McKees Rocks, PA
Population 5,827 · Pennsylvania
About McKees Rocks, PA
McKees Rocks is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 5,827 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $33,510 per year, which is 55% 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 McKees Rocks features a median home value of $70,400, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. This makes McKees Rocks one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $933, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,483 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (1,379 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (1,594 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 McKees Rocks shows an unemployment rate of 14.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 33.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in McKees Rocks have an average one-way commute time of 22.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.8% of McKees Rocks 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, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.9% Asian residents, with 4.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in McKees Rocks, PA
Compared to national averages, McKees Rocks has a median household income of $33,510 (55% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $70,400, which is 71% below the national median. Monthly rent at $933 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, McKees Rocks's income is 54% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 63% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in McKees Rocks, PA?
McKees Rocks offers affordable housing with a median home value of $70,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $933/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($33,510) that falls below the national average. However, McKees Rocks’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
McKees Rocks has a population of 5,827 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare McKees Rocks with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near McKees Rocks
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shippensburg | 5,811 | $52,344 | $163,200 | Compare |
| Merion Station | 5,796 | $250,001 | $875,500 | Compare |
| Sierra View | 5,795 | $85,250 | $239,200 | Compare |
| Media | 5,868 | $86,219 | $398,400 | Compare |
| Bryn Mawr | 5,777 | $87,218 | $391,900 | Compare |
| Oxford | 5,763 | $61,470 | $309,600 | Compare |
| Plymouth | 5,761 | $42,348 | $85,400 | Compare |
| Campbelltown | 5,759 | $96,250 | $319,900 | 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 McKees Rocks With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about McKees Rocks
What is the population of McKees Rocks, PA?
The population of McKees Rocks, PA is 5,827 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 McKees Rocks?
The median household income in McKees Rocks, PA is $33,510 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in McKees Rocks?
The median home value in McKees Rocks, PA is $70,400, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in McKees Rocks?
The median monthly rent in McKees Rocks, PA is $933, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in McKees Rocks?
The unemployment rate in McKees Rocks, PA is 14.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is McKees Rocks, PA a good place to live?
McKees Rocks offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,827 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is McKees Rocks, PA?
10.8% of residents in McKees Rocks 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 McKees Rocks?
Key cost-of-living indicators for McKees Rocks, PA: median home value is $70,400 (71% below national), median rent is $933/month, and median household income is $33,510. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in McKees Rocks?
The poverty rate in McKees Rocks, PA is 33.1%, 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 McKees Rocks, PA?
McKees Rocks's population is 0.0% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.9% Asian, and 25.6% two or more races. 4.4% of residents are foreign-born.