Cost of Living in Clarion, PA

Population 4,202 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

56
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $42,063, median household incomes in Clarion land roughly 44% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. A poverty rate near 24% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.

Clarion is about 60 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 20% lower than Pittsburgh's $193,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 51
Rent 64

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Clarion

The median home value in Clarion is $155,300 — 49% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $840/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $42,063/year is 44% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Pennsylvania's top state income tax rate is 3.1% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 56.9°F and lows of 38.6°F. Overall, Clarion has a cost of living index of 56 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 44% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$155,300
49% below avg
Median Rent
$840/mo
36% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.4x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$779
1 BR
$871
2 BR
$1,065
3 BR
$1,337
4 BR
$1,547
Owner-occupied 41.2%
Renter-occupied 58.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$840
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,454/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
15.7 min
42% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
66.8%
Carpooled
5.9%
Public transit
1.5%
Walked
17.1%
Work from home
8.4%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 3.1%
Total Sales Tax 6.3%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.3%
Property Tax 1.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$42,063
44% below avg
Per Capita Income
$26,239
Unemployment Rate
9.9%
105% above avg
Poverty Rate
23.9%
Labor Force Participation
70.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 24.1%
Graduate degree 22.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 23.9
Male median age 24.4
Female median age 23.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
56.9°F
Avg Low
38.6°F
Annual Precip
42.4"
10° 28° 45° 63° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 323544586875797871594736
Low °F 171926374755595851413223
Precip" 2.932.383.263.723.694.664.363.893.963.403.212.96

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

95%
4-Year Graduation Rate
12.6:1
Student-teacher ratio
2
Public schools
730
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Clarion, PA?

Clarion has a cost index of 56 (100 = national average). It is 44% below the national average.

What is average rent in Clarion, PA?

The median gross rent in Clarion is $840 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Clarion?

The median home value in Clarion is $155,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Clarion?

The median household income in Clarion is $42,063 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Clarion, PA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Clarion is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.

Is Clarion, PA affordable?

Yes, Clarion is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 56 — about 44% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Clarion?

Clarion has average high temperatures of 56.9°F and average lows of 38.6°F. Annual precipitation is 42.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Clarion at a Glance

Population
4,202
Median Income
$42,063
Home Value
$155,300
Median Rent
$840/mo
Unemployment
9.9%
Avg High Temp
56.9°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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