Clarion, PA
Population 4,202 · Pennsylvania
About Clarion, PA
Clarion is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 4,202 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,063 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23.9 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 Clarion features a median home value of $155,300, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Clarion in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $840, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,945 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (652 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (932 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 Clarion shows an unemployment rate of 9.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Clarion have an average one-way commute time of 14.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
46.7% of Clarion residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.6% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 3.1% Asian residents, with 3.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Clarion, PA
Compared to national averages, Clarion has a median household income of $42,063 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $155,300, which is 37% below the national median. Monthly rent at $840 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Clarion's income is 43% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 19% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Clarion, PA?
Clarion offers affordable housing with a median home value of $155,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $840/month, and a well-educated community where 46.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,063) that falls below the national average. However, Clarion’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Clarion has a population of 4,202 with a median age of 23.9 years. Compare Clarion with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Clarion
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleroi | 4,203 | $43,487 | $56,200 | Compare |
| Jacksonwald | 4,201 | $125,143 | $306,900 | Compare |
| Mount Pleasant | 4,215 | $48,963 | $131,700 | Compare |
| Kutztown | 4,188 | $52,722 | $227,500 | Compare |
| Aldan | 4,219 | $78,147 | $227,900 | Compare |
| Sharpsville | 4,219 | $50,363 | $117,200 | Compare |
| Danville | 4,225 | $55,625 | $183,600 | Compare |
| Kutztown University | 4,225 | $0 | $0 | 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 Clarion With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Clarion
What is the population of Clarion, PA?
The population of Clarion, PA is 4,202 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 Clarion?
The median household income in Clarion, PA is $42,063 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clarion?
The median home value in Clarion, PA is $155,300, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Clarion?
The median monthly rent in Clarion, PA is $840, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clarion?
The unemployment rate in Clarion, PA is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Clarion, PA a good place to live?
Clarion offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,202 and a median age of 23.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Clarion, PA?
46.7% of residents in Clarion 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 Clarion?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Clarion, PA: median home value is $155,300 (37% below national), median rent is $840/month, and median household income is $42,063. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Clarion?
The poverty rate in Clarion, PA is 23.9%, 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 Clarion, PA?
Clarion's population is 0.6% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 3.1% Asian, and 7.1% two or more races. 3.3% of residents are foreign-born.