St. Marys, PA
Population 12,612 · Pennsylvania
About St. Marys, PA
St. Marys is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 12,612 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,471 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.3 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 St. Marys features a median home value of $143,900, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes St. Marys one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $756, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,156 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (4,292 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (1,379 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in St. Marys shows an unemployment rate of 8.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in St. Marys have an average one-way commute time of 13.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.5% of St. Marys 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 0.5% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in St. Marys, PA
Compared to national averages, St. Marys has a median household income of $64,471 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $143,900, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $756 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, St. Marys's income is 12% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 25% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in St. Marys, PA?
St. Marys offers affordable housing with a median home value of $143,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $756/month, and a low poverty rate of 8.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 13.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,471) that falls below the national average. However, St. Marys’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
St. Marys has a population of 12,612 with a median age of 50.3 years. Compare St. Marys with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near St. Marys
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meadville | 12,723 | $46,012 | $115,700 | Compare |
| Bloomsburg | 12,906 | $49,096 | $186,100 | Compare |
| Jefferson Hills | 12,313 | $117,518 | $309,600 | Compare |
| Sharon | 13,019 | $44,595 | $79,100 | Compare |
| Yeadon | 12,091 | $57,336 | $172,500 | Compare |
| New Kensington | 12,072 | $49,644 | $132,400 | Compare |
| Butler | 13,306 | $41,705 | $112,500 | Compare |
| Coatesville | 13,323 | $57,323 | $160,500 | 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 St. Marys With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Marys
What is the population of St. Marys, PA?
The population of St. Marys, PA is 12,612 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 St. Marys?
The median household income in St. Marys, PA is $64,471 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in St. Marys?
The median home value in St. Marys, PA is $143,900, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in St. Marys?
The median monthly rent in St. Marys, PA is $756, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in St. Marys?
The unemployment rate in St. Marys, PA is 8.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is St. Marys, PA a good place to live?
St. Marys offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,612 and a median age of 50.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is St. Marys, PA?
20.5% of residents in St. Marys 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 St. Marys?
Key cost-of-living indicators for St. Marys, PA: median home value is $143,900 (41% below national), median rent is $756/month, and median household income is $64,471. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in St. Marys?
The poverty rate in St. Marys, 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 St. Marys, PA?
St. Marys's population is 0.5% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.