Messiah College, PA
Population 2,273 · Pennsylvania
About Messiah College, PA
Messiah College is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 2,273 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 20 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Messiah College features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Messiah College one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (2 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (2 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Messiah College shows an unemployment rate of 7.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 0.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Messiah College have an average one-way commute time of 8.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
83.3% of Messiah College residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.2% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 5.1% Asian residents, with 4.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Messiah College Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Messiah College, PA
Compared to national averages, Messiah College has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Messiah College's income is 100% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 100% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Messiah College, PA?
Messiah College offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a well-educated community where 83.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 0.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 8.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average. However, Messiah College’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Messiah College has a population of 2,273 with a median age of 20 years. Compare Messiah College with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Messiah College
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melrose Park | 2,273 | $154,946 | $427,400 | Compare |
| McDonald | 2,277 | $56,369 | $152,400 | Compare |
| Oakwood | 2,263 | $72,273 | $112,500 | 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 |
| 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 Messiah College With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Messiah College
What is the population of Messiah College, PA?
The population of Messiah College, PA is 2,273 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 Messiah College?
The median household income in Messiah College, PA is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Messiah College?
The median home value in Messiah College, PA is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Messiah College?
The median monthly rent in Messiah College, PA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Messiah College?
The unemployment rate in Messiah College, PA is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Messiah College, PA a good place to live?
Messiah College offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,273 and a median age of 20, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Messiah College, PA?
83.3% of residents in Messiah College aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Messiah College?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Messiah College, PA: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is NaNx, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Messiah College?
The poverty rate in Messiah College, PA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Messiah College, PA?
Messiah College's population is 1.2% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 5.1% Asian, and 5.9% two or more races. 4.7% of residents are foreign-born.