Bloomsburg, PA
Population 12,906 · Pennsylvania
About Bloomsburg, PA
Bloomsburg is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 12,906 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,096 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 24.4 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 Bloomsburg features a median home value of $186,100, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Bloomsburg in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $937, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,325 total housing units, 37% are owner-occupied (1,619 units) and 63% are renter-occupied (2,755 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 Bloomsburg shows an unemployment rate of 8.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 30.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bloomsburg have an average one-way commute time of 15.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
33.1% of Bloomsburg residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 4.4% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 2.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bloomsburg, PA
Compared to national averages, Bloomsburg has a median household income of $49,096 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $186,100, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $937 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg's income is 33% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 3% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Bloomsburg, PA?
Bloomsburg offers affordable housing with a median home value of $186,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $937/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,096) that falls below the national average. However, Bloomsburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bloomsburg has a population of 12,906 with a median age of 24.4 years. Compare Bloomsburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Bloomsburg
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharon | 13,019 | $44,595 | $79,100 | Compare |
| Meadville | 12,723 | $46,012 | $115,700 | Compare |
| St. Marys | 12,612 | $64,471 | $143,900 | Compare |
| Butler | 13,306 | $41,705 | $112,500 | Compare |
| Coatesville | 13,323 | $57,323 | $160,500 | Compare |
| Kingston | 13,333 | $53,885 | $164,200 | Compare |
| Washington | 13,361 | $52,350 | $121,000 | Compare |
| Pottsville | 13,374 | $53,465 | $97,700 | 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 Bloomsburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bloomsburg
What is the population of Bloomsburg, PA?
The population of Bloomsburg, PA is 12,906 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Bloomsburg?
The median household income in Bloomsburg, PA is $49,096 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bloomsburg?
The median home value in Bloomsburg, PA is $186,100, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Bloomsburg?
The median monthly rent in Bloomsburg, PA is $937, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bloomsburg?
The unemployment rate in Bloomsburg, PA is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bloomsburg, PA a good place to live?
Bloomsburg offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,906 and a median age of 24.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Bloomsburg, PA?
33.1% of residents in Bloomsburg 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 Bloomsburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bloomsburg, PA: median home value is $186,100 (24% below national), median rent is $937/month, and median household income is $49,096. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bloomsburg?
The poverty rate in Bloomsburg, PA is 30.6%, 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 Bloomsburg, PA?
Bloomsburg's population is 4.4% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 4.1% two or more races. 2.5% of residents are foreign-born.