Oil City, PA
Population 9,517 · Pennsylvania
About Oil City, PA
Oil City is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 9,517 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,688 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.5 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 Oil City features a median home value of $66,600, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Oil City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $799, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,661 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (2,449 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (1,540 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oil City shows an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Oil City have an average one-way commute time of 19.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.7% of Oil City 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 0.7% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Oil City, PA
Compared to national averages, Oil City has a median household income of $52,688 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $66,600, which is 73% below the national median. Monthly rent at $799 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Oil City's income is 28% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 65% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Oil City, PA?
Oil City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $66,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $799/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,688) that falls below the national average. However, Oil City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oil City has a population of 9,517 with a median age of 42.5 years. Compare Oil City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Oil City
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanicsburg | 9,535 | $81,696 | $227,600 | Compare |
| Lititz | 9,599 | $82,861 | $264,600 | Compare |
| Bala Cynwyd | 9,622 | $144,453 | $628,400 | Compare |
| Sunbury | 9,643 | $48,509 | $98,000 | Compare |
| Canonsburg | 9,682 | $80,581 | $192,100 | Compare |
| Croydon | 9,704 | $59,883 | $265,000 | Compare |
| Quakertown | 9,298 | $70,978 | $253,200 | Compare |
| East Stroudsburg | 9,278 | $61,792 | $199,200 | 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 Oil City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oil City
What is the population of Oil City, PA?
The population of Oil City, PA is 9,517 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 Oil City?
The median household income in Oil City, PA is $52,688 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oil City?
The median home value in Oil City, PA is $66,600, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Oil City?
The median monthly rent in Oil City, PA is $799, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oil City?
The unemployment rate in Oil City, PA is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Oil City, PA a good place to live?
Oil City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,517 and a median age of 42.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Oil City, PA?
17.7% of residents in Oil City 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 Oil City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oil City, PA: median home value is $66,600 (73% below national), median rent is $799/month, and median household income is $52,688. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Oil City?
The poverty rate in Oil City, PA is 18.0%, 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 Oil City, PA?
Oil City's population is 0.7% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.