Taxes in State College, Pennsylvania
Complete tax guide for State College, PA. State income tax up to 3.07%, 1.4% property tax, 8.94% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
3.07%
Pennsylvania
Property Tax
1.4%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
8.94%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Moderate
State College, PA Tax Overview
Population
42,034
Median Income
$59,400
Cost of Living
88.1 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
3.07%
Local Income Tax
1.96%
Median Home Price
$224,000
State College Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with State College median: $59,400
Total Tax Burden in State College
$12,621
Take-Home: $46,779 · Effective Rate: 21.25%
Federal Tax
$5,090
8.57% eff.
PA State + Local
$2,988
5.03% eff.
FICA
$4,544
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$46,779
78.75% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $59,400.00 | $4,950.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$5,089.50 | -$424.13 |
| Pennsylvania State Tax | -$1,823.58 | -$151.97 |
| State College Local Tax (1.96%) | -$1,164.24 | -$97.02 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$3,682.80 | -$306.90 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$861.30 | -$71.78 |
| Take-Home Pay | $46,778.58 | $3,898.22 |
Property Tax in State College
Median Home
$224,000
Annual Tax
$3,136
Monthly Tax
$261
Effective Rate
1.4%
Sales Tax in State College
Combined Rate
8.94%
State Portion
~6.4%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in State College is 8.94%, which is above the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $8.94 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | State College | Pennsylvania Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 3.07% + 1.96% | 3.07% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 1.4% | ~1.4% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 8.94% | ~8.94% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Moderate | — | Moderate |
About Taxes in State College
State College has a population of approximately 42,034 residents with a median household income of $59,400. The cost of living index is 88.1 (11.9% lower than the national average of 100).
Tax burden classification: Moderate. Effective combined tax rate of 28.3% includes federal, state, FICA, property, and sales taxes for a typical State College household.
Official Tax Resources for Pennsylvania
For authoritative Pennsylvania tax forms, filing deadlines, and the latest legislative updates, consult these official government resources:
- Pennsylvania Department of Revenue — official state revenue agency
- Pennsylvania Individual Income Tax Forms — current tax year forms and instructions
- IRS Federal Tax Forms and Instructions — federal income tax filing
Tax Saving Tips for State College Residents
- Pennsylvania's income tax rate of 3.07% is competitive. You may still benefit from maximizing 401(k) contributions ($23,500 limit) to reduce your taxable income at both state and federal levels.
- State College has a local income tax of 1.96%. If you work remotely, verify whether you owe city tax based on where you work or where you live. Some cities only tax people who work within city limits.
- Property tax in State College (1.4%) is above the national average. Check if you qualify for homestead exemptions or assessment appeals to reduce your property tax bill.
- The combined sales tax rate of 8.94% is relatively high. Consider making large purchases in lower-tax jurisdictions or online retailers that do not charge local tax rates.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,400 individual, $8,750 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
HighPittsburgh
HighAllentown
ModerateReading
ModerateErie
LowScranton
ModerateBethlehem
ModerateLancaster
ModerateHarrisburg
ModerateYork
LowSources & Methodology
Tax rate data on this page is compiled from official government sources and updated for the 2026 tax year. Calculations follow the IRS-published 2026 federal tax brackets, FICA rates (6.2% Social Security up to $176,100 wage base, 1.45% Medicare), and Pennsylvania state tax provisions. Property tax estimates use State College's median home value of $224,000and the local effective property tax rate of 1.4%.
- • Federal tax brackets and standard deductions: IRS.gov
- • State income tax rates and brackets: Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
- • Median household income, home value, and demographics: U.S. Census Bureau ACS
- • Cost of living comparisons: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CES
- • National average benchmarks: Tax Foundation state-level tax burden studies
Disclaimer: Estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual tax liability depends on filing status, deductions, credits, and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed tax professional or your state revenue agency for binding tax guidance.
Reviewed by LevyIO Tax Research Team · Published 2026-01-15 · Last updated 2026-04-30
Calculate Your Full Pennsylvania Tax Burden
See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in State College, PA?
State College, Pennsylvania has a state income tax rate up to 3.07%, plus a local income tax of 1.96%. The property tax rate is 1.4% and the combined sales tax rate is 8.94%.
How much is property tax in State College?
The effective property tax rate in State College is 1.4%. On the median home price of $224,000, this equals approximately $3,136 per year or $261 per month. This is above the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in State College?
The combined sales tax rate in State College is 8.94%, which includes both state and local components. This is above the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does State College's tax burden compare to other cities?
State College has a moderate overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 28.3%. The combination of 3.07% state income tax, 1.4% property tax, and 8.94% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 88.1 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in State College?
Yes. State College imposes a local income tax of 1.96% in addition to the state income tax of 3.07%.