Cost of Living in Lock Haven, PA

Population 8,386 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

49
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $40,131, median household incomes in Lock Haven land roughly 46% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 8.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Lock Haven lies roughly 110 miles west of the nearest major metro, Allentown — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 33% lower than Allentown's $189,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 42
Rent 60

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

About the Cost of Living in Lock Haven

The median home value in Lock Haven is $127,500 — 58% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $794/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $40,131/year is 46% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.8%, 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 61.1°F and lows of 41.4°F, with about 35.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Lock Haven has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$127,500
58% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$193,182
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$794/mo
40% below avg
Zillow Rent
$893/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.4x
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 31.9%
Renter-occupied 68.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$794
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,408/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
22.7 min
16% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
68.0%
Carpooled
8.4%
Public transit
0.1%
Walked
12.4%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
8.1%

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
$40,131
46% below avg
Per Capita Income
$24,322
Unemployment Rate
8.8%
82% above avg
Poverty Rate
25.0%
Labor Force Participation
59.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 15.9%
Graduate degree 8.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 26.6
Male median age 26.6
Female median age 26.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.1°F
Avg Low
41.4°F
Annual Precip
43.5"
Annual Snowfall
35.8"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 353948627281858375635140
Low °F 202229394958636154433326
Precip" 2.962.313.133.623.863.854.644.174.763.703.253.27
Snow" 9.79.37.30.80.00.00.00.00.00.11.76.9

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lock Haven, PA?

Lock Haven has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.

What is average rent in Lock Haven, PA?

The median gross rent in Lock Haven is $794 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lock Haven?

The median home value in Lock Haven is $127,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Lock Haven?

The median household income in Lock Haven is $40,131 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lock Haven, PA?

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

Is Lock Haven, PA affordable?

Yes, Lock Haven is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Lock Haven?

Lock Haven has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 41.4°F. Annual precipitation is 43.5". Average annual snowfall is 35.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Lock Haven at a Glance

Population
8,386
Median Income
$40,131
Home Value
$127,500
Median Rent
$794/mo
Unemployment
8.8%
Avg High Temp
61.1°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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