Wilkes-Barre, PA
Population 44,217 · Pennsylvania
About Wilkes-Barre, PA
Wilkes-Barre is a mid-sized city in Pennsylvania with a population of 44,217 residents. The median household income is $47,970 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Wilkes-Barre is 35.3 years.
Housing in Wilkes-Barre has a median home value of $108,000 and median monthly rent of $939. Of the 19,993 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 8,179 owner-occupied and 8,531 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Wilkes-Barre is 8.3% and the poverty rate is 21.1%. 19.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 20 minutes.
How Wilkes-Barre Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Wilkes-Barre, PA
Compared to national averages, Wilkes-Barre has a median household income of $47,970 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $108,000, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $939 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Wilkes-Barre's income is 35% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 43% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Wilkes-Barre offers affordable housing with a median home value of $108,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $939/month, and short commute times averaging just 20 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,970) that falls below the national average. However, Wilkes-Barre’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wilkes-Barre has a population of 44,217 with a median age of 35.3 years. Compare Wilkes-Barre with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Wilkes-Barre
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| York | 44,830 | $47,115 | $103,100 | Compare |
| Altoona | 43,508 | $50,171 | $113,600 | Compare |
| State College | 40,669 | $47,132 | $414,400 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 50,092 | $47,783 | $121,000 | Compare |
| Levittown | 50,930 | $101,619 | $311,000 | 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 |
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wilkes-Barre
What is the population of Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The population of Wilkes-Barre, PA is 44,217 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Wilkes-Barre?
The median household income in Wilkes-Barre, PA is $47,970 per year.
What is the median home value in Wilkes-Barre?
The median home value in Wilkes-Barre, PA is $108,000.
What is the average rent in Wilkes-Barre?
The median monthly rent in Wilkes-Barre, PA is $939.
What is the unemployment rate in Wilkes-Barre?
The unemployment rate in Wilkes-Barre, PA is 8.3%.