Emporium, PA
Population 2,005 · Pennsylvania
About Emporium, PA
Emporium is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 2,005 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,167 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.8 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 Emporium features a median home value of $70,800, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Emporium one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $687, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,193 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (532 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (520 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Emporium shows an unemployment rate of 13.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Emporium have an average one-way commute time of 14.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
9.8% of Emporium 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 0.6% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 1.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Emporium, PA
Compared to national averages, Emporium has a median household income of $36,167 (52% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $70,800, which is 71% below the national median. Monthly rent at $687 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Emporium's income is 51% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 63% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Emporium, PA?
Emporium offers affordable housing with a median home value of $70,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $687/month, and short commute times averaging just 14.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,167) that falls below the national average. However, Emporium’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Emporium has a population of 2,005 with a median age of 47.8 years. Compare Emporium with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Emporium
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | 2,004 | $77,500 | $192,200 | Compare |
| Jonestown | 2,004 | $90,375 | $236,400 | Compare |
| Riverside | 1,985 | $79,688 | $228,400 | Compare |
| Jermyn | 2,026 | $59,133 | $185,900 | Compare |
| Walnutport | 1,981 | $74,091 | $198,800 | Compare |
| Fairdale | 1,980 | $91,250 | $134,900 | Compare |
| Braddock | 1,979 | $24,489 | $57,300 | Compare |
| Towamensing Trails | 2,032 | $83,196 | $227,900 | 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 Emporium With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Emporium
What is the population of Emporium, PA?
The population of Emporium, PA is 2,005 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 Emporium?
The median household income in Emporium, PA is $36,167 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Emporium?
The median home value in Emporium, PA is $70,800, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Emporium?
The median monthly rent in Emporium, PA is $687, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Emporium?
The unemployment rate in Emporium, PA is 13.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Emporium, PA a good place to live?
Emporium offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,005 and a median age of 47.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Emporium, PA?
9.8% of residents in Emporium 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 Emporium?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Emporium, PA: median home value is $70,800 (71% below national), median rent is $687/month, and median household income is $36,167. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Emporium?
The poverty rate in Emporium, PA is 18.1%, 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 Emporium, PA?
Emporium's population is 0.6% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.5% of residents are foreign-born.