Carlisle, PA
Population 21,335 · Pennsylvania
About Carlisle, PA
Carlisle is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 21,335 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,742 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.4 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 Carlisle features a median home value of $212,400, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Carlisle in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $986, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,233 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (4,278 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (4,441 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 Carlisle shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 17.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Carlisle have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
37.8% of Carlisle 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 1.2% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 3.0% Black or African American, and 4.3% Asian residents, with 8.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Carlisle Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Carlisle, PA
Compared to national averages, Carlisle has a median household income of $59,742 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $212,400, which is 13% below the national median. Monthly rent at $986 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Carlisle's income is 19% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 11% above the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Carlisle, PA?
Carlisle offers affordable housing with a median home value of $212,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $986/month, and a well-educated community where 37.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,742) that falls below the national average. However, Carlisle’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carlisle has a population of 21,335 with a median age of 34.4 years. Compare Carlisle with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Carlisle
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baldwin | 21,159 | $77,882 | $191,700 | Compare |
| New Castle | 21,727 | $41,478 | $72,000 | Compare |
| Murrysville | 20,839 | $120,685 | $316,400 | Compare |
| Chambersburg | 22,051 | $56,177 | $196,200 | Compare |
| Allison Park | 22,108 | $108,669 | $328,700 | Compare |
| West Mifflin | 19,338 | $70,335 | $131,400 | Compare |
| Pottstown | 23,392 | $56,174 | $172,300 | Compare |
| West Chester | 19,235 | $81,492 | $481,300 | 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 Carlisle With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carlisle
What is the population of Carlisle, PA?
The population of Carlisle, PA is 21,335 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 Carlisle?
The median household income in Carlisle, PA is $59,742 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carlisle?
The median home value in Carlisle, PA is $212,400, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Carlisle?
The median monthly rent in Carlisle, PA is $986, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carlisle?
The unemployment rate in Carlisle, PA is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Carlisle, PA a good place to live?
Carlisle offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,335 and a median age of 34.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Carlisle, PA?
37.8% of residents in Carlisle aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Carlisle?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carlisle, PA: median home value is $212,400 (13% below national), median rent is $986/month, and median household income is $59,742. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Carlisle?
The poverty rate in Carlisle, PA is 17.4%, 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 Carlisle, PA?
Carlisle's population is 1.2% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 3.0% Black or African American, 4.3% Asian, and 9.9% two or more races. 8.5% of residents are foreign-born.