Carlisle, PA
Population 21,335 · Pennsylvania
About Carlisle, PA
Carlisle is a mid-sized city in Pennsylvania with a population of 21,335 residents. The median household income is $59,742 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Carlisle is 34.4 years.
Housing in Carlisle has a median home value of $212,400 and median monthly rent of $986. Of the 9,233 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 4,278 owner-occupied and 4,441 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Carlisle is 4.1% and the poverty rate is 17.4%. 37.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.9 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Carlisle
What is the population of Carlisle, PA?
The population of Carlisle, PA is 21,335 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Carlisle?
The median household income in Carlisle, PA is $59,742 per year.
What is the median home value in Carlisle?
The median home value in Carlisle, PA is $212,400.
What is the average rent in Carlisle?
The median monthly rent in Carlisle, PA is $986.
What is the unemployment rate in Carlisle?
The unemployment rate in Carlisle, PA is 4.1%.