Carbondale, PA
Population 8,820 · Pennsylvania
About Carbondale, PA
Carbondale is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 8,820 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,592 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.5 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 Carbondale features a median home value of $118,800, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Carbondale one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $788, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,470 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (2,052 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (1,844 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carbondale shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Carbondale have an average one-way commute time of 19.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.6% of Carbondale 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 3.1% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 7.4% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Carbondale, PA
Compared to national averages, Carbondale has a median household income of $48,592 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $118,800, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $788 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Carbondale's income is 34% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 38% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Carbondale, PA?
Carbondale offers affordable housing with a median home value of $118,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $788/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,592) that falls below the national average. However, Carbondale’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carbondale has a population of 8,820 with a median age of 42.5 years. Compare Carbondale with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Carbondale
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Forest Village | 8,810 | $79,363 | $383,100 | Compare |
| Collingdale | 8,862 | $49,578 | $146,600 | Compare |
| East York | 8,868 | $83,030 | $221,800 | Compare |
| Beaver Falls | 8,885 | $48,462 | $92,900 | Compare |
| Northwest Harborcreek | 8,908 | $87,601 | $215,200 | Compare |
| Village Green-Green Ridge | 8,725 | $93,223 | $300,600 | Compare |
| Jeannette | 8,719 | $49,558 | $106,600 | Compare |
| Millersville | 8,711 | $65,721 | $265,500 | 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 Carbondale With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carbondale
What is the population of Carbondale, PA?
The population of Carbondale, PA is 8,820 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 Carbondale?
The median household income in Carbondale, PA is $48,592 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carbondale?
The median home value in Carbondale, PA is $118,800, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carbondale?
The median monthly rent in Carbondale, PA is $788, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carbondale?
The unemployment rate in Carbondale, PA is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Carbondale, PA a good place to live?
Carbondale offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,820 and a median age of 42.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Carbondale, PA?
18.6% of residents in Carbondale 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 Carbondale?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carbondale, PA: median home value is $118,800 (51% below national), median rent is $788/month, and median household income is $48,592. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Carbondale?
The poverty rate in Carbondale, PA is 25.0%, 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 Carbondale, PA?
Carbondale's population is 3.1% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 7.4% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.