Johnstown, PA
Population 18,245 · Pennsylvania
About Johnstown, PA
Johnstown is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 18,245 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $34,784 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.4 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 Johnstown features a median home value of $42,100, which is 83% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Johnstown one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $616, 47% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,800 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (5,025 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (4,180 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Johnstown shows an unemployment rate of 6.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 31.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Johnstown have an average one-way commute time of 21.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.9% of Johnstown 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 1.4% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 3.4% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 1.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Johnstown Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Johnstown, PA
Compared to national averages, Johnstown has a median household income of $34,784 (54% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $42,100, which is 83% below the national median. Monthly rent at $616 is 47% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Johnstown's income is 53% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 78% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Johnstown, PA?
Johnstown offers affordable housing with a median home value of $42,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $616/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($34,784) that falls below the national average. However, Johnstown’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Johnstown has a population of 18,245 with a median age of 45.4 years. Compare Johnstown with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Johnstown
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colonial Park | 18,125 | $69,804 | $223,800 | Compare |
| Lansdale | 18,865 | $86,460 | $319,000 | Compare |
| McKeesport | 17,520 | $31,854 | $69,800 | Compare |
| Phoenixville | 19,062 | $94,411 | $348,200 | Compare |
| West Chester | 19,235 | $81,492 | $481,300 | Compare |
| West Mifflin | 19,338 | $70,335 | $131,400 | Compare |
| Fullerton | 16,729 | $63,357 | $229,900 | Compare |
| Hanover | 16,483 | $64,135 | $200,900 | 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 Johnstown With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Johnstown
What is the population of Johnstown, PA?
The population of Johnstown, PA is 18,245 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 Johnstown?
The median household income in Johnstown, PA is $34,784 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Johnstown?
The median home value in Johnstown, PA is $42,100, which is 83% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Johnstown?
The median monthly rent in Johnstown, PA is $616, which is 47% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Johnstown?
The unemployment rate in Johnstown, PA is 6.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Johnstown, PA a good place to live?
Johnstown offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 18,245 and a median age of 45.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Johnstown, PA?
14.9% of residents in Johnstown 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 Johnstown?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Johnstown, PA: median home value is $42,100 (83% below national), median rent is $616/month, and median household income is $34,784. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Johnstown?
The poverty rate in Johnstown, PA is 31.2%, 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 Johnstown, PA?
Johnstown's population is 1.4% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 3.4% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 13.5% two or more races. 1.4% of residents are foreign-born.