Port Carbon, PA
Population 1,696 · Pennsylvania
About Port Carbon, PA
Port Carbon is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 1,696 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,750 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.3 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 Port Carbon features a median home value of $104,900, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Port Carbon one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $845, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 869 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (618 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (160 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Port Carbon shows an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Port Carbon have an average one-way commute time of 21.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.6% of Port Carbon 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 1.5% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Port Carbon, PA
Compared to national averages, Port Carbon has a median household income of $58,750 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $104,900, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $845 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Port Carbon's income is 20% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 45% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Port Carbon, PA?
Port Carbon offers affordable housing with a median home value of $104,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $845/month, and a low poverty rate of 8.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,750) that falls below the national average. However, Port Carbon’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Port Carbon has a population of 1,696 with a median age of 47.3 years. Compare Port Carbon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Port Carbon
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest City | 1,700 | $58,125 | $138,500 | Compare |
| Cheswick | 1,704 | $75,385 | $174,000 | Compare |
| Orchard Hills | 1,686 | $60,556 | $110,900 | Compare |
| Eddington | 1,714 | $107,727 | $329,100 | Compare |
| Homer City | 1,716 | $60,893 | $117,300 | Compare |
| Canton | 1,717 | $41,629 | $120,900 | Compare |
| Fairview-Ferndale | 1,721 | $36,429 | $77,000 | Compare |
| Youngsville | 1,669 | $55,282 | $105,900 | 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 Port Carbon With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Port Carbon
What is the population of Port Carbon, PA?
The population of Port Carbon, PA is 1,696 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 Port Carbon?
The median household income in Port Carbon, PA is $58,750 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Port Carbon?
The median home value in Port Carbon, PA is $104,900, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Port Carbon?
The median monthly rent in Port Carbon, PA is $845, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Port Carbon?
The unemployment rate in Port Carbon, PA is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Port Carbon, PA a good place to live?
Port Carbon offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,696 and a median age of 47.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Port Carbon, PA?
13.6% of residents in Port Carbon 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 Port Carbon?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Port Carbon, PA: median home value is $104,900 (57% below national), median rent is $845/month, and median household income is $58,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Port Carbon?
The poverty rate in Port Carbon, PA is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Port Carbon, PA?
Port Carbon's population is 1.5% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.