Erie, PA
Population 94,156 · Pennsylvania
About Erie, PA
Erie is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 94,156 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,397 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.9 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 Erie features a median home value of $108,200, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Erie one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $836, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 43,377 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (20,906 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (18,513 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Erie shows an unemployment rate of 7.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Erie have an average one-way commute time of 18.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.3% of Erie 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 1.8% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 5.0% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 6.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Erie Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Erie, PA
Compared to national averages, Erie has a median household income of $43,397 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $108,200, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $836 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Erie's income is 41% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 43% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Erie, PA?
Erie offers affordable housing with a median home value of $108,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $836/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,397) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Erie provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Erie has a population of 94,156 with a median age of 34.9 years. Compare Erie with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Erie
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 94,836 | $45,599 | $109,800 | Compare |
| Bethlehem | 77,069 | $66,443 | $236,500 | Compare |
| Scranton | 76,074 | $49,531 | $141,700 | Compare |
| Allentown | 125,320 | $53,403 | $188,900 | Compare |
| Lancaster | 57,683 | $63,421 | $203,700 | Compare |
| Levittown | 50,930 | $101,619 | $311,000 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 50,092 | $47,783 | $121,000 | Compare |
| York | 44,830 | $47,115 | $103,100 | 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 Erie With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Erie
What is the population of Erie, PA?
The population of Erie, PA is 94,156 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 Erie?
The median household income in Erie, PA is $43,397 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Erie?
The median home value in Erie, PA is $108,200, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Erie?
The median monthly rent in Erie, PA is $836, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Erie?
The unemployment rate in Erie, PA is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Erie, PA a good place to live?
Erie offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 94,156 and a median age of 34.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Erie, PA?
22.3% of residents in Erie 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 Erie?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Erie, PA: median home value is $108,200 (56% below national), median rent is $836/month, and median household income is $43,397. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Erie?
The poverty rate in Erie, PA is 24.6%, 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 Erie, PA?
Erie's population is 1.8% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 5.0% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 15.4% two or more races. 6.6% of residents are foreign-born.