Hazleton, PA
Population 29,886 · Pennsylvania
About Hazleton, PA
Hazleton is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 29,886 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,379 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hazleton features a median home value of $129,000, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Hazleton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,015, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,681 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (5,607 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (5,950 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hazleton shows an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hazleton have an average one-way commute time of 21.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.7% of Hazleton 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 6.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 5.8% Black or African American, and 50.8% Asian residents, with 37.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Hazleton Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Hazleton, PA
Compared to national averages, Hazleton has a median household income of $43,379 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $129,000, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,015 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Hazleton's income is 41% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 32% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Hazleton, PA?
Hazleton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $129,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,015/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,379) that falls below the national average. However, Hazleton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hazleton has a population of 29,886 with a median age of 37.6 years. Compare Hazleton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Hazleton
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drexel Hill | 30,015 | $87,993 | $239,900 | Compare |
| Easton | 29,079 | $63,775 | $169,200 | Compare |
| Monroeville | 28,383 | $78,191 | $197,400 | Compare |
| Williamsport | 27,629 | $49,363 | $146,500 | Compare |
| Plum | 26,873 | $98,475 | $218,600 | Compare |
| Bethel Park | 33,070 | $104,129 | $258,700 | Compare |
| Lebanon | 26,600 | $47,439 | $143,200 | Compare |
| Chester | 33,209 | $39,809 | $85,400 | 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 Hazleton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hazleton
What is the population of Hazleton, PA?
The population of Hazleton, PA is 29,886 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 Hazleton?
The median household income in Hazleton, PA is $43,379 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hazleton?
The median home value in Hazleton, PA is $129,000, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Hazleton?
The median monthly rent in Hazleton, PA is $1,015, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hazleton?
The unemployment rate in Hazleton, PA is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hazleton, PA a good place to live?
Hazleton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 29,886 and a median age of 37.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hazleton, PA?
11.7% of residents in Hazleton 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 Hazleton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hazleton, PA: median home value is $129,000 (47% below national), median rent is $1,015/month, and median household income is $43,379. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hazleton?
The poverty rate in Hazleton, PA is 27.0%, 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 Hazleton, PA?
Hazleton's population is 6.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 5.8% Black or African American, 50.8% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 37.0% of residents are foreign-born.