Scranton, PA
Population 76,074 · Pennsylvania
About Scranton, PA
Scranton is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 76,074 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,531 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Scranton features a median home value of $141,700, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Scranton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $991, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 35,623 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (15,377 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (14,965 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Scranton shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 22.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Scranton have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.8% of Scranton 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 2.3% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.5% Black or African American, and 6.4% Asian residents, with 10.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Scranton Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Scranton, PA
Compared to national averages, Scranton has a median household income of $49,531 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $141,700, which is 42% below the national median. Monthly rent at $991 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Scranton's income is 32% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 26% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Scranton, PA?
Scranton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $141,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $991/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,531) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Scranton provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Scranton has a population of 76,074 with a median age of 37.7 years. Compare Scranton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Scranton
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethlehem | 77,069 | $66,443 | $236,500 | Compare |
| Erie | 94,156 | $43,397 | $108,200 | Compare |
| Lancaster | 57,683 | $63,421 | $203,700 | Compare |
| Reading | 94,836 | $45,599 | $109,800 | Compare |
| Levittown | 50,930 | $101,619 | $311,000 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 50,092 | $47,783 | $121,000 | Compare |
| York | 44,830 | $47,115 | $103,100 | Compare |
| Wilkes-Barre | 44,217 | $47,970 | $108,000 | 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 Scranton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Scranton
What is the population of Scranton, PA?
The population of Scranton, PA is 76,074 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 Scranton?
The median household income in Scranton, PA is $49,531 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Scranton?
The median home value in Scranton, PA is $141,700, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Scranton?
The median monthly rent in Scranton, PA is $991, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Scranton?
The unemployment rate in Scranton, PA is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Scranton, PA a good place to live?
Scranton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 76,074 and a median age of 37.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Scranton, PA?
22.8% of residents in Scranton 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 Scranton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Scranton, PA: median home value is $141,700 (42% below national), median rent is $991/month, and median household income is $49,531. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Scranton?
The poverty rate in Scranton, PA is 22.0%, 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 Scranton, PA?
Scranton's population is 2.3% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.5% Black or African American, 6.4% Asian, and 6.4% two or more races. 10.4% of residents are foreign-born.