Brownsville, PA
Population 2,539 · Pennsylvania
About Brownsville, PA
Brownsville is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 2,539 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $28,656 per year, which is 62% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Brownsville features a median home value of $63,900, which is 74% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Brownsville one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $672, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,428 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (584 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (721 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 Brownsville 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 36.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Brownsville have an average one-way commute time of 23.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.1% of Brownsville 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 0.3% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Brownsville, PA
Compared to national averages, Brownsville has a median household income of $28,656 (62% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $63,900, which is 74% below the national median. Monthly rent at $672 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Brownsville's income is 61% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 67% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Brownsville, PA?
Brownsville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $63,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $672/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($28,656) that falls below the national average. However, Brownsville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brownsville has a population of 2,539 with a median age of 46.1 years. Compare Brownsville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Brownsville
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Millersburg | 2,538 | $65,190 | $123,500 | Compare |
| New Stanton | 2,538 | $74,265 | $244,500 | Compare |
| Red Hill | 2,541 | $72,663 | $229,000 | Compare |
| Curwensville | 2,544 | $50,679 | $95,700 | Compare |
| Dupont | 2,545 | $78,036 | $142,100 | Compare |
| Lawson Heights | 2,552 | $64,844 | $169,500 | Compare |
| Rheems | 2,526 | $93,229 | $257,500 | Compare |
| Avoca | 2,523 | $68,103 | $166,600 | 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 Brownsville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brownsville
What is the population of Brownsville, PA?
The population of Brownsville, PA is 2,539 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Brownsville?
The median household income in Brownsville, PA is $28,656 per year, which is 62% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brownsville?
The median home value in Brownsville, PA is $63,900, which is 74% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Brownsville?
The median monthly rent in Brownsville, PA is $672, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brownsville?
The unemployment rate in Brownsville, 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 Brownsville, PA a good place to live?
Brownsville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,539 and a median age of 46.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Brownsville, PA?
11.1% of residents in Brownsville 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 Brownsville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brownsville, PA: median home value is $63,900 (74% below national), median rent is $672/month, and median household income is $28,656. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Brownsville?
The poverty rate in Brownsville, PA is 36.7%, 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 Brownsville, PA?
Brownsville's population is 0.3% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 14.3% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.