Lykens, PA
Population 1,830 · Pennsylvania
About Lykens, PA
Lykens is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 1,830 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,125 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 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 Lykens features a median home value of $101,300, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lykens one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $879, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 966 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (494 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (335 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lykens shows an unemployment rate of 7.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lykens have an average one-way commute time of 30.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.1% of Lykens 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 0.5% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lykens, PA
Compared to national averages, Lykens has a median household income of $69,125 (8% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $101,300, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $879 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Lykens's income is 6% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 47% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Lykens, PA?
Lykens offers affordable housing with a median home value of $101,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $879/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,125) that falls below the national average. However, Lykens’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lykens has a population of 1,830 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Lykens with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Lykens
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Orchard | 1,829 | $108,634 | $347,300 | Compare |
| Moscow | 1,825 | $76,250 | $275,600 | Compare |
| East Pittsburgh | 1,822 | $40,227 | $72,300 | Compare |
| South Temple | 1,821 | $78,333 | $181,600 | Compare |
| Linntown | 1,818 | $108,716 | $245,100 | Compare |
| South Coatesville | 1,843 | $72,976 | $253,900 | Compare |
| Watsontown | 1,845 | $53,355 | $161,200 | Compare |
| Mayfield | 1,813 | $80,000 | $147,700 | 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 Lykens With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lykens
What is the population of Lykens, PA?
The population of Lykens, PA is 1,830 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 Lykens?
The median household income in Lykens, PA is $69,125 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lykens?
The median home value in Lykens, PA is $101,300, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lykens?
The median monthly rent in Lykens, PA is $879, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lykens?
The unemployment rate in Lykens, PA is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lykens, PA a good place to live?
Lykens offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,830 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lykens, PA?
13.1% of residents in Lykens 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 Lykens?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lykens, PA: median home value is $101,300 (59% below national), median rent is $879/month, and median household income is $69,125. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lykens?
The poverty rate in Lykens, PA is 22.6%, 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 Lykens, PA?
Lykens's population is 0.5% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.