Ephrata, PA
Population 13,729 · Pennsylvania
About Ephrata, PA
Ephrata is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 13,729 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,117 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ephrata features a median home value of $215,100, which is 12% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Ephrata in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,070, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,905 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (3,175 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (2,671 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ephrata shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ephrata have an average one-way commute time of 23.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.9% of Ephrata 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 2.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 4.1% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 5.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ephrata, PA
Compared to national averages, Ephrata has a median household income of $68,117 (9% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $215,100, which is 12% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,070 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Ephrata's income is 7% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 13% above the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Ephrata, PA?
Ephrata offers affordable housing with a median home value of $215,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,070/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,117) that falls below the national average. However, Ephrata’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ephrata has a population of 13,729 with a median age of 36.8 years. Compare Ephrata with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Ephrata
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnot-Moon | 13,639 | $95,777 | $256,600 | Compare |
| Montgomeryville | 13,572 | $130,769 | $452,400 | Compare |
| Willow Grove | 13,919 | $98,402 | $326,300 | Compare |
| Pottsville | 13,374 | $53,465 | $97,700 | Compare |
| Washington | 13,361 | $52,350 | $121,000 | Compare |
| Dunmore | 14,123 | $75,632 | $186,900 | Compare |
| Kingston | 13,333 | $53,885 | $164,200 | Compare |
| Coatesville | 13,323 | $57,323 | $160,500 | 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 Ephrata With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ephrata
What is the population of Ephrata, PA?
The population of Ephrata, PA is 13,729 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Ephrata?
The median household income in Ephrata, PA is $68,117 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ephrata?
The median home value in Ephrata, PA is $215,100, which is 12% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ephrata?
The median monthly rent in Ephrata, PA is $1,070, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ephrata?
The unemployment rate in Ephrata, PA is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ephrata, PA a good place to live?
Ephrata offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 13,729 and a median age of 36.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ephrata, PA?
22.9% of residents in Ephrata 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 Ephrata?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ephrata, PA: median home value is $215,100 (12% below national), median rent is $1,070/month, and median household income is $68,117. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ephrata?
The poverty rate in Ephrata, PA is 9.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ephrata, PA?
Ephrata's population is 2.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 4.1% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 3.3% two or more races. 5.8% of residents are foreign-born.