Cost of Living in Pottsville, PA
Population 13,374 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Pottsville 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. At 7.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Pottsville is about 40 miles west 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 48% lower than Allentown's $189,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Pottsville
The median home value in Pottsville is $97,700 — 68% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $820/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,465/year is 28% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.3%, 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 63.4°F and lows of 44.1°F. Overall, Pottsville has a cost of living index of 44 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% 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 | 39 | 42 | 51 | 63 | 74 | 82 | 87 | 84 | 77 | 65 | 54 | 43 |
| Low °F | 23 | 24 | 32 | 42 | 52 | 61 | 66 | 64 | 57 | 45 | 35 | 28 |
| Precip" | 2.97 | 2.61 | 3.53 | 3.35 | 3.51 | 4.77 | 4.77 | 4.49 | 4.88 | 3.80 | 3.02 | 3.51 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Pottsville, PA?
Pottsville has a cost index of 44 (100 = national average). It is 56% below the national average.
What is average rent in Pottsville, PA?
The median gross rent in Pottsville is $820 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Pottsville?
The median home value in Pottsville is $97,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Pottsville?
The median household income in Pottsville is $53,465 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Pottsville, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Pottsville is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Pottsville, PA affordable?
Yes, Pottsville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 44 — about 56% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Pottsville?
Pottsville has average high temperatures of 63.4°F and average lows of 44.1°F. Annual precipitation is 45.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Pottsville at a Glance
- Population
- 13,374
- Median Income
- $53,465
- Home Value
- $97,700
- Median Rent
- $820/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Pennsylvania Rankings
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