What your paycheck buys · Updated every Friday
What a paycheck buys in Pennsylvania this week
A median Pennsylvania household earning $85,880 Median household income (Pennsylvania, current dollars) U.S. Census Bureau · 2025 Annual release · FRED MEHOINUSPAA646N ↗ a year can afford a home of about $271,000 at this week’s 7.32% 30-year fixed mortgage rate (U.S. average) Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey · week of Oct 22, 2026 Weekly release · FRED MORTGAGE30US ↗ average 30-year rate. The median Pennsylvania listing is $309,000 Median list price (Pennsylvania) Realtor.com · September 2026 Monthly release · FRED MEDLISPRIPA ↗ , which would take 31.9% of that household’s gross income, against the usual 28% ceiling.
Compared with a year ago
A year ago, with the 30-year rate at 6.19%, a median list price of $319,000 and median income of $79,640 (2024 figure), the same household could afford about $277,000 and the median listing took 32.3% of income. Affordability in Pennsylvania has improved since then.
Nearby in the ranking
- #5 Illinois: can afford $294,000, median listing $325,000
- #6 Missouri: can afford $267,000, median listing $300,000
- #8 Maryland: can afford $367,000, median listing $425,000
- #9 Michigan: can afford $242,000, median listing $300,000
Pennsylvania housing market report → · Pennsylvania brokerage directory → · Run your own numbers →
How this is calculated: 28% of gross monthly income for housing, 10% down, a 30-year fixed loan at Freddie Mac’s weekly average, and 1.45% of the price a year for taxes and insurance. Full method, caveats, and sources on the main index page. An educational gauge, not a mortgage quote.