Special Interest
Housing in Erie County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Erie County averages $904/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 31% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Erie County FMR Area are $896 for a studio, $1,013 for 1‑bedroom, $1,300 for 2‑bedroom, $1,608 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,806 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $396 increase for a 2-bedroom in Erie County shows a 44% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Erie County was 3.8% in 2024, compared to Pennsylvania at 3.6% and the national rate of 4.0%.
