State College, PA
Population 40,669 · Pennsylvania
About State College, PA
State College is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 40,669 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,132 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in State College features a median home value of $414,400, which is 69% above the national median of $244,900. This places State College in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,229, 6% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 13,148 total housing units, 27% are owner-occupied (3,090 units) and 73% are renter-occupied (8,347 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in State College shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 39.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in State College have an average one-way commute time of 15.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
70.7% of State College residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 13.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How State College Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in State College, PA
Compared to national averages, State College has a median household income of $47,132 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $414,400, which is 69% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,229 is 6% above the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, State College's income is 36% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 117% above the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in State College, PA?
State College offers a well-educated community where 70.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 15.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,132) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $414,400. However, State College’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
State College has a population of 40,669 with a median age of 21.4 years. Compare State College with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near State College
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altoona | 43,508 | $50,171 | $113,600 | Compare |
| Wilkes-Barre | 44,217 | $47,970 | $108,000 | Compare |
| York | 44,830 | $47,115 | $103,100 | Compare |
| Norristown | 35,782 | $65,058 | $205,100 | Compare |
| Chester | 33,209 | $39,809 | $85,400 | Compare |
| Bethel Park | 33,070 | $104,129 | $258,700 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 50,092 | $47,783 | $121,000 | Compare |
| Levittown | 50,930 | $101,619 | $311,000 | 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 State College With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about State College
What is the population of State College, PA?
The population of State College, PA is 40,669 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 State College?
The median household income in State College, PA is $47,132 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in State College?
The median home value in State College, PA is $414,400, which is 69% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in State College?
The median monthly rent in State College, PA is $1,229, which is 6% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in State College?
The unemployment rate in State College, PA is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is State College, PA a good place to live?
State College offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 40,669 and a median age of 21.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is State College, PA?
70.7% of residents in State College aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in State College?
Key cost-of-living indicators for State College, PA: median home value is $414,400 (69% above national), median rent is $1,229/month, and median household income is $47,132. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.8x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in State College?
The poverty rate in State College, PA is 39.1%, 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 State College, PA?
State College's population is 1.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 3.6% two or more races. 13.3% of residents are foreign-born.