New Kensington, PA
Population 12,072 · Pennsylvania
About New Kensington, PA
New Kensington is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 12,072 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,644 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.5 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 New Kensington features a median home value of $132,400, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. This makes New Kensington one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $694, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,013 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (3,617 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (2,452 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in New Kensington shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in New Kensington have an average one-way commute time of 25 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.1% of New Kensington 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 0.9% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in New Kensington, PA
Compared to national averages, New Kensington has a median household income of $49,644 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $132,400, which is 46% below the national median. Monthly rent at $694 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, New Kensington's income is 32% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 31% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in New Kensington, PA?
New Kensington offers affordable housing with a median home value of $132,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $694/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,644) that falls below the national average. However, New Kensington’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
New Kensington has a population of 12,072 with a median age of 49.5 years. Compare New Kensington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near New Kensington
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yeadon | 12,091 | $57,336 | $172,500 | Compare |
| Elizabethtown | 11,857 | $67,770 | $222,600 | Compare |
| Mountain Top | 11,856 | $105,286 | $274,600 | Compare |
| Jefferson Hills | 12,313 | $117,518 | $309,600 | Compare |
| Emmaus | 11,727 | $82,875 | $244,300 | Compare |
| Lower Burrell | 11,659 | $81,860 | $189,700 | Compare |
| St. Marys | 12,612 | $64,471 | $143,900 | Compare |
| Meadville | 12,723 | $46,012 | $115,700 | 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 New Kensington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about New Kensington
What is the population of New Kensington, PA?
The population of New Kensington, PA is 12,072 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in New Kensington?
The median household income in New Kensington, PA is $49,644 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in New Kensington?
The median home value in New Kensington, PA is $132,400, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in New Kensington?
The median monthly rent in New Kensington, PA is $694, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in New Kensington?
The unemployment rate in New Kensington, PA is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is New Kensington, PA a good place to live?
New Kensington offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,072 and a median age of 49.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is New Kensington, PA?
20.1% of residents in New Kensington 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 New Kensington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for New Kensington, PA: median home value is $132,400 (46% below national), median rent is $694/month, and median household income is $49,644. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in New Kensington?
The poverty rate in New Kensington, PA is 16.9%, 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 New Kensington, PA?
New Kensington's population is 0.9% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 12.2% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.