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City Report · PA

Ephrata

Pop. 13,772·122nd most expensive in Pennsylvania·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,340/mo
Year-over-Year
+3.6%
Month-over-Month
+3.3%
vs US Median
-$625
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Ephrata · $1,340
More affordable than 85% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
56/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 3% below what Ephrata's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,340/mo
Expected by trend
$1,382/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Ephrata's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$850
1 BR
$960
2 BR
$1,200
3 BR
$1,560
4 BR+
$1,600
Research median
$1,200/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$16,080/yr
At $1,340/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 3.6% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+3.6% YoY, +3.3% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Ephrata, PA is majority owner-occupied, 23.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
13,772
Median income
$69,735
Median age
37.1
Renters
44.4%
Age distribution
22.3%
24.3%
24%
18%
Under 1822.3%
18–3424.3%
35–5424%
55–6411.3%
65+18%
Gender
51.7%
48.3%
Male51.7%
Female48.3%
Race & ethnicity
88.4%
White88.4%
Black2.1%
Hispanic7.3%
Asian1.5%
Other0.8%
Education (25+)
42.4%
24%
23.2%
No HS diploma10.3%
HS diploma42.4%
Some college24%
Bachelor's+23.2%
Housing tenure
55.6%
44.4%
Owner55.6%
Renter44.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2022 vs 2026

How Ephrata, PA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$999 → $1,340
up 34.1%
Income
$56,280 → $69,735
up 23.9%
Population
13,767 → 13,772
up 0.0%
Renter share
49.8% → 44.4%
-5.4 pts
Bachelor's+
22.5% → 23.2%
+0.7 pts
Median age
35.6 → 37.1
+1.5 yrs

Since 2022, the typical rent in Ephrata, PA has increased from $999 to $1,340, a 34.1% change over five years. Household income in the area moved from $56,280 to $69,735 across the same window, up 23.9% versus 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. Renters now make up 44.4% of households, compared with 49.8% five years ago. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Ephrata, PA look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

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View Ephrata rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Ephrata on your salary?

At $1,340/mo, how Ephrata rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Ephrata rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Ephrata. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Ephrata

About renting in Ephrata, PA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Ephrata is $1,340/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $850/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,200/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $960/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,560/mo.

At 23% of local median household income ($69,735/yr), Ephrata ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 3.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Ephrata an affordable city for renters?

Ephrata is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,340/mo, rent takes approximately 23% of the local median household income ($69,735/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Ephrata falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Ephrata?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $54,000/year (~$26/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,340/mo in Ephrata. The local median household income is $69,735/yr, meaning the typical Ephrata household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Ephrata?

Rent in Ephrata has increased 3.6% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Ephrata rent compare to other cities in Pennsylvania?

Ephrata is one of the more affordable cities in Pennsylvania for rent, ranking #122 out of 167 tracked cities at $1,340/mo.

What percentage of Ephrata residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 44.4% of Ephrata households are renters, while 55.6% are owner-occupied. Ephrata leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Ephrata rent compare to the national average?

Ephrata's median rent of $1,340/mo is $625 (32%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Pennsylvania, it ranks #122 out of 167 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
23%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,340/mo, rent takes ~23% of Ephrata's median household income ($69,735/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Ephrata 23%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.07%
Run the Ephrata affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Ephrata
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Ephrata, PA

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