Rural Valley, PA
Population 929 · Pennsylvania
About Rural Valley, PA
Rural Valley is a small community located in Pennsylvania with a population of 929 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,625 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.1 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 Rural Valley features a median home value of $135,000, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rural Valley one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,046, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 417 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (264 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (108 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rural Valley shows an unemployment rate of 13.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rural Valley have an average one-way commute time of 32.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.6% of Rural Valley 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 0.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rural Valley, PA
Compared to national averages, Rural Valley has a median household income of $70,625 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $135,000, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,046 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Rural Valley's income is 4% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 29% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Rural Valley, PA?
Rural Valley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $135,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,046/month, and a low poverty rate of 8.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,625) that falls below the national average. However, Rural Valley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rural Valley has a population of 929 with a median age of 50.1 years. Compare Rural Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Rural Valley
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | 931 | $62,500 | $142,400 | Compare |
| Bessemer | 933 | $63,214 | $111,700 | Compare |
| Knoxville | 923 | $52,500 | $87,500 | Compare |
| Saegertown | 935 | $69,375 | $153,500 | Compare |
| New Bedford | 936 | $76,136 | $167,100 | Compare |
| New Salem | 922 | $103,750 | $239,900 | Compare |
| Pringle | 920 | $53,750 | $127,300 | Compare |
| Schaefferstown | 938 | $89,155 | $219,400 | 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 Rural Valley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rural Valley
What is the population of Rural Valley, PA?
The population of Rural Valley, PA is 929 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Rural Valley?
The median household income in Rural Valley, PA is $70,625 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rural Valley?
The median home value in Rural Valley, PA is $135,000, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rural Valley?
The median monthly rent in Rural Valley, PA is $1,046, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rural Valley?
The unemployment rate in Rural Valley, PA is 13.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rural Valley, PA a good place to live?
Rural Valley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 929 and a median age of 50.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Rural Valley, PA?
16.6% of residents in Rural Valley 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 Rural Valley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rural Valley, PA: median home value is $135,000 (45% below national), median rent is $1,046/month, and median household income is $70,625. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rural Valley?
The poverty rate in Rural Valley, PA is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rural Valley, PA?
Rural Valley's population is 0.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.