Pittsburgh, PA
Population 303,620 · Pennsylvania
About Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh is a major city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 303,620 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,137 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.5 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 Pittsburgh features a median home value of $193,200, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Pittsburgh in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,221, 5% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 159,667 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (64,894 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (72,699 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 Pittsburgh shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pittsburgh have an average one-way commute time of 23.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
47.8% of Pittsburgh residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 9.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pittsburgh Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Pittsburgh, PA
Compared to national averages, Pittsburgh has a median household income of $64,137 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $193,200, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,221 is 5% above the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh's income is 13% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 1% above the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Pittsburgh, PA?
Pittsburgh offers affordable housing with a median home value of $193,200, below the US average of $244,900, and a well-educated community where 47.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 23.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,137) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Pittsburgh provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Pittsburgh has a population of 303,620 with a median age of 33.5 years. Compare Pittsburgh with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Pittsburgh
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown | 125,320 | $53,403 | $188,900 | Compare |
| Reading | 94,836 | $45,599 | $109,800 | Compare |
| Erie | 94,156 | $43,397 | $108,200 | Compare |
| Bethlehem | 77,069 | $66,443 | $236,500 | Compare |
| Scranton | 76,074 | $49,531 | $141,700 | Compare |
| Lancaster | 57,683 | $63,421 | $203,700 | Compare |
| Levittown | 50,930 | $101,619 | $311,000 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 50,092 | $47,783 | $121,000 | 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 Pittsburgh With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pittsburgh
What is the population of Pittsburgh, PA?
The population of Pittsburgh, PA is 303,620 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Pittsburgh?
The median household income in Pittsburgh, PA is $64,137 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pittsburgh?
The median home value in Pittsburgh, PA is $193,200, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Pittsburgh?
The median monthly rent in Pittsburgh, PA is $1,221, which is 5% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pittsburgh?
The unemployment rate in Pittsburgh, PA is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pittsburgh, PA a good place to live?
Pittsburgh offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 303,620 and a median age of 33.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Pittsburgh, PA?
47.8% of residents in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pittsburgh, PA: median home value is $193,200 (21% below national), median rent is $1,221/month, and median household income is $64,137. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pittsburgh?
The poverty rate in Pittsburgh, PA is 19.5%, 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 Pittsburgh, PA?
Pittsburgh's population is 1.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 22.3% two or more races. 9.3% of residents are foreign-born.