Wilkes-Barre, PA
Population 44,217 · Pennsylvania
About Wilkes-Barre, PA
Wilkes-Barre is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 44,217 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,970 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.3 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 Wilkes-Barre features a median home value of $108,000, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wilkes-Barre one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $939, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 19,993 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (8,179 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (8,531 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 Wilkes-Barre shows an unemployment rate of 8.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wilkes-Barre have an average one-way commute time of 20 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.4% of Wilkes-Barre 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 8.2% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.7% Black or African American, and 15.7% Asian residents, with 15.1% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Wilkes-Barre With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Wilkes-Barre?
The median household income in Wilkes-Barre, PA is $47,970 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wilkes-Barre?
The median home value in Wilkes-Barre, PA is $108,000, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Wilkes-Barre?
The median monthly rent in Wilkes-Barre, PA is $939, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wilkes-Barre?
The unemployment rate in Wilkes-Barre, PA is 8.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live?
Wilkes-Barre offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 44,217 and a median age of 35.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wilkes-Barre, PA?
19.4% of residents in Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wilkes-Barre, PA: median home value is $108,000 (56% below national), median rent is $939/month, and median household income is $47,970. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wilkes-Barre?
The poverty rate in Wilkes-Barre, PA is 21.1%, 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 Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Wilkes-Barre's population is 8.2% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.7% Black or African American, 15.7% Asian, and 11.7% two or more races. 15.1% of residents are foreign-born.