Luzerne County, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
327,675
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,691/yr
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
151,287
0.2% year-over-year change

Luzerne County population

How many people live in Luzerne County

Luzerne County is home to 327,675 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.9% of Luzerne County locals are male, and 50.1% are female.

Total population
327,675
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.9%
163,393
Female
50.1%
164,282
Value Percent YoY change
Male 163,393 49.9% 0.6%
Female 164,282 50.1% 0.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Luzerne County is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.6% are children under 15, then 12.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.8% of the population, while another 26.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.6%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 44
24.8%
45 to 64
26.3%
Over 65
20.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 54,392 16.6% 0.6%
15 to 24 39,996 12.2% 0.5%
25 to 44 81,140 24.8% 1.4%
45 to 64 86,225 26.3% -1.0%
Over 65 65,922 20.1% 1.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Luzerne County, 88.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 75.8% of locals are Caucasian, 5% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 8.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.5%
Non-citizens
5.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 289,325 88.3% -0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 21,161 6.5% 4.7%
Non-citizens 17,189 5.2% 15.9%
Racial breakdown
White
75.8%
Black or African American
5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
9.7%
Other
8.1%
Value Percent
White 248,337 75.8%
Black or African American 16,461 5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 370 0.1%
Asian 3,957 1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 322 0.1%
Two or more races 31,825 9.7%
Other 26,403 8.1%

Households in Luzerne County

A peek inside Luzerne County households

Luzerne County has 135,055 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61.2% are families, while the remaining 38.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
135,055
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
52,392
Family households
82,663
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 52,392 38.8% 1.5%
Family households 82,663 61.2% 1.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Luzerne County

The housing landscape of Luzerne County

Luzerne County's housing consists of 151,287 units, with 64.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 13.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
151,287
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 96,926 64.1%
1 unit, attached 19,829 13.1%
2 units 9,051 6%
3 or 4 units 8,502 5.6%
5 to 9 units 3,582 2.4%
10 to 19 units 1,937 1.3%
20 to 49 units 2,161 1.4%
50 or more units 4,493 3%
Mobile home 4,775 3.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 31 0%
Homes built since 2020
849
70.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Luzerne County

In Luzerne County, the median construction year is 1960. About 30.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 45,854 30.3% -3.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 13,646 9% 1.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 15,660 10.4% -1.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 13,182 8.7% 0.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 24,274 16% 2.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 12,363 8.2% 5.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 11,073 7.3% -0.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 9,848 6.5% 1.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,538 3% 9.7%
Built in 2020 or later 849 0.6% 70.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Luzerne County occupancy rates

Out of the 135,055 occupied housing units in Luzerne County, 67.8% are owner-occupied, while 32.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
135,055
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
43,490
Owner occupied
91,565
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 43,490 32.2% 1.1%
Owner occupied 91,565 67.8% 1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
10.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Luzerne County housing costs

Housing costs in Luzerne County come to a median of $1,001 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,004.

Median housing costs per month
$1,001/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Luzerne County
$1,004/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Luzerne County

Luzerne County education at a glance

About 43.5% of the population in Luzerne County went to high school, while 19.2% pursued college studies. Another 10.2% earned an associate degree and 14.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 9,018 3.4% 4.3%
High school diploma 113,686 43.5% 0.9%
College diploma 50,136 19.2% -3.0%
Associate degree 26,506 10.2% 1.0%
Bachelor's degree 38,579 14.8% 1.2%
Graduate degree 23,293 8.9% 3.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Luzerne County

How much people earn in Luzerne County

The average annual household income in Luzerne County was $86,447 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,691, reflecting a +2.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Luzerne County
$86,447/year
4.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Luzerne County
$63,691/year
2.2% year-over-year change

Luzerne County income by age

In Luzerne County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $70,489. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $78,488 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $35,785, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $49,926 in earnings. Overall, 84.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $35,785 6.9%
25 - 44 $70,489 2.9%
45 - 64 $78,488 2.8%
Over 65 $49,926 3.0%
Above poverty level
265,992
Below poverty level
47,499
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 265,992 84.8% 0.8%
Below poverty level 47,499 15.2% -0.2%

Employment in Luzerne County

Workforce and job types in Luzerne County

The job market in Luzerne County is powered by 153,063 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.4% run their own businesses, 70% are employed by private companies, and 13.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
153,063
-0.2% year-over-year change
White collar
110,487
Blue collar
42,576
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 110,487 72.2% -0.4%
Blue collar 42,576 27.8% 0.4%
Employer type
Self employees
7.4%
Private companies
70%
Governmental workers
13.2%
Not for profit companies
9.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 11,289 7.4% 5.3%
Private companies 107,128 70% -1.4%
Governmental workers 20,170 13.2% 2.9%
Not for profit companies 14,476 9.5% 0.4%
Unemployment rate
5.8%
1.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Luzerne County stands at 5.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Luzerne County

How people get around in Luzerne County

In Luzerne County, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 84.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
-0.4% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 127,015 84.5% -2.1%
Taxicab 585 0.4% 45.9%
Bus or trolleybus 956 0.6% -5.4%
Railroad 1 0% -83.3%
Ferryboat 45 0% 21.6%
Motorcycle 23 0% -37.8%
Bicycle 226 0.2% 20.2%
Walk 3,644 2.4% -5.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Luzerne County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
18201 32,067 12,294 $47,802 $56,449
18202 13,755 5,363 $55,153 $75,597
18219 1,047 557 $52,566 $86,056
18221 436 216 $71,250 $68,699
18222 9,789 3,500 $108,581 $123,185
18224 6,031 2,672 $69,620 $74,425
17814 4,669 1,924 $65,089 $83,981
17878 1,488 560 $68,125 $114,013

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FAQs about Luzerne County demographics 

What is the total population of Luzerne County?

Luzerne County has a total population of 327,675 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Luzerne County?

The gender ratio in Luzerne County is as follows:
  • 49.9% males (163,393 residents)
  • 50.1% females (164,282 residents)

What is the median age in Luzerne County?

The median age in Luzerne County is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Luzerne County?

The age distribution in Luzerne County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.6% (54,392 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.2% (39,996 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.8% (81,140 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.3% (86,225 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.1% (65,922 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Luzerne County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Luzerne County is as follows:
  • White: 75.8% (248,337 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5% (16,461 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (370 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (3,957 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (322 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.7% (31,825 residents)
  • Other: 8.1% (26,403 residents)

What percentage of the population in Luzerne County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.3% of the population in Luzerne County.

How many housing units are there in Luzerne County?

There are 151,287 housing units in Luzerne County, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Luzerne County and what is the average household size?

Luzerne County has a total of 135,055 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Luzerne County?

Luzerne County has a median household income of $63,691, representing a +2.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Luzerne County?

The employment rate is 94.2% in Luzerne County, with a workforce of 153,063 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.2% (110,487 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.8% (42,576 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.4% (11,289 residents)
  • Private companies: 70% (107,128 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.2% (20,170 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.5% (14,476 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025