Donora, PA
Population 4,536 · Pennsylvania
About Donora, PA
Donora is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 4,536 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,851 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.5 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 Donora features a median home value of $57,700, which is 76% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Donora one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $842, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,825 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (1,324 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (1,019 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Donora shows an unemployment rate of 14.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 31.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Donora have an average one-way commute time of 29.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.6% of Donora 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 0.0% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Donora Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Donora, PA
Compared to national averages, Donora has a median household income of $42,851 (43% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $57,700, which is 76% below the national median. Monthly rent at $842 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Donora's income is 42% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 70% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Donora, PA?
Donora offers affordable housing with a median home value of $57,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $842/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,851) that falls below the national average. However, Donora’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Donora has a population of 4,536 with a median age of 47.5 years. Compare Donora with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Donora
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Reading | 4,537 | $61,974 | $159,700 | Compare |
| Jim Thorpe | 4,534 | $70,625 | $177,400 | Compare |
| Paxtonia | 4,530 | $100,573 | $240,400 | Compare |
| Sellersville | 4,545 | $88,516 | $304,700 | Compare |
| Hummelstown | 4,526 | $53,148 | $240,200 | Compare |
| Jessup | 4,506 | $61,174 | $170,000 | Compare |
| East Petersburg | 4,575 | $86,614 | $248,100 | Compare |
| Narberth | 4,482 | $119,863 | $671,100 | 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 Donora With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Donora
What is the population of Donora, PA?
The population of Donora, PA is 4,536 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 Donora?
The median household income in Donora, PA is $42,851 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Donora?
The median home value in Donora, PA is $57,700, which is 76% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Donora?
The median monthly rent in Donora, PA is $842, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Donora?
The unemployment rate in Donora, PA is 14.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Donora, PA a good place to live?
Donora offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,536 and a median age of 47.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Donora, PA?
14.6% of residents in Donora 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 Donora?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Donora, PA: median home value is $57,700 (76% below national), median rent is $842/month, and median household income is $42,851. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Donora?
The poverty rate in Donora, PA is 31.2%, 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 Donora, PA?
Donora's population is 0.0% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 16.1% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.