Mars, PA
Population 1,255 · Pennsylvania
About Mars, PA
Mars is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 1,255 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,000 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 53.9 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 Mars features a median home value of $286,200, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Mars in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $884, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 668 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (279 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (301 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 Mars shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Mars have an average one-way commute time of 25.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
27.6% of Mars 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 2.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 4.3% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mars, PA
Compared to national averages, Mars has a median household income of $58,000 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $286,200, which is 17% above the national median. Monthly rent at $884 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Mars's income is 21% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 50% above the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Mars, PA?
Mars offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $884/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%, and a low poverty rate of 12.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,000) that falls below the national average. However, Mars’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mars has a population of 1,255 with a median age of 53.9 years. Compare Mars with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Mars
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birchwood Lakes | 1,255 | $52,164 | $171,900 | Compare |
| Waterford | 1,254 | $58,875 | $163,000 | Compare |
| West Leechburg | 1,257 | $76,042 | $165,300 | Compare |
| Albion | 1,269 | $54,083 | $131,000 | Compare |
| Dewart | 1,241 | $53,365 | $157,100 | Compare |
| Newville | 1,269 | $62,599 | $161,300 | Compare |
| Westfield | 1,241 | $46,875 | $86,000 | Compare |
| Bear Rocks | 1,239 | $66,688 | $220,300 | 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 Mars With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mars
What is the population of Mars, PA?
The population of Mars, PA is 1,255 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 Mars?
The median household income in Mars, PA is $58,000 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mars?
The median home value in Mars, PA is $286,200, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Mars?
The median monthly rent in Mars, PA is $884, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mars?
The unemployment rate in Mars, PA is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Mars, PA a good place to live?
Mars offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,255 and a median age of 53.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Mars, PA?
27.6% of residents in Mars 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 Mars?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mars, PA: median home value is $286,200 (17% above national), median rent is $884/month, and median household income is $58,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Mars?
The poverty rate in Mars, PA is 12.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Mars, PA?
Mars's population is 2.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 4.3% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.