Carbondale, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,789
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$47,716/yr
-1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,224
-5.5% year-over-year change

Carbondale population

How many people live in Carbondale

Carbondale is home to 8,789 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.6% of Carbondale locals are male, and 48.4% are female.

Total population
8,789
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.6%
4,538
Female
48.4%
4,251
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,538 51.6% 2.2%
Female 4,251 48.4% -3.0%
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 Carbondale is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 19% are children under 15, then 11.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.5% of the population, while another 24.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
19%
15 to 24
11.2%
25 to 44
24.5%
45 to 64
24.4%
Over 65
20.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,669 19% -0.9%
15 to 24 989 11.2% 45.0%
25 to 44 2,152 24.5% -7.4%
45 to 64 2,143 24.4% 2.3%
Over 65 1,836 20.9% -9.8%
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 Carbondale, 98.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 10.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,627 98.2% 1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 89 1% -38.6%
Non-citizens 73 0.8% -43.9%
Racial breakdown
White
85.6%
Black or African American
2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.6%
Other
1.2%
Value Percent
White 7,524 85.6%
Black or African American 229 2.6%
Two or more races 928 10.6%
Other 108 1.2%

Households in Carbondale

A peek inside Carbondale households

Carbondale has 3,751 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.2% are families, while the remaining 42.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,751
-3.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,604
Family households
2,147
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,604 42.8% -8.4%
Family households 2,147 57.2% 0.1%
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 Carbondale

The housing landscape of Carbondale

Carbondale's housing consists of 4,224 units, with 53% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
4,224
-5.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,237 53%
1 unit, attached 255 6%
2 units 626 14.8%
3 or 4 units 530 12.6%
5 to 9 units 99 2.3%
10 to 19 units 219 5.2%
20 to 49 units 73 1.7%
50 or more units 185 4.4%
Homes built since 2020
52
20.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Carbondale

In Carbondale, the median construction year is 1955. About 37.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 0.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,584 37.5% -16.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 277 6.6% -26.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 527 12.5% -5.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 511 12.1% -4.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 489 11.6% 15.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 416 9.8% 46.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 291 6.9% 9.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 24 0.6% -59.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 53 1.2% 103.8%
Built in 2020 or later 52 1.2% 20.9%
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.

Carbondale occupancy rates

Out of the 3,751 occupied housing units in Carbondale, 51.2% are owner-occupied, while 48.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,751
-3.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,831
Owner occupied
1,920
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,831 48.8% -0.7%
Owner occupied 1,920 51.2% -6.4%
Unoccupied housing units
11.2%
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.

Carbondale housing costs

Housing costs in Carbondale come to a median of $741 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $660.

Median housing costs per month
$741/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 Carbondale
$660/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 Carbondale

Carbondale education at a glance

About 50.5% of the population in Carbondale went to high school, while 24.5% pursued college studies. Another 5.6% earned an associate degree and 10.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 152 2.2% -11.6%
High school diploma 3,490 50.5% 2.4%
College diploma 1,694 24.5% -0.5%
Associate degree 387 5.6% -14.4%
Bachelor's degree 733 10.6% -1.7%
Graduate degree 461 6.7% -6.7%
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 Carbondale

How much people earn in Carbondale

The average annual household income in Carbondale was $62,877 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $47,716, reflecting a -1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Carbondale
$62,877/year
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Carbondale
$47,716/year
-1.8% year-over-year change

Carbondale income by age

In Carbondale, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $68,225. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $49,946 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $5,720, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $43,814 in earnings. Overall, 74% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $5,720 N/A
25 - 44 $68,225 12.0%
45 - 64 $49,946 21.1%
Over 65 $43,814 -4.1%
Above poverty level
6,265
Below poverty level
2,205
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,265 74% -2.6%
Below poverty level 2,205 26% 3.8%

Average renter income in Carbondale

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Carbondale, their median household income was $30,375 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,375
Rent-to-income ratio
26.1%
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 Carbondale

Workforce and job types in Carbondale

The job market in Carbondale is powered by 3,427 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.1% run their own businesses, 64.6% are employed by private companies, and 12.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,427
-0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
2,446
Blue collar
981
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,446 71.4% -1.4%
Blue collar 981 28.6% 3.5%
Employer type
Self employees
5.1%
Private companies
64.6%
Governmental workers
12.5%
Not for profit companies
17.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 176 5.1% -10.2%
Private companies 2,214 64.6% 4.9%
Governmental workers 429 12.5% -8.5%
Not for profit companies 608 17.7% -7.2%
Unemployment rate
8.4%
33.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Carbondale stands at 8.4%, 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 Carbondale

How people get around in Carbondale

In Carbondale, the average commute time is 19 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 84.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 10.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
19 min
1.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,856 84.2% 0.5%
Taxicab 7 0.2% 0.0%
Walk 346 10.2% 0.9%
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 Carbondale by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
18407 14,445 5,952 $59,652 $81,990

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FAQs about Carbondale demographics 

What is the total population of Carbondale?

Carbondale has a total population of 8,789 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 -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Carbondale?

The gender ratio in Carbondale is as follows:
  • 51.6% males (4,538 residents)
  • 48.4% females (4,251 residents)

What is the median age in Carbondale?

The median age in Carbondale is 42.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Carbondale?

The age distribution in Carbondale is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19% (1,669 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.2% (989 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.5% (2,152 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.4% (2,143 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.9% (1,836 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Carbondale?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Carbondale is as follows:
  • White: 85.6% (7,524 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.6% (229 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.6% (928 residents)
  • Other: 1.2% (108 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.2% of the population in Carbondale.

How many housing units are there in Carbondale?

There are 4,224 housing units in Carbondale, reflecting a -5.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Carbondale has a total of 3,751 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Carbondale?

Carbondale has a median household income of $47,716, representing a -1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 91.6% in Carbondale, with a workforce of 3,427 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.4% (2,446 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.6% (981 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.1% (176 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.6% (2,214 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.5% (429 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 17.7% (608 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