Allentown, PA
Population 125,320 · Pennsylvania
About Allentown, PA
Allentown is a major city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 125,320 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,403 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Allentown features a median home value of $188,900, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Allentown in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,269, 9% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 49,211 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (19,483 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (26,556 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Allentown shows an unemployment rate of 8.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Allentown have an average one-way commute time of 24.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.4% of Allentown residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.6% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 26.3% Black or African American, and 24.3% Asian residents, with 20.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Allentown Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Allentown, PA
Compared to national averages, Allentown has a median household income of $53,403 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $188,900, which is 23% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,269 is 9% above the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Allentown's income is 27% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 1% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Allentown, PA?
Allentown offers affordable housing with a median home value of $188,900, below the US average of $244,900, and short commute times averaging just 24.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,403) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Allentown provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Allentown has a population of 125,320 with a median age of 32.4 years. Compare Allentown with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Allentown
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 94,836 | $45,599 | $109,800 | Compare |
| Erie | 94,156 | $43,397 | $108,200 | Compare |
| Bethlehem | 77,069 | $66,443 | $236,500 | Compare |
| Scranton | 76,074 | $49,531 | $141,700 | Compare |
| Lancaster | 57,683 | $63,421 | $203,700 | Compare |
| Levittown | 50,930 | $101,619 | $311,000 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 50,092 | $47,783 | $121,000 | Compare |
| York | 44,830 | $47,115 | $103,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Allentown With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Allentown
What is the population of Allentown, PA?
The population of Allentown, PA is 125,320 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Allentown?
The median household income in Allentown, PA is $53,403 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Allentown?
The median home value in Allentown, PA is $188,900, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Allentown?
The median monthly rent in Allentown, PA is $1,269, which is 9% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Allentown?
The unemployment rate in Allentown, PA is 8.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Allentown, PA a good place to live?
Allentown offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 125,320 and a median age of 32.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Allentown, PA?
19.4% of residents in Allentown aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Allentown?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Allentown, PA: median home value is $188,900 (23% below national), median rent is $1,269/month, and median household income is $53,403. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Allentown?
The poverty rate in Allentown, PA is 21.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Allentown, PA?
Allentown's population is 2.6% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 26.3% Black or African American, 24.3% Asian, and 11.0% two or more races. 20.8% of residents are foreign-born.