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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Erie

Affordable Housing in Erie, PA

Erie has 56 income-based rental properties offering 2,212 units across the city. With a median rent of $870 per month according to Census ACS 5-Year data, affordable housing here can make a meaningful difference for the 46 percent of residents who rent. The inventory is well-maintained overall, with 36 of 37 scored properties rated good or excellent based on HUD inspection data.

56
Properties
2,212
Total units
91/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$870/mo

Affordability in Erie, PA

Erie has a median household income of $46,113 and a median gross rent of $870 per month, with 46% of residents renting their homes, according to the Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024). These figures provide useful context when comparing the cost of market-rate housing to the income-restricted rents available at Erie's HUD-assisted and LIHTC properties.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
378 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Erie Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 378 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Keep in mind that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in how agencies classify and report incidents.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 63 · Somewhat Walkable

Getting Around Erie

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Erie rates 63 (Somewhat Walkable) for walking, 44 (Some Transit) for public transit, and a Bike Score of 52.

Walk Score
🎓 Schools
36 schools · 11 districts

Schools

Erie is served by 36 schools across 11 districts, including 22 elementary, 6 middle, 7 high schools, and 1 other, according to NCES Common Core of Data. Quality and programs vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for any specific address they are considering.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$46,113 median income

Cost of Living in Erie, PA

Erie is generally an affordable city to rent in. The median household income is $46,113 per year and the median monthly rent is $870, according to Census ACS 5-Year data.

Affordable and income-based housing can make a meaningful difference here. Erie has 39 HUD-assisted or income-restricted properties totaling 1,887 units, giving renters a range of options across the city.

  • Median household income: $46,113/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Median market rent: $870/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Renter households: 46% of occupied housing units (Census ACS 5-Year)
Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Environment & Flood Risk

All 39 affordable housing properties in Erie were mapped for flood risk. None are located in a high-risk flood zone, according to HUD-assisted property data.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 91/100(37 of 56 scored)
90+ (22)70–89 (14)60–69 (1)No score (19)

56 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 56 affordable apartments in Erie→

Other cities in PA

› Affordable housing in Aliquippa› Allentown income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Altoona› Bethlehem affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Butler› Affordable housing in Greensburg› Harrisburg income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Lancaster› Mckeesport affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Meadville› Affordable housing in New Castle› Philadelphia income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in PA› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

Erie Affordable Housing: What Renters Should Know

Erie is a mid-sized lakeside city in northwestern Pennsylvania where nearly half of all households rent their homes. With a median rent of $870 per month and a median household income of $46,113, according to the Census ACS 5-Year estimates, affordability is a real priority for many residents here.

Lease Lantern tracks 39 HUD-assisted and income-based properties in Erie, covering 1,887 units across the city. Of the 37 properties with inspection scores on record, 22 rated excellent and 14 rated good, reflecting a strong overall picture of building quality.

None of the 39 mapped properties fall within a high-risk flood zone, which is a reassuring baseline for renters weighing long-term stability.

Getting around Erie is manageable for many residents. The city scores 63 (Somewhat Walkable), 44 (Some Transit), and 52 for bikeability, according to Walk Score.

Erie reported a violent crime rate of 251 per 100,000 residents in 2024, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer and data from the Erie Police Department.

The city is served by 11 school districts and 36 public schools -- including 22 elementary, 6 middle, and 7 high schools -- according to NCES Common Core of Data.

Eligibility & how to apply

Pennsylvania income limits (2026)Pennsylvania public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Pennsylvania

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →