Norristown, PA
Population 35,782 · Pennsylvania
About Norristown, PA
Norristown is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 35,782 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,058 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.7 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 Norristown features a median home value of $205,100, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Norristown in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,337, 15% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,336 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (5,354 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (7,767 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 Norristown shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Norristown have an average one-way commute time of 27.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.7% of Norristown residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 18.9% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 5.6% Black or African American, and 8.3% Asian residents, with 17.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Norristown Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Norristown, PA
Compared to national averages, Norristown has a median household income of $65,058 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $205,100, which is 16% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,337 is 15% above the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Norristown's income is 11% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 7% above the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Norristown, PA?
Norristown offers affordable housing with a median home value of $205,100, below the US average of $244,900.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,058) that falls below the national average. However, Norristown’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Norristown has a population of 35,782 with a median age of 33.7 years. Compare Norristown with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Norristown
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chester | 33,209 | $39,809 | $85,400 | Compare |
| Bethel Park | 33,070 | $104,129 | $258,700 | Compare |
| State College | 40,669 | $47,132 | $414,400 | Compare |
| Drexel Hill | 30,015 | $87,993 | $239,900 | Compare |
| Hazleton | 29,886 | $43,379 | $129,000 | Compare |
| Easton | 29,079 | $63,775 | $169,200 | Compare |
| Monroeville | 28,383 | $78,191 | $197,400 | Compare |
| Altoona | 43,508 | $50,171 | $113,600 | 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 Norristown With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Norristown
What is the population of Norristown, PA?
The population of Norristown, PA is 35,782 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 Norristown?
The median household income in Norristown, PA is $65,058 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Norristown?
The median home value in Norristown, PA is $205,100, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Norristown?
The median monthly rent in Norristown, PA is $1,337, which is 15% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Norristown?
The unemployment rate in Norristown, PA is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Norristown, PA a good place to live?
Norristown offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 35,782 and a median age of 33.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Norristown, PA?
23.7% of residents in Norristown 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 Norristown?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Norristown, PA: median home value is $205,100 (16% below national), median rent is $1,337/month, and median household income is $65,058. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Norristown?
The poverty rate in Norristown, PA is 19.0%, 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 Norristown, PA?
Norristown's population is 18.9% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 5.6% Black or African American, 8.3% Asian, and 32.2% two or more races. 17.7% of residents are foreign-born.