Catawissa, PA
Population 1,498 · Pennsylvania
About Catawissa, PA
Catawissa is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 1,498 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,472 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.3 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 Catawissa features a median home value of $139,700, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Catawissa one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $652, 44% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 796 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (385 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (317 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Catawissa shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Catawissa have an average one-way commute time of 24.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.4% of Catawissa 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 1.1% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 2.7% Black or African American, and 4.6% Asian residents, with 5.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Catawissa, PA
Compared to national averages, Catawissa has a median household income of $53,472 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $139,700, which is 43% below the national median. Monthly rent at $652 is 44% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Catawissa's income is 27% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 27% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Catawissa, PA?
Catawissa offers affordable housing with a median home value of $139,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $652/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,472) that falls below the national average. However, Catawissa’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Catawissa has a population of 1,498 with a median age of 43.3 years. Compare Catawissa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Catawissa
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cresson | 1,499 | $57,841 | $119,500 | Compare |
| West Conshohocken | 1,499 | $142,917 | $452,400 | Compare |
| McConnellstown | 1,496 | $98,000 | $202,400 | Compare |
| Hereford | 1,494 | $69,205 | $0 | Compare |
| West Myerstown | 1,493 | $80,650 | $262,600 | Compare |
| Lakemont | 1,504 | $49,036 | $147,300 | Compare |
| Intercourse | 1,506 | $81,250 | $435,400 | Compare |
| Palmdale | 1,507 | $60,449 | $221,500 | 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 Catawissa With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Catawissa
What is the population of Catawissa, PA?
The population of Catawissa, PA is 1,498 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 Catawissa?
The median household income in Catawissa, PA is $53,472 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Catawissa?
The median home value in Catawissa, PA is $139,700, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Catawissa?
The median monthly rent in Catawissa, PA is $652, which is 44% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Catawissa?
The unemployment rate in Catawissa, PA is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Catawissa, PA a good place to live?
Catawissa offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,498 and a median age of 43.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Catawissa, PA?
23.4% of residents in Catawissa 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 Catawissa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Catawissa, PA: median home value is $139,700 (43% below national), median rent is $652/month, and median household income is $53,472. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Catawissa?
The poverty rate in Catawissa, PA is 14.2%, 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 Catawissa, PA?
Catawissa's population is 1.1% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 2.7% Black or African American, 4.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 5.3% of residents are foreign-born.