Lewistown, PA
Population 8,505 · Pennsylvania
About Lewistown, PA
Lewistown is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 8,505 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,179 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lewistown features a median home value of $98,600, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lewistown one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $765, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,470 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (1,562 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (2,281 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 Lewistown shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 32.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lewistown have an average one-way commute time of 20.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.4% of Lewistown 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 0.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 4.3% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lewistown, PA
Compared to national averages, Lewistown has a median household income of $40,179 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $98,600, which is 60% below the national median. Monthly rent at $765 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Lewistown's income is 45% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 48% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Lewistown, PA?
Lewistown offers affordable housing with a median home value of $98,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $765/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,179) that falls below the national average. However, Lewistown’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lewistown has a population of 8,505 with a median age of 37.1 years. Compare Lewistown with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Lewistown
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swissvale | 8,499 | $60,114 | $141,300 | Compare |
| Old Forge | 8,533 | $73,258 | $169,700 | Compare |
| Villanova | 8,431 | $250,001 | $945,600 | Compare |
| Pleasant Hills | 8,418 | $97,177 | $235,500 | Compare |
| Lock Haven | 8,386 | $40,131 | $127,500 | Compare |
| Parkville | 8,354 | $74,509 | $207,100 | Compare |
| Doylestown | 8,322 | $93,672 | $491,700 | Compare |
| Mount Joy | 8,310 | $84,514 | $241,300 | 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 Lewistown With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lewistown
What is the population of Lewistown, PA?
The population of Lewistown, PA is 8,505 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 Lewistown?
The median household income in Lewistown, PA is $40,179 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lewistown?
The median home value in Lewistown, PA is $98,600, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Lewistown?
The median monthly rent in Lewistown, PA is $765, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lewistown?
The unemployment rate in Lewistown, PA is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lewistown, PA a good place to live?
Lewistown offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,505 and a median age of 37.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lewistown, PA?
11.4% of residents in Lewistown 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 Lewistown?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lewistown, PA: median home value is $98,600 (60% below national), median rent is $765/month, and median household income is $40,179. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lewistown?
The poverty rate in Lewistown, PA is 32.5%, 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 Lewistown, PA?
Lewistown's population is 0.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 4.3% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.