Cost of Living in Jim Thorpe, PA

Population 4,534 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

60
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in Jim Thorpe can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $177,000 against $70,625 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.9% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Jim Thorpe sits roughly 25 miles northwest of Allentown — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Allentown's $189,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 58
Rent 63

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

About the Cost of Living in Jim Thorpe

The median home value in Jim Thorpe is $177,400 — 42% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $831/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,625/year is 5% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, below 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 63.3°F and lows of 42.8°F, with about 33.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Jim Thorpe has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$177,400
42% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,208,379
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$831/mo
37% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,747/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.8x
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 84.1%
Renter-occupied 15.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$831
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,445/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
34.9 min
29% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
87.3%
Carpooled
6.6%
Walked
0.7%
Work from home
5.4%

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
$70,625
5% below avg
Per Capita Income
$36,937
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
39% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.6%
Labor Force Participation
58.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.8%
Graduate degree 9.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 49.9
Male median age 51.1
Female median age 49.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
63.3°F
Avg Low
42.8°F
Annual Precip
47.4"
Annual Snowfall
33.1"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 384251637482868477665443
Low °F 222331405160656355443427
Precip" 3.302.773.633.673.654.405.304.564.844.143.243.86
Snow" 9.810.86.30.50.00.00.00.00.00.20.94.6

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.9:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
2,064
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Jim Thorpe, PA?

Jim Thorpe has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.

What is average rent in Jim Thorpe, PA?

The median gross rent in Jim Thorpe is $831 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Jim Thorpe?

The median home value in Jim Thorpe is $177,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Jim Thorpe?

The median household income in Jim Thorpe is $70,625 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Jim Thorpe, PA?

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

Is Jim Thorpe, PA affordable?

Yes, Jim Thorpe is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Jim Thorpe?

Jim Thorpe has average high temperatures of 63.3°F and average lows of 42.8°F. Annual precipitation is 47.4". Average annual snowfall is 33.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Jim Thorpe at a Glance

Population
4,534
Median Income
$70,625
Home Value
$177,400
Median Rent
$831/mo
Unemployment
2.9%
Avg High Temp
63.3°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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