Cost of Living in Shamokin, PA

Population 6,890 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

31
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Shamokin's median household income of $36,438 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (27% here). The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.6% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 60 miles west of Allentown, Shamokin is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 70% lower than Allentown's $189,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 19
Rent 49

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

About the Cost of Living in Shamokin

The median home value in Shamokin is $57,400 — 81% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $649/month, 51% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $36,438/year is 51% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.6%, 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, Shamokin has a cost of living index of 31 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 69% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$57,400
81% below avg
Median Rent
$649/mo
51% below avg
Zillow Rent
$847/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
7.4x
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 63.1%
Renter-occupied 36.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$649
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,263/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
33.4 min
24% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
64.6%
Carpooled
21.8%
Public transit
0.1%
Walked
7.7%
Work from home
5.5%

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
$36,438
51% below avg
Per Capita Income
$23,640
Unemployment Rate
1.6%
66% below avg
Poverty Rate
27.4%
Labor Force Participation
56.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.1%
Graduate degree 1.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.5
Male median age 36.9
Female median age 39.4

🌤 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Shamokin, PA?

Shamokin has a cost index of 31 (100 = national average). It is 69% below the national average.

What is average rent in Shamokin, PA?

The median gross rent in Shamokin is $649 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Shamokin?

The median home value in Shamokin is $57,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Shamokin?

The median household income in Shamokin is $36,438 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Shamokin, PA?

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

Is Shamokin, PA affordable?

Yes, Shamokin is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 31 — about 69% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Shamokin?

Shamokin 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.

Shamokin at a Glance

Population
6,890
Median Income
$36,438
Home Value
$57,400
Median Rent
$649/mo
Unemployment
1.6%
Avg High Temp
61.4°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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