Cost of Living in Lehighton, PA

Population 5,268 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

67
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Lehighton is a smaller Pennsylvania community of around 5000 residents, where median household incomes of $62,083 and housing costs ($199,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, Lehighton sits roughly 20 miles northwest of Allentown. Housing prices track closely with Allentown's $189,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 65
Rent 71

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

About the Cost of Living in Lehighton

The median home value in Lehighton is $198,600 — 35% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $928/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,083/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, 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 63.3°F and lows of 42.8°F, with about 33.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Lehighton has a cost of living index of 67 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 33% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$198,600
35% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$269,503
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$928/mo
29% below avg
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 54.4%
Renter-occupied 45.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$928
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,542/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
25.3 min
6% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
66.5%
Carpooled
19.4%
Walked
5.8%
Work from home
6.4%

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
$62,083
17% below avg
Per Capita Income
$32,177
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
27% above avg
Poverty Rate
13.1%
Labor Force Participation
61.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 8.0%
Graduate degree 7.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.1
Male median age 38.5
Female median age 43.3

🌤 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

97%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14.7:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
2,369
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lehighton, PA?

Lehighton has a cost index of 67 (100 = national average). It is 33% below the national average.

What is average rent in Lehighton, PA?

The median gross rent in Lehighton is $928 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lehighton?

The median home value in Lehighton is $198,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Lehighton?

The median household income in Lehighton is $62,083 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lehighton, PA?

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

Is Lehighton, PA affordable?

Yes, Lehighton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 67 — about 33% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Lehighton?

Lehighton 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.

Lehighton at a Glance

Population
5,268
Median Income
$62,083
Home Value
$198,600
Median Rent
$928/mo
Unemployment
6.1%
Avg High Temp
63.3°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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