Monaca, PA
Population 5,557 · Pennsylvania
About Monaca, PA
Monaca is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 5,557 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,839 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Monaca features a median home value of $142,100, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Monaca one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $773, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,651 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (1,480 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (904 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Monaca shows an unemployment rate of 6.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Monaca have an average one-way commute time of 23.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.8% of Monaca 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 3.7% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 1.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Monaca, PA
Compared to national averages, Monaca has a median household income of $64,839 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $142,100, which is 42% below the national median. Monthly rent at $773 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Monaca's income is 12% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 26% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Monaca, PA?
Monaca offers affordable housing with a median home value of $142,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $773/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,839) that falls below the national average. However, Monaca’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Monaca has a population of 5,557 with a median age of 39 years. Compare Monaca with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Monaca
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyndmoor | 5,567 | $142,583 | $478,100 | Compare |
| Greenville | 5,533 | $56,850 | $98,200 | Compare |
| Hollidaysburg | 5,581 | $62,319 | $190,500 | Compare |
| Exeter | 5,514 | $49,432 | $132,500 | Compare |
| New Brighton | 5,600 | $50,426 | $104,100 | Compare |
| Treasure Lake | 5,513 | $112,482 | $276,800 | Compare |
| Palmerton | 5,624 | $71,471 | $161,500 | Compare |
| Coraopolis | 5,464 | $60,174 | $151,500 | 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 Monaca With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Monaca
What is the population of Monaca, PA?
The population of Monaca, PA is 5,557 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 Monaca?
The median household income in Monaca, PA is $64,839 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Monaca?
The median home value in Monaca, PA is $142,100, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Monaca?
The median monthly rent in Monaca, PA is $773, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Monaca?
The unemployment rate in Monaca, PA is 6.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Monaca, PA a good place to live?
Monaca offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,557 and a median age of 39, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Monaca, PA?
22.8% of residents in Monaca 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 Monaca?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Monaca, PA: median home value is $142,100 (42% below national), median rent is $773/month, and median household income is $64,839. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Monaca?
The poverty rate in Monaca, PA is 15.9%, 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 Monaca, PA?
Monaca's population is 3.7% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.9% two or more races. 1.8% of residents are foreign-born.