Lock Haven, PA
Population 8,386 · Pennsylvania
About Lock Haven, PA
Lock Haven is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 8,386 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,131 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 26.6 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 Lock Haven features a median home value of $127,500, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lock Haven one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $794, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,567 total housing units, 32% are owner-occupied (1,048 units) and 68% are renter-occupied (2,237 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 Lock Haven shows an unemployment rate of 8.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lock Haven have an average one-way commute time of 22.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.1% of Lock Haven residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lock Haven, PA
Compared to national averages, Lock Haven has a median household income of $40,131 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $127,500, which is 48% below the national median. Monthly rent at $794 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Lock Haven's income is 45% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 33% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Lock Haven, PA?
Lock Haven offers affordable housing with a median home value of $127,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $794/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,131) that falls below the national average. However, Lock Haven’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lock Haven has a population of 8,386 with a median age of 26.6 years. Compare Lock Haven with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Lock Haven
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parkville | 8,354 | $74,509 | $207,100 | Compare |
| Pleasant Hills | 8,418 | $97,177 | $235,500 | Compare |
| Villanova | 8,431 | $250,001 | $945,600 | Compare |
| Doylestown | 8,322 | $93,672 | $491,700 | Compare |
| Mount Joy | 8,310 | $84,514 | $241,300 | Compare |
| Folsom | 8,298 | $100,544 | $268,500 | Compare |
| Brookhaven | 8,288 | $96,393 | $265,500 | Compare |
| Swissvale | 8,499 | $60,114 | $141,300 | 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 Lock Haven With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lock Haven
What is the population of Lock Haven, PA?
The population of Lock Haven, PA is 8,386 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 Lock Haven?
The median household income in Lock Haven, PA is $40,131 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lock Haven?
The median home value in Lock Haven, PA is $127,500, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Lock Haven?
The median monthly rent in Lock Haven, PA is $794, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lock Haven?
The unemployment rate in Lock Haven, PA is 8.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lock Haven, PA a good place to live?
Lock Haven offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,386 and a median age of 26.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Lock Haven, PA?
24.1% of residents in Lock Haven 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 Lock Haven?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lock Haven, PA: median home value is $127,500 (48% below national), median rent is $794/month, and median household income is $40,131. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lock Haven?
The poverty rate in Lock Haven, PA is 25.0%, 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 Lock Haven, PA?
Lock Haven's population is 1.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 4.3% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.