Cost of Living in Pottstown, PA
Population 23,392 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Pottstown sits on the smaller end of the Pennsylvania city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Pottstown is about 25 miles southwest of Allentown, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 9% lower than Allentown's $189,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Pottstown
The median home value in Pottstown is $172,300 — 44% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,181/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,174/year is 25% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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 61.3°F and lows of 42.5°F. Overall, Pottstown has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 37 | 40 | 49 | 61 | 71 | 79 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 63 | 52 | 42 |
| Low °F | 22 | 23 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 59 | 64 | 62 | 55 | 43 | 34 | 27 |
| Precip" | 3.02 | 2.56 | 4.07 | 3.64 | 3.69 | 3.84 | 4.72 | 4.38 | 4.83 | 3.81 | 3.02 | 3.76 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Pottstown, PA?
Pottstown has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.
What is average rent in Pottstown, PA?
The median gross rent in Pottstown is $1,181 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Pottstown?
The median home value in Pottstown is $172,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Pottstown?
The median household income in Pottstown is $56,174 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Pottstown, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Pottstown is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Pottstown, PA affordable?
Yes, Pottstown is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Pottstown?
Pottstown has average high temperatures of 61.3°F and average lows of 42.5°F. Annual precipitation is 45.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Pottstown at a Glance
- Population
- 23,392
- Median Income
- $56,174
- Home Value
- $172,300
- Median Rent
- $1,181/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Pennsylvania Rankings
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