Living in State College, Pennsylvania
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of State College · Census data 2020–2024
State College has 41,050 residents with a median age of 21.2. The median household income is $45,424 (42% lower than the Pennsylvania median), the median home value is $437,800, the median rent is $1,273/month.
State College at a glance
- Population
- 41,050
- Median age
- 21.2State: 40.9
- Median household income
- $45,424State: $77,971
- Median home value
- $437,800State: $254,500
- Median rent
- $1,273/moState: $1,209
- Homeowners
- 26.1%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 68.4%
- Average commute
- 16 min
Is State College a good place to live?
Pros: An average commute of 16 minutes; unemployment of 5%.
Cons: Median household income 42% lower than the Pennsylvania median; home values 72% higher than the state median; a poverty rate of 38.1%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in State College
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In State College the median home value is $437,800, 32% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,273 per month, which is 43.2% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,490 a month in housing costs.
State College median household income
The median household income in State College is $45,424 and the income per person is $24,746. 38.1% of residents live below the poverty line (Pennsylvania: 11.7%).
Housing in State College: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 13,261
- Owner-occupied
- 26.1%
- Renter-occupied
- 73.9%
- Vacant
- 15.1%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1971
- Average household size
- 2.24
State College demographics
- Population
- 41,050
- Median age
- 21.2
- Under 18
- 5.7%
- 65 and older
- 6.8%
- Households
- 11,257
- Foreign-born
- 12.5%
- Veterans
- 1.8%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of State College ›
Education in State College
68.4% of adults 25 and older in State College have a bachelor's degree or higher (Pennsylvania: 35.2%), and 41.3% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in State College
- Unemployment rate
- 5%State: 5.3%
- Average commute
- 16 minState: 26 min
- Work from home
- 15.3%
- Drive alone
- 38.3%
- Public transit
- 6.4%
- Walk to work
- 30.9%
- Homes with broadband
- 83.4%
State College vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State College | 41,050 | $45,424 | $437,800 | $1,273 |
| Lemont | 2,076 | $101,526 | $385,600 | $1,481 |
| College | 10,540 | $101,323 | $404,400 | $1,112 |
| Toftrees | 2,873 | $73,721 | $434,100 | $1,566 |
| Park Forest Village | 8,624 | $79,120 | $389,600 | $1,331 |
| Houserville | 2,000 | $119,303 | $378,600 | — |
| Patton | 15,791 | $83,656 | $388,100 | $1,386 |
| Boalsburg | 4,582 | $100,958 | $413,000 | $1,262 |
| Pine Grove Mills | 1,502 | $180,173 | $378,500 | $1,410 |
More for people moving to State College
State College ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in State College: FAQ
What is the median household income in State College, PA?
The median household income in State College is $45,424, 42% lower than the Pennsylvania median of $77,971 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in State College?
The median home value in State College is $437,800, compared with $254,500 in Pennsylvania.
How much is rent in State College?
The median gross rent in State College is $1,273 per month, about 43.2% of household income.
Is State College, PA a good place to live?
Pluses: an average commute of 16 minutes; unemployment of 5%. Minuses: median household income 42% lower than the Pennsylvania median; home values 72% higher than the state median; a poverty rate of 38.1%.
What is the median age in State College?
The median age in State College is 21.2 years (Pennsylvania: 40.9).
How long is the commute in State College?
The average commute to work in State College is 16 minutes; 15.3% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in State College?
The unemployment rate in State College is 5% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is State College?
68.4% of adults in State College have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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