Wilkinsburg, PA
Population 14,165 · Pennsylvania
About Wilkinsburg, PA
Wilkinsburg is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 14,165 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,565 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wilkinsburg features a median home value of $140,300, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wilkinsburg one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $978, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,876 total housing units, 32% are owner-occupied (2,552 units) and 68% are renter-occupied (5,417 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 Wilkinsburg shows an unemployment rate of 9.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wilkinsburg have an average one-way commute time of 28.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
36.8% of Wilkinsburg residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.4% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 2.0% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 4.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wilkinsburg, PA
Compared to national averages, Wilkinsburg has a median household income of $48,565 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $140,300, which is 43% below the national median. Monthly rent at $978 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Wilkinsburg's income is 34% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 27% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Wilkinsburg, PA?
Wilkinsburg offers affordable housing with a median home value of $140,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $978/month, and a well-educated community where 36.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,565) that falls below the national average. However, Wilkinsburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wilkinsburg has a population of 14,165 with a median age of 41.7 years. Compare Wilkinsburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Wilkinsburg
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ardmore | 14,165 | $115,273 | $446,300 | Compare |
| Indiana | 14,170 | $44,784 | $123,300 | Compare |
| Dunmore | 14,123 | $75,632 | $186,900 | Compare |
| Hershey | 14,334 | $78,750 | $339,300 | Compare |
| Willow Grove | 13,919 | $98,402 | $326,300 | Compare |
| Ephrata | 13,729 | $68,117 | $215,100 | Compare |
| Carnot-Moon | 13,639 | $95,777 | $256,600 | Compare |
| Montgomeryville | 13,572 | $130,769 | $452,400 | 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 Wilkinsburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wilkinsburg
What is the population of Wilkinsburg, PA?
The population of Wilkinsburg, PA is 14,165 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 Wilkinsburg?
The median household income in Wilkinsburg, PA is $48,565 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wilkinsburg?
The median home value in Wilkinsburg, PA is $140,300, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Wilkinsburg?
The median monthly rent in Wilkinsburg, PA is $978, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wilkinsburg?
The unemployment rate in Wilkinsburg, PA is 9.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wilkinsburg, PA a good place to live?
Wilkinsburg offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 14,165 and a median age of 41.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wilkinsburg, PA?
36.8% of residents in Wilkinsburg 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 Wilkinsburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wilkinsburg, PA: median home value is $140,300 (43% below national), median rent is $978/month, and median household income is $48,565. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wilkinsburg?
The poverty rate in Wilkinsburg, PA is 20.3%, 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 Wilkinsburg, PA?
Wilkinsburg's population is 1.4% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 2.0% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 48.0% two or more races. 4.5% of residents are foreign-born.