Brownsville, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,412
-5.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$31,810/yr
11.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,406
-1.5% year-over-year change

Brownsville population

How many people live in Brownsville

Brownsville is home to 2,412 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Brownsville locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
2,412
-5.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
1,201
Female
50.2%
1,211
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,201 49.8% -3.2%
Female 1,211 50.2% -6.7%
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 Brownsville is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.1% are children under 15, then 12.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.1% of the population, while another 35.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.1%
15 to 24
12.5%
25 to 44
23.1%
45 to 64
35.2%
Over 65
17.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 292 12.1% -29.5%
15 to 24 302 12.5% 19.8%
25 to 44 557 23.1% 1.3%
45 to 64 848 35.2% -3.2%
Over 65 413 17.1% -7.6%
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 Brownsville, 98.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 77.6% of locals are Caucasian, 15.1% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,380 98.7% -4.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 28 1.2% -22.2%
Non-citizens 4 0.2% N/A
Racial breakdown
White
77.6%
Black or African American
15.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.7%
Other
3.3%
Value Percent
White 1,871 77.6%
Black or African American 365 15.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 4 0.2%
Asian 3 0.1%
Two or more races 90 3.7%
Other 79 3.3%

Households in Brownsville

A peek inside Brownsville households

Brownsville has 1,276 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 42.6% are families, while the remaining 57.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,276
-2.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
732
Family households
544
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 732 57.4% 2.4%
Family households 544 42.6% -7.8%
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 Brownsville

The housing landscape of Brownsville

Brownsville's housing consists of 1,406 units, with 66.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,406
-1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 932 66.3%
1 unit, attached 68 4.8%
2 units 67 4.8%
3 or 4 units 9 0.6%
5 to 9 units 105 7.5%
20 to 49 units 105 7.5%
50 or more units 113 8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 7 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Brownsville

In Brownsville, the median construction year is 1938. About 53.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 15.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 757 53.8% -6.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 218 15.5% 20.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 110 7.8% 18.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 60 4.3% -36.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 168 12% -12.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 28 2% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 44 3.1% 450.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4 0.3% -33.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 17 1.2% -5.6%
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.

Brownsville occupancy rates

Out of the 1,276 occupied housing units in Brownsville, 47.6% are owner-occupied, while 52.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,276
-2.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
668
Owner occupied
608
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 668 52.4% -7.3%
Owner occupied 608 47.6% 4.1%
Unoccupied housing units
9.2%
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.

Brownsville housing costs

Housing costs in Brownsville come to a median of $661 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $670.

Median housing costs per month
$661/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 Brownsville
$670/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 Brownsville

Brownsville education at a glance

About 60.9% of the population in Brownsville went to high school, while 17.5% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 11% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 24 1.2% -11.1%
High school diploma 1,227 60.9% -9.4%
College diploma 353 17.5% -1.4%
Associate degree 138 6.8% 21.1%
Bachelor's degree 222 11% 33.7%
Graduate degree 51 2.5% 21.4%
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 Brownsville

How much people earn in Brownsville

The average annual household income in Brownsville was $46,761 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $31,810, reflecting a +11% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Brownsville
$46,761/year
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Brownsville
$31,810/year
11.0% year-over-year change

Brownsville income by age

In Brownsville, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $66,141. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $18,475 overall. Overall, 68% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $66,141 5.3%
45 - 64 $18,475 -2.0%
Over 65 $26,875 -0.5%
Above poverty level
1,619
Below poverty level
761
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,619 68% 2.5%
Below poverty level 761 32% -17.9%

Average renter income in Brownsville

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Brownsville, their median household income was $26,452 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$26,452
Rent-to-income ratio
30.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Brownsville

Workforce and job types in Brownsville

The job market in Brownsville is powered by 940 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.5% run their own businesses, 68.4% are employed by private companies, and 10.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
940
-0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
691
Blue collar
249
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 691 73.5% 3.8%
Blue collar 249 26.5% -11.4%
Employer type
Self employees
4.5%
Private companies
68.4%
Governmental workers
10.4%
Not for profit companies
16.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 42 4.5% 5.0%
Private companies 643 68.4% -9.6%
Governmental workers 98 10.4% 28.9%
Not for profit companies 157 16.7% 30.8%
Unemployment rate
9.4%
6.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Brownsville stands at 9.4%, 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 Brownsville

How people get around in Brownsville

Commuting methods vary: 89.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 790 89.6% -0.6%
Bus or trolleybus 13 1.5% -38.1%
Subway or elevated 9 1% N/A
Walk 4 0.4% -79.0%
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 Brownsville by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
15417 7,363 3,292 $55,395 $69,429

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FAQs about Brownsville demographics 

What is the total population of Brownsville?

Brownsville has a total population of 2,412 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 -5.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Brownsville?

The gender ratio in Brownsville is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (1,201 residents)
  • 50.2% females (1,211 residents)

What is the median age in Brownsville?

The median age in Brownsville is 45.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Brownsville?

The age distribution in Brownsville is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.1% (292 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.5% (302 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.1% (557 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 35.2% (848 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.1% (413 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Brownsville?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Brownsville is as follows:
  • White: 77.6% (1,871 residents)
  • Black or African American: 15.1% (365 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (4 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (3 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.7% (90 residents)
  • Other: 3.3% (79 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.7% of the population in Brownsville.

How many housing units are there in Brownsville?

There are 1,406 housing units in Brownsville, reflecting a -1.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Brownsville has a total of 1,276 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Brownsville?

Brownsville has a median household income of $31,810, representing a +11.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Brownsville?

The employment rate is 90.6% in Brownsville, with a workforce of 940 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.5% (691 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.5% (249 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.5% (42 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.4% (643 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.4% (98 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 16.7% (157 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