Ferndale, PA
Population 1,537 · Pennsylvania
About Ferndale, PA
Ferndale is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 1,537 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,951 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.8 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 Ferndale features a median home value of $81,600, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ferndale 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 768 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (444 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (228 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ferndale shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ferndale have an average one-way commute time of 21.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.4% of Ferndale 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 1.2% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ferndale, PA
Compared to national averages, Ferndale has a median household income of $56,951 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $81,600, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $836 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Ferndale's income is 22% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 57% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Ferndale, PA?
Ferndale offers affordable housing with a median home value of $81,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $836/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.0%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,951) that falls below the national average. However, Ferndale’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ferndale has a population of 1,537 with a median age of 42.8 years. Compare Ferndale with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Ferndale
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | 1,535 | $71,750 | $241,700 | Compare |
| Cherryville | 1,541 | $87,083 | $358,000 | Compare |
| Avon | 1,532 | $66,458 | $198,200 | Compare |
| Tower City | 1,542 | $69,750 | $110,700 | Compare |
| Mont Alto | 1,531 | $74,722 | $188,000 | Compare |
| Centre Hall | 1,548 | $70,469 | $246,000 | Compare |
| Springmont | 1,552 | $82,353 | $229,200 | Compare |
| West Hills | 1,522 | $93,851 | $213,800 | 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 Ferndale With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ferndale
What is the population of Ferndale, PA?
The population of Ferndale, PA is 1,537 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 Ferndale?
The median household income in Ferndale, PA is $56,951 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ferndale?
The median home value in Ferndale, PA is $81,600, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ferndale?
The median monthly rent in Ferndale, PA is $836, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ferndale?
The unemployment rate in Ferndale, PA is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ferndale, PA a good place to live?
Ferndale offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,537 and a median age of 42.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ferndale, PA?
23.4% of residents in Ferndale 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 Ferndale?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ferndale, PA: median home value is $81,600 (67% below national), median rent is $836/month, and median household income is $56,951. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ferndale?
The poverty rate in Ferndale, PA is 11.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ferndale, PA?
Ferndale's population is 1.2% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 5.1% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.