Pottsville, PA
Population 13,374 · Pennsylvania
About Pottsville, PA
Pottsville is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 13,374 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,465 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Pottsville features a median home value of $97,700, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Pottsville one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $820, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,791 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (3,389 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (2,385 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pottsville shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pottsville have an average one-way commute time of 23.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.5% of Pottsville 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 2.1% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 4.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Pottsville, PA
Compared to national averages, Pottsville has a median household income of $53,465 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $97,700, which is 60% below the national median. Monthly rent at $820 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Pottsville's income is 27% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 49% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Pottsville, PA?
Pottsville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $97,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $820/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,465) that falls below the national average. However, Pottsville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pottsville has a population of 13,374 with a median age of 41.3 years. Compare Pottsville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Pottsville
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 13,361 | $52,350 | $121,000 | Compare |
| Kingston | 13,333 | $53,885 | $164,200 | Compare |
| Coatesville | 13,323 | $57,323 | $160,500 | Compare |
| Butler | 13,306 | $41,705 | $112,500 | Compare |
| Montgomeryville | 13,572 | $130,769 | $452,400 | Compare |
| Carnot-Moon | 13,639 | $95,777 | $256,600 | Compare |
| Ephrata | 13,729 | $68,117 | $215,100 | Compare |
| Sharon | 13,019 | $44,595 | $79,100 | 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 Pottsville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pottsville
What is the population of Pottsville, PA?
The population of Pottsville, PA is 13,374 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 Pottsville?
The median household income in Pottsville, PA is $53,465 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pottsville?
The median home value in Pottsville, PA is $97,700, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pottsville?
The median monthly rent in Pottsville, PA is $820, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pottsville?
The unemployment rate in Pottsville, PA is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pottsville, PA a good place to live?
Pottsville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 13,374 and a median age of 41.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pottsville, PA?
21.5% of residents in Pottsville 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 Pottsville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pottsville, PA: median home value is $97,700 (60% below national), median rent is $820/month, and median household income is $53,465. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pottsville?
The poverty rate in Pottsville, PA is 18.3%, 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 Pottsville, PA?
Pottsville's population is 2.1% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 4.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 3.7% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.