Penn Hills, Allegheny County, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
36,684
-1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,998/yr
5.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
18,669
-0.7% year-over-year change

Penn Hills population

How many people live in Penn Hills

Penn Hills is home to 36,684 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.2% of Penn Hills locals are male, and 54.8% are female.

Total population
36,684
-1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.2%
16,599
Female
54.8%
20,085
Value Percent YoY change
Male 16,599 45.2% -1.7%
Female 20,085 54.8% -0.8%
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 Penn Hills is 47, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.6% are children under 15, then 8.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.7% of the population, while another 25.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
47
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.6%
15 to 24
8.7%
25 to 44
24.7%
45 to 64
25.3%
Over 65
25.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,739 15.6% -5.6%
15 to 24 3,195 8.7% 3.6%
25 to 44 9,045 24.7% -2.0%
45 to 64 9,284 25.3% -4.9%
Over 65 9,420 25.7% 4.9%
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 Penn Hills, 95.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 57.5% of locals are Caucasian, 32.9% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.3%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 35,020 95.5% -1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,223 3.3% 11.5%
Non-citizens 441 1.2% -0.5%
Racial breakdown
White
57.5%
Black or African American
32.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
7.1%
Other
1.7%
Value Percent
White 21,096 57.5%
Black or African American 12,071 32.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 9 0%
Asian 250 0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 42 0.1%
Two or more races 2,604 7.1%
Other 612 1.7%

Households in Penn Hills

A peek inside Penn Hills households

Penn Hills has 16,751 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55% are families, while the remaining 45% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
16,751
-2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
7,530
Family households
9,222
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 7,530 45% -6.1%
Family households 9,222 55% 0.5%
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 Penn Hills

The housing landscape of Penn Hills

Penn Hills's housing consists of 18,669 units, with 79.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.3% 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
18,669
-0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 14,906 79.8%
1 unit, attached 800 4.3%
2 units 242 1.3%
3 or 4 units 408 2.2%
5 to 9 units 211 1.1%
10 to 19 units 507 2.7%
20 to 49 units 458 2.4%
50 or more units 1,075 5.8%
Mobile home 63 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
54
157.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Penn Hills

In Penn Hills, the median construction year is 1958. About 13.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 1.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,539 13.6% 7.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,791 9.6% 2.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 6,266 33.6% -1.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,964 21.2% -7.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,146 11.5% 1.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 805 4.3% -6.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 686 3.7% 5.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 279 1.5% 3.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 138 0.7% -8.0%
Built in 2020 or later 54 0.3% 157.1%
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.

Penn Hills occupancy rates

Out of the 16,751 occupied housing units in Penn Hills, 73.4% are owner-occupied, while 26.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
16,751
-2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,456
Owner occupied
12,295
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,456 26.6% -8.6%
Owner occupied 12,295 73.4% -0.2%
Unoccupied housing units
10.3%
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.

Penn Hills housing costs

Housing costs in Penn Hills come to a median of $1,079 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,110.

Median housing costs per month
$1,079/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 Penn Hills
$1,110/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 Penn Hills

Penn Hills education at a glance

About 35.2% of the population in Penn Hills went to high school, while 19.7% pursued college studies. Another 11.4% earned an associate degree and 20.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 399 1.3% 3.9%
High school diploma 10,542 35.2% 1.1%
College diploma 5,912 19.7% -1.4%
Associate degree 3,399 11.4% 0.0%
Bachelor's degree 6,027 20.1% -1.5%
Graduate degree 3,673 12.3% -0.6%
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 Penn Hills

How much people earn in Penn Hills

The average annual household income in Penn Hills was $83,664 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $66,998, reflecting a +5.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Penn Hills
$83,664/year
8.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Penn Hills
$66,998/year
5.7% year-over-year change

Penn Hills income by age

In Penn Hills, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $64,337. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $92,842 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $35,040, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $51,520 in earnings. Overall, 87.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $35,040 -22.4%
25 - 44 $64,337 -6.0%
45 - 64 $92,842 18.4%
Over 65 $51,520 4.6%
Above poverty level
31,487
Below poverty level
4,503
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 31,487 87.5% -0.7%
Below poverty level 4,503 12.5% -2.4%

Employment in Penn Hills

Workforce and job types in Penn Hills

82.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.6% run their own businesses, 63.7% are employed by private companies, and 11.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
15,091
Blue collar
3,265
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 15,091 82.2% -3.2%
Blue collar 3,265 17.8% 3.1%
Employer type
Self employees
6.6%
Private companies
63.7%
Governmental workers
11.9%
Not for profit companies
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,215 6.6% 13.2%
Private companies 11,697 63.7% -2.8%
Governmental workers 2,184 11.9% -7.4%
Not for profit companies 3,260 17.8% -1.0%

Transportation in Penn Hills

How people get around in Penn Hills

In Penn Hills, the average commute time is 39 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 92.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
39 min
-2.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 13,836 92.9% -5.5%
Taxicab 77 0.5% 413.3%
Bus or trolleybus 699 4.7% -24.9%
Bicycle 22 0.2% 120.0%
Walk 266 1.8% 9.9%
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 Penn Hills by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
15147 15,798 7,371 $66,757 $81,886
15235 33,951 15,359 $67,240 $87,482

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FAQs about Penn Hills demographics 

What is the total population of Penn Hills?

Penn Hills has a total population of 36,684 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 -1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Penn Hills?

The gender ratio in Penn Hills is as follows:
  • 45.2% males (16,599 residents)
  • 54.8% females (20,085 residents)

What is the median age in Penn Hills?

The median age in Penn Hills is 47.

What is the age distribution of the population in Penn Hills?

The age distribution in Penn Hills is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.6% (5,739 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.7% (3,195 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.7% (9,045 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.3% (9,284 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.7% (9,420 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Penn Hills?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Penn Hills is as follows:
  • White: 57.5% (21,096 residents)
  • Black or African American: 32.9% (12,071 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (9 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (250 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (42 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.1% (2,604 residents)
  • Other: 1.7% (612 residents)

What percentage of the population in Penn Hills are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.5% of the population in Penn Hills.

How many housing units are there in Penn Hills?

There are 18,669 housing units in Penn Hills, reflecting a -0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Penn Hills and what is the average household size?

Penn Hills has a total of 16,751 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Penn Hills?

Penn Hills has a median household income of $66,998, representing a +5.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Penn Hills?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.2% (15,091 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.8% (3,265 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.6% (1,215 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.7% (11,697 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.9% (2,184 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 17.8% (3,260 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