Cost of Living in Lewistown, PA

Population 8,505 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

43
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Lewistown run well below national norms — a median of $40,179 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $99,000). A poverty rate near 32% 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.

Geographically, Lewistown lies roughly 105 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Baltimore. Median home values run roughly 55% lower than Baltimore's $219,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 32
Rent 58

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

About the Cost of Living in Lewistown

The median home value in Lewistown is $98,600 — 68% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $765/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $40,179/year is 46% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, 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 61.4°F and lows of 40.7°F. Overall, Lewistown has a cost of living index of 43 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 57% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$98,600
68% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$163,335
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$765/mo
42% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
10.7x
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 40.6%
Renter-occupied 59.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$765
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,379/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
22.3 min
17% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.3%
Carpooled
18.6%
Walked
2.8%
Work from home
4.8%

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
$40,179
46% below avg
Per Capita Income
$24,558
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
0% below avg
Poverty Rate
32.5%
Labor Force Participation
56.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 7.3%
Graduate degree 4.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.1
Male median age 36.9
Female median age 37.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.4°F
Avg Low
40.7°F
Annual Precip
40.9"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 363949627281848276645241
Low °F 202129384959626052413225
Precip" 2.682.063.063.563.553.944.183.734.513.783.052.81

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

90%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.5:1
Student-teacher ratio
9
Public schools
4,869
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lewistown, PA?

Lewistown has a cost index of 43 (100 = national average). It is 57% below the national average.

What is average rent in Lewistown, PA?

The median gross rent in Lewistown is $765 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lewistown?

The median home value in Lewistown is $98,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Lewistown?

The median household income in Lewistown is $40,179 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lewistown, PA?

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

Is Lewistown, PA affordable?

Yes, Lewistown is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 43 — about 57% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Lewistown?

Lewistown has average high temperatures of 61.4°F and average lows of 40.7°F. Annual precipitation is 40.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Lewistown at a Glance

Population
8,505
Median Income
$40,179
Home Value
$98,600
Median Rent
$765/mo
Unemployment
4.8%
Avg High Temp
61.4°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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