K-DATE)

      PHFA 0% second loan with no monthly payments, of 5% of the price (8% if the loan is $150,000 or less, as funds allow) for the down payment and closing costs; repaid when you sell, refinance or pay off the mortgage. Offered by Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).

      Deferred Verified November 5, 2026

    Tenant rights

    Tenant rights in Pennsylvania

    Pennsylvania law answers 4 of these 5 questions, each answer with its citation. Where it says “Data not available”, we have not verified it against the source yet.

    A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

    See every right

    1. How much can they charge for a deposit?

      During the first year of a lease, the landlord may not require more than two months' rent as a deposit (escrow funds). From the second year on, the deposit may not exceed one month's rent.

      68 P.S. §250.511a(a)-(b)

    2. When must they return my deposit?

      Within 30 days after the lease ends or you surrender the home, the landlord must give you a written list of damages charged and return the difference of the deposit. Missing the list in 30 days forfeits the right to withhold anything; failing to pay the difference makes the landlord liable for double. You must give your new address in writing.

      68 P.S. §250.512(a)

    3. If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?

      If you fail to pay rent on demand, the notice to quit must give you 10 days from service to move out. Note: many Pennsylvania leases contain a valid waiver of this notice; check your lease.

      68 P.S. §250.501(b)

    4. How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?

      At the end of the term or for a lease breach, the notice to quit must give you 15 days if the lease was for one year or less or for an indeterminate time (month to month), and 30 days if it was for more than one year.

      68 P.S. §250.501(b)

    5. Are there limits on late fees?

      Data not available

    A mother holding her baby watches her daughter blow bubbles outdoors.

    Help and advice

    Who can help you in Pennsylvania?

    You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counselor gives independent advice on buying, renting, late payments and credit, often free or at low cost.

    75 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve Pennsylvania; 32 say they serve you in Spanish. Choose your county to see the closest ones with their phone number.

    85 public housing authorities run Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Pennsylvania.

    See all 75 agencies See the housing agencies

    Who runs the help in Pennsylvania

    • Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)

      The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) offers assistance loans used with its mortgages. Keystone Advantage gives up to 4 percent of the price or market value, or $6,000 (whichever is less), for down payment and closing costs; it is repaid monthly over ten years at 0 percent interest. K-FIT gives 5 percent of the lesser of the price or appraised value and is forgiven 10 percent a year over ten years. Both require a minimum credit score of 660.

      The agency's official page · Verified October 31, 2026

    Where to file a complaint in Pennsylvania

    • Complaints to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC): generally 180 days

      If you believe you faced illegal discrimination, you generally have 180 days from when it happened to file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC). You can email the PHRC or call your regional office.

      Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) · Verified October 31, 2026

    • What Pennsylvania law adds to federal fair housing law

      Under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), it is illegal in housing to discriminate based on race (including protective hairstyles), color, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), age (over 40), religious creed, national origin, ancestry, familial status (children under 18), disability, or the use, handling or training of a guide or support animal for a disability. Retaliation is also illegal.

      Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) · Verified October 31, 2026

    • Insurance complaints to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department

      To file a complaint or ask a question about your insurance, use the Pennsylvania Insurance Department's Consumer Services Online (CSO) Portal, not the Contact Us form. You can also call 1-877-881-6388. If a company cancels your policy in error or fails to send proper cancellation notice, file a complaint through the portal.

      Pennsylvania Insurance Department · Verified October 31, 2026

    • Pennsylvania FAIR Plan (basic fire insurance)

      Pennsylvania's FAIR Plan guarantees that basic fire insurance is available for your home. You can learn more at www.pafairplan.com or by calling 1-800-462-4972.

      Pennsylvania Insurance Department (Homeowners Insurance Guide) · Verified October 31, 2026

    Guides

    Guides for you in Pennsylvania

    We picked them with the numbers of Pennsylvania. Each one says why it can help you.

    Frequently asked questions about housing in Pennsylvania

    What is the FHA limit in Pennsylvania in 2026?

    In Pennsylvania, the FHA limit for a one-unit home runs from $541,287 to $630,200. The highest is in Bucks County.

    How much does a typical home cost in Pennsylvania?

    The typical home value in Pennsylvania is $254,500 (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). The highest is in Chester County ($485,600) and the lowest in Cameron County ($88,900).

    How much does it cost to rent in Pennsylvania?

    The typical rent in Pennsylvania is $1,209 a month (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    How much do you need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Pennsylvania?

    At HUD's average fair market rent in Pennsylvania ($1,528, Fiscal year 2027), about $29.38 an hour working full time, so rent stays under 30% of income.

    How much is property tax in Pennsylvania?

    The typical property tax in Pennsylvania is $3,311 a year, about 1.3% of home value (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    Where can I find free help in Spanish to buy a home in Pennsylvania?

    There are 75 HUD-approved counseling agencies in Pennsylvania; 32 say they serve you in Spanish. Each county page lists the closest ones with their phone number.

    Sources: American Community Survey (Average 2020–2024); FHA mortgage limits (2026 data); Conforming loan limits (2026 data); Fair Market Rents (Fiscal year 2027); HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Public Housing Agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); FHFA House Price Index (2025 data); Homes with flood insurance (As of August 3, 2026); Regional price parities (2024 data); Census Bureau cartographic boundary files (2024 data).