Pennsylvania’s population in 2024 is estimated to be approximately 12,951,300 reflecting a continuing trend in demographic changes according to World Population Review.
These shifts highlight differing patterns across the state’s rural and urban areas, with urban regions experiencing growth while rural areas face a decline.
This dynamic is reshaping Pennsylvania’s social and economic landscape, offering a rich area of exploration for understanding future impacts.
The growth rate in Pennsylvania over the past decades has varied, with a modest increase between 2010 and 2020.
But from 2020 to 2024 it has declined for over 40.000 residents according to the last US census of 2020.
Key Takeaways
Age of Population
According to the 2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates, Pennsylvania’s median age is 40.8. The age distribution of the population is as follows: 16.86% are under 15, 19.31% are between 15 and 29, 45.09% are aged 30 to 64, 16.24% fall within the 65 to 84 range, and 2.50% are 85 or older.
Age Cohorts
In Pennsylvania, the population distribution across age cohorts shows a predominance of working-age individuals (18 to 64 years), who make up 60.74% of the total population, slightly below the national average of 61.36%.
This indicates a relatively strong labor force presence within the state, but marginally less than the national average.
Youths under 18 years constitute 20.51%, slightly lower than the national average of 22.11%, indicating lower youth dependency than in some other regions.
The senior population (65 and over) makes up 18.74%, notably higher than the national rate of 16.53%, suggesting Pennsylvania has a relatively older population compared to the broader U.S. demographic profile.
Gender and Age
Age Group
Male Population (%)
Female Population (%)
0-4
5.11%
4.88%
5-9
5.37%
5.16%
10-14
5.78%
5.47%
15-19
6.23%
6.00%
20-24
6.10%
5.91%
25-29
6.19%
5.94%
30-34
6.36%
6.14%
35-39
5.94%
5.85%
40-44
5.60%
5.46%
45-49
5.58%
5.53%
50-54
6.11%
6.10%
55-59
6.46%
6.59%
60-64
6.49%
6.81%
65-69
5.48%
5.93%
70-74
4.21%
4.78%
75-79
2.70%
3.45%
80-84
1.66%
2.42%
85+
1.54%
3.12%
The Pennsylvania population pyramid reflects a relatively balanced gender distribution in younger and middle-aged groups, with close percentages of men and women up to age 64.
However, in the 65+ age groups, there is a marked increase in the female population percentage compared to males, especially in the 75+ categories.
This suggests a higher life expectancy among women, a trend that aligns with broader U.S. demographic patterns.
Ethnic and Racial Composition
Racial composition highlights a predominance of White residents, who make up 77.07% of the total population according to Neilsberg.
This substantial majority reflects historical and demographic trends in the state.
The second-largest racial group is Black or African American, accounting for 10.84%, followed by multiracial individuals, who represent 5.14% of the population.
These groups, along with a smaller proportion of Asian residents at 3.64%, showcase Pennsylvaniaโs diversity but indicate a more modest level of racial diversity compared to some other states.
Population By Counties
Educational Attainment for Population Aged 25 and Older in Pennsylvania
A substantial portion of Pennsylvania’s adult population has attained at least a high school diploma, with 35.4% holding a bachelor’s or higher.
This is slightly below the national level, which stands at 36.2%, highlighting room for growth in higher educational attainment within the state according to US census data.
Bachelor’s Degree or Higher – Comparative Estimates (2023 ACS)
Location
Percentage with Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
Margin of Error
Pennsylvania
35.3%
ยฑ0.3%
United States
36.2%
ยฑ0.1%
Pennsylvania’s rate of bachelorโs degree attainment is closely aligned with the national average, though slightly lower.
This small gap could influence the stateโs economic opportunities, as regions with higher education levels often attract more businesses and offer higher wages.
School Enrollment in Pennsylvania (Population Aged 3 and Over)
The majority of enrolled students in Pennsylvania are in K-12 education (66.9%), consistent with the national enrollment of 67.8%.
College and graduate enrollments reflect a diverse range of educational pursuits, though they may benefit from increased support to further strengthen workforce readiness.
Kindergarten to 12th Grade Enrollment – Comparative Estimates (2023 ACS)
Location
Percentage of Population Enrolled in K-12
Margin of Error
Pennsylvania
66.9%
ยฑ0.4%
United States
67.8%
ยฑ0.1%
Pennsylvaniaโs K-12 enrollment is nearly identical to the national rate, suggesting strong school participation among children.
However, the slight margin indicates Pennsylvania could further align its educational initiatives to maximize student engagement and retention rates across all educational levels.
Employment Statistics
Month
Civilian Labor Force (in thousands)
Employment (in thousands)
Unemployment (in thousands)
Unemployment Rate (%)
April 2024
6,595.8
6,373.1
222.7
3.4
May 2024
6,605.4
6,382.2
223.2
3.4
June 2024
6,602.5
6,379.5
223.0
3.4
July 2024
6,602.5
6,378.5
224.0
3.4
August 2024
6,580.4
6,357.5
223.0
3.4
September 2024
6,555.8
6,334.0
221.8
3.4
- Stable Unemployment Rate: BLS notes that Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate has remained consistent at 3.4% over these six months, indicating steady economic conditions in terms of labor market activity.
- Labor Force and Employment Decline: There is a slight decrease in both the labor force and employment numbers from April to September, which could suggest seasonal shifts or early signs of labor market tightening.
- Minor Decrease in Unemployment: Unemployment numbers show a marginal decrease in September, aligning with a slight reduction in the civilian labor force. This trend may reflect people exiting the labor force rather than finding employment.
Income Levels
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Household Income
Statistic
Pennsylvania
United States
Difference
Average Household Income
$100,837
$105,833
5% lower
Median Household Income
$73,170
$75,149
3% lower
Poverty Threshold
$27,750
–
–
Pennsylvaniaโs household income levels are slightly below the national average.
The average and median incomes are within a 5% difference, but Pennsylvania remains slightly behind in both categories, reflecting the state’s relative economic standing.
Richest Pennsylvania Zip Codes
Rank
Zip Code
Population
Mean Income
Median Household Income
1
19035
4,149
$452,627
$250,001+
2
19085
10,779
$448,670
$250,001+
3
19066
5,594
$294,125
$233,194
4
19437
968
$286,907
$200,795
5
19025
7,044
$272,739
$183,419
The wealthiest zip codes in Pennsylvania display significant income levels, with the top two areas reporting average household incomes over $450,000 according to Incomebyzipcode.
These high incomes suggest concentrated wealth within specific areas, which could affect local economic policies and community resources.
Pennsylvania Salary Data
The disparity between average and median salaries in Pennsylvania shows a variation influenced by higher incomes within certain groups.
The per capita income is relatively low compared to the average salary, likely due to a broad distribution of incomes across demographics.
Family Income in Pennsylvania
Family income in Pennsylvania is notably higher than individual or single-household incomes, indicating that households with multiple earners generally experience improved financial security.
Retirement Income in Pennsylvania
Retirement income in Pennsylvania is composed nearly equally of Social Security and other retirement income sources.
This distribution highlights the dependency on Social Security for many retirees, especially those without substantial retirement savings.
Income Levels or Distribution in Pennsylvania
Income Bracket
Households
% of Total
Less than $10,000
249,677
5%
$50,000 to $59,999
362,282
7%
$75,000 to $99,999
675,219
13%
$200,000 or more
527,650
10%
Pennsylvaniaโs income distribution shows a significant concentration in the $50,000-$99,999 range, with a notable 10% of households earning $200,000 or more.
This diversity in income levels indicates a varied economic landscape across the state.
Median Income by Age of Householder
Median income trends by age in Pennsylvania reveal higher earnings in mid-career years, peaking between ages 45 and 64. Income dips significantly for those over 65, reflecting retirement and the transition to fixed incomes.
Housing and Living Arrangements
Metric
Value
Year-Over-Year Change
Median Sale Price
$297,000
+8.9%
Number of Homes Sold
11,036
+3.6%
Median Days on Market
32 days
+4 days
The Pennsylvania housing market is experiencing significant growth, with median sale prices up by nearly 9% year-over-year.
The number of homes sold has also increased, though properties are remaining on the market slightly longer than last year according to data from Redfin.
Top 10 Pennsylvania Metros by Fastest Growing Sales Price
Bethel Park leads with a substantial 18.9% price growth, showing high demand and market activity.
Philadelphia and Harrisburg also have competitive markets, though not at the rate of growth seen in smaller metros.
Pennsylvania Housing Supply (October 2024)
Metric
Value
Year-Over-Year Change
Number of Homes for Sale
40,389
+6.8%
Number of Newly Listed Homes
12,946
+2.1%
Months of Supply
2
0%
The increase in homes for sale (6.8%) indicates a growing supply, which could help balance the market.
However, with only two months of supply, there may still be a shortage compared to buyer demand.
Pennsylvania Housing Demand and Market Competitiveness
Metric
Value
Year-Over-Year Change
Homes Sold Above List Price
31.7%
-3.3 pts
Homes with Price Drops
32.9%
+1.7 pts
Sale-to-List Price Ratio
98.8%
-0.26 pts
A decrease in the percentage of homes sold above list price suggests a slight cooling in the market, while the increase in price drops (32.9%) may indicate that sellers are adjusting to more moderate buyer demand.
Migration Patterns and Effects
Metric
Value
Immigrant Share of Population
7.7%
Total Immigrant Residents
995,800
Immigrant Spending Power
$34.2 billion
Total Taxes Paid by Immigrants
$13.1 billion
Data Year
2022
Immigrants constitute a significant part of Pennsylvaniaโs population and economy, contributing to both state revenue through taxes and community spending according to American Immigration Council.
Their economic influence highlights their vital role in supporting state and local services.
Demographics of Pennsylvaniaโs Immigrant Population
Immigrants in Pennsylvania are primarily working-age adults, with a high percentage being proficient in English.
This demographic structure supports the stateโs labor force and contributes to family-based household income.
Metric
Value
U.S.-Born Residents with Immigrant Parent(s)
3.6%
Immigrant Women
51.3%
Immigrant Men
48.7%
Number of Immigrant Children
62,800
U.S.-Born Residents with Immigrant Parent(s)
428,300
Foreign-Born Proficient in English
78.3%
Top Countries of Origin for Immigrants in Pennsylvania
The immigrant population in Pennsylvania is diverse, with the largest groups originating from the Dominican Republic, India, and China.
This multicultural makeup enriches the stateโs cultural and economic landscape.
Immigrant Contributions to Entrepreneurship
Metric
Value
Immigrant Share of Entrepreneurs
13.4%
Number of Immigrant Entrepreneurs
70,200
Business Income from Immigrant Entrepreneurs
$2.0 billion
Immigrant entrepreneurship is a substantial force in Pennsylvania, with 13.4% of entrepreneurs being foreign-born.
These business owners generate considerable income, creating jobs and contributing to the stateโs economy.
Taxes and Spending Power of Immigrants in Pennsylvania
Immigrant households in Pennsylvania contribute significantly to both state and federal tax revenue.
With a combined tax contribution of $13.1 billion, these households have a notable impact on public services, including Social Security and Medicare.
Environmental Considerations Related to Population
The Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan 2021 lays out a roadmap for meeting the state’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets:
- 26% reduction by 2025
- 80% reduction by 2050, both from 2005 levels.
The plan was created in response to the Pennsylvania Climate Change Act of 2008 and is updated every three years by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Climate Change Advisory Committee (CCAC).
Key Strategies and Sectors
.@GovernorTomWolf announces Pennsylvaniaโs membership in the @USClimate Alliance and releases PA’s Climate Action Plan
๐โกhttps://t.co/dYcl317GudLearn more about #climatechange, what PA’s state government is doing about it, and read the full plan at https://t.co/SXhvwRxl9j. pic.twitter.com/0P8WqyB3UU
โ PA Department of Environmental Protection (@PennsylvaniaDEP) April 29, 2019
The Climate Action Plan includes 18 strategies across five primary sectors:
- Electricity Generation
- Transportation
- Agriculture
- Fuel Supply
- Residential and Commercial Buildings
Each strategy includes:
- Implementation Timeline: Immediate (within 5 years), medium-term (5โ10 years), or long-term (beyond 10 years).
- GHG Reduction Impact: Estimates on potential GHG emissions reduced.
- Economic Analysis: Overview of associated costs, benefits, and co-benefits.
The plan also explores emerging technologies like battery storage to support these strategies, emphasizing how technology can aid in reaching climate targets.
Methodology
To craft this article, we first gathered data from various reliable sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, and Pennsylvaniaโs Climate Action Plan, to provide a comprehensive overview of Pennsylvania’s demographics, economy, and environment.
We structured the data in organized sections covering population, income, education, housing, labor, and immigrant impact to highlight key social and economic dynamics.
Analytical summaries and comparisons were created for clarity, focusing on trends and notable shifts in each category.
We synthesized the most relevant data points and metrics to ensure an insightful, concise analysis of Pennsylvaniaโs demographic and economic profile.
Finally, emphasis was placed on current and future implications for the stateโs growth, economy, and environmental objectives.
References:
- ย World Population Review – Pennsylvania Population 2024
- ย U.S. Census Bureau – Pennsylvania State Profile
- ย Neilsberg – Pennsylvania Population by Age
- World Population Review – Pennsylvania County Population
- U.S. Census Bureau – Educational Attainment in Pennsylvania
- Income by Zip Code – Income by Zip Code in Pennsylvania
- Redfin – Pennsylvania Housing Market
- American Immigration Council – Map of Immigrants in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection – Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan 2021
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Pennsylvania Economy at a Glance
