Thinking about renting in Delaware or Chester County, Pennsylvania? Here's a breakdown of the latest data from the U.S.Census ACS survey to help you compare the rental markets in these neighboring counties.

Rental Costs

Chester County: The median monthly gross rent in Chester County was $1,393 in 2019, which is higher than both the Pennsylvania median ($951) and the national median ($1,097).
Delaware County: The median monthly gross rent in Delaware County was $1,089 in 2019, which is closer to the Pennsylvania average and slightly lower than the national median.

Overall, renting in Chester County is generally more expensive than renting in Delaware County.

Trends in Rent Prices

Both Chester and Delaware Counties have seen rent prices increase over the past decade. When adjusted for inflation, the median rent in both counties reached its highest point in 2019 since data collection began in 2005.

Availability of Rentals

Chester County: The rental vacancy rate in Chester County was 5.88% in 2019, indicating a relatively tight rental market.
Delaware County: The rental vacancy rate in Delaware County was 4.62% in 2019, suggesting an even tighter rental market compared to Chester County.

Finding a rental vacancy may be more challenging in Delaware County due to the lower vacancy rate.

Rent as a Burden on Income

Chester County: In 2019, the median Chester County household needed to dedicate 16.39% of their income to cover the median monthly rent.
Delaware County: For Delaware County, median monthly gross rent as a fraction of median household income was 16.90% in 2019.

While the percentage of income dedicated to rent is slightly higher in Delaware County, both counties require a significant portion of income to be allocated towards housing costs.

Percentage of Renters

Chester County: Approximately 25.65% of households in Chester County were renters in 2019.
Delaware County: In 2019, 30.79% of households in Delaware County were renters.

Delaware County has a higher percentage of renters compared to Chester County.

The Bottom Line

Renting in either Delaware or Chester County will likely require dedicating a significant portion of your income toward housing costs. Chester County has a higher median rent, while Delaware County has a tighter vacancy rate. Both counties have seen rent prices rise in recent years. Carefully consider your budget and needs when searching for a rental property in either county.

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Renting in Delaware and Chester Counties, Pennsylvania: A Comparative Look