Luzerne, PA
Population 2,720 · Pennsylvania
About Luzerne, PA
Luzerne is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 2,720 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,257 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.1 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 Luzerne features a median home value of $113,700, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Luzerne one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $758, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,579 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (852 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (580 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Luzerne 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 21.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Luzerne have an average one-way commute time of 18.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
14.8% of Luzerne 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 0.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Luzerne, PA
Compared to national averages, Luzerne has a median household income of $39,257 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $113,700, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $758 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Luzerne's income is 46% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 40% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Luzerne, PA?
Luzerne offers affordable housing with a median home value of $113,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $758/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,257) that falls below the national average. However, Luzerne’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Luzerne has a population of 2,720 with a median age of 50.1 years. Compare Luzerne with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Luzerne
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Key Lake | 2,721 | $96,836 | $206,700 | Compare |
| Slippery Rock University | 2,724 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Highspire | 2,729 | $50,689 | $113,500 | Compare |
| Kulpmont | 2,735 | $51,066 | $76,800 | Compare |
| Gastonville | 2,703 | $78,438 | $173,000 | Compare |
| Lake Heritage | 2,737 | $133,011 | $300,200 | Compare |
| Dallas | 2,702 | $81,364 | $198,000 | Compare |
| East Lansdowne | 2,699 | $66,611 | $201,400 | 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 Luzerne With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Luzerne
What is the population of Luzerne, PA?
The population of Luzerne, PA is 2,720 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 Luzerne?
The median household income in Luzerne, PA is $39,257 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Luzerne?
The median home value in Luzerne, PA is $113,700, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Luzerne?
The median monthly rent in Luzerne, PA is $758, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Luzerne?
The unemployment rate in Luzerne, 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 Luzerne, PA a good place to live?
Luzerne offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,720 and a median age of 50.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Luzerne, PA?
14.8% of residents in Luzerne 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 Luzerne?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Luzerne, PA: median home value is $113,700 (54% below national), median rent is $758/month, and median household income is $39,257. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Luzerne?
The poverty rate in Luzerne, PA is 21.8%, 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 Luzerne, PA?
Luzerne's population is 0.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.