Sunbury, PA
Population 9,643 · Pennsylvania
About Sunbury, PA
Sunbury is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 9,643 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,509 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sunbury features a median home value of $98,000, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Sunbury one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $731, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,779 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (2,200 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (1,961 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sunbury shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sunbury have an average one-way commute time of 22.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.4% of Sunbury 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 0.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sunbury, PA
Compared to national averages, Sunbury has a median household income of $48,509 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $98,000, which is 60% below the national median. Monthly rent at $731 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Sunbury's income is 34% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 49% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Sunbury, PA?
Sunbury offers affordable housing with a median home value of $98,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $731/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,509) that falls below the national average. However, Sunbury’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sunbury has a population of 9,643 with a median age of 41.4 years. Compare Sunbury with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Sunbury
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bala Cynwyd | 9,622 | $144,453 | $628,400 | Compare |
| Canonsburg | 9,682 | $80,581 | $192,100 | Compare |
| Lititz | 9,599 | $82,861 | $264,600 | Compare |
| Croydon | 9,704 | $59,883 | $265,000 | Compare |
| Mechanicsburg | 9,535 | $81,696 | $227,600 | Compare |
| Oil City | 9,517 | $52,688 | $66,600 | Compare |
| Uniontown | 9,819 | $35,451 | $87,600 | Compare |
| Bristol | 9,874 | $70,595 | $236,400 | 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 Sunbury With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sunbury
What is the population of Sunbury, PA?
The population of Sunbury, PA is 9,643 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Sunbury?
The median household income in Sunbury, PA is $48,509 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sunbury?
The median home value in Sunbury, PA is $98,000, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sunbury?
The median monthly rent in Sunbury, PA is $731, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sunbury?
The unemployment rate in Sunbury, PA is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sunbury, PA a good place to live?
Sunbury offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,643 and a median age of 41.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sunbury, PA?
11.4% of residents in Sunbury 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 Sunbury?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sunbury, PA: median home value is $98,000 (60% below national), median rent is $731/month, and median household income is $48,509. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sunbury?
The poverty rate in Sunbury, PA is 16.2%, 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 Sunbury, PA?
Sunbury's population is 0.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 2.9% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.