Special Interest
Housing in Centre County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Centre County averages $1,207/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Pennsylvania median of $1,209 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 37% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Centre County FMR Area are $1,275 for a studio, $1,282 for 1‑bedroom, $1,510 for 2‑bedroom, $1,890 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,999 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $303 increase for a 2-bedroom in Centre County shows a 25% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Centre County was 2.9% in 2024, compared to Pennsylvania at 3.6% and the national rate of 4.0%.
