Penbrook, PA
Population 3,260 · Pennsylvania
About Penbrook, PA
Penbrook is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 3,260 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,295 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 27.9 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 Penbrook features a median home value of $140,000, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Penbrook one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $946, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,436 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (838 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (435 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Penbrook shows an unemployment rate of 7.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Penbrook have an average one-way commute time of 19.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
42.4% of Penbrook 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 3.3% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Black or African American, and 7.9% Asian residents, with 4.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Penbrook, PA
Compared to national averages, Penbrook has a median household income of $68,295 (9% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $140,000, which is 43% below the national median. Monthly rent at $946 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Penbrook's income is 7% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 27% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Penbrook, PA?
Penbrook offers affordable housing with a median home value of $140,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $946/month, and a well-educated community where 42.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,295) that falls below the national average. However, Penbrook’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Penbrook has a population of 3,260 with a median age of 27.9 years. Compare Penbrook with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Penbrook
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | 3,260 | $49,588 | $166,800 | Compare |
| West Wyomissing | 3,263 | $75,944 | $180,500 | Compare |
| Pottsgrove | 3,267 | $124,605 | $296,300 | Compare |
| Newmanstown | 3,270 | $89,023 | $239,000 | Compare |
| Macungie | 3,247 | $74,056 | $293,900 | Compare |
| Trafford | 3,247 | $62,874 | $143,200 | Compare |
| Southpointe | 3,277 | $112,722 | $546,700 | Compare |
| Centerville borough (Washington County), Pennsylvania | 3,240 | $78,446 | $123,200 | 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 Penbrook With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Penbrook
What is the population of Penbrook, PA?
The population of Penbrook, PA is 3,260 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 Penbrook?
The median household income in Penbrook, PA is $68,295 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Penbrook?
The median home value in Penbrook, PA is $140,000, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Penbrook?
The median monthly rent in Penbrook, PA is $946, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Penbrook?
The unemployment rate in Penbrook, PA is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Penbrook, PA a good place to live?
Penbrook offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,260 and a median age of 27.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Penbrook, PA?
42.4% of residents in Penbrook 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 Penbrook?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Penbrook, PA: median home value is $140,000 (43% below national), median rent is $946/month, and median household income is $68,295. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Penbrook?
The poverty rate in Penbrook, PA is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Penbrook, PA?
Penbrook's population is 3.3% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Black or African American, 7.9% Asian, and 25.9% two or more races. 4.5% of residents are foreign-born.