McDonald, PA
Population 2,277 · Pennsylvania
About McDonald, PA
McDonald is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 2,277 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,369 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in McDonald features a median home value of $152,400, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions McDonald in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $875, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,153 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (645 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (391 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in McDonald shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in McDonald have an average one-way commute time of 26.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.0% of McDonald 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, 0.8% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in McDonald, PA
Compared to national averages, McDonald has a median household income of $56,369 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $152,400, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $875 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, McDonald's income is 23% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 20% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in McDonald, PA?
McDonald offers affordable housing with a median home value of $152,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $875/month, and a low poverty rate of 8.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,369) that falls below the national average. However, McDonald’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
McDonald has a population of 2,277 with a median age of 38.7 years. Compare McDonald with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near McDonald
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melrose Park | 2,273 | $154,946 | $427,400 | Compare |
| Messiah College | 2,273 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Trucksville | 2,284 | $61,750 | $202,400 | Compare |
| Sand Hill | 2,288 | $86,696 | $204,300 | Compare |
| New Wilmington | 2,291 | $57,159 | $204,300 | Compare |
| Oakwood | 2,263 | $72,273 | $112,500 | Compare |
| Spring Mount | 2,292 | $97,596 | $243,500 | Compare |
| Gap | 2,297 | $96,007 | $321,500 | 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 McDonald With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about McDonald
What is the population of McDonald, PA?
The population of McDonald, PA is 2,277 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 McDonald?
The median household income in McDonald, PA is $56,369 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in McDonald?
The median home value in McDonald, PA is $152,400, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in McDonald?
The median monthly rent in McDonald, PA is $875, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in McDonald?
The unemployment rate in McDonald, PA is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is McDonald, PA a good place to live?
McDonald offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,277 and a median age of 38.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is McDonald, PA?
19.0% of residents in McDonald 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 McDonald?
Key cost-of-living indicators for McDonald, PA: median home value is $152,400 (38% below national), median rent is $875/month, and median household income is $56,369. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in McDonald?
The poverty rate in McDonald, PA is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is McDonald, PA?
McDonald's population is 0.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.