Carlisle, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
21,852
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,720/yr
3.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,819
6.3% year-over-year change

Carlisle population

How many people live in Carlisle

Carlisle is home to 21,852 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.7% of Carlisle locals are male, and 48.3% are female.

Total population
21,852
2.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.7%
11,300
Female
48.3%
10,552
Value Percent YoY change
Male 11,300 51.7% 3.1%
Female 10,552 48.3% 1.7%
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 Carlisle is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.8% are children under 15, then 25.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.7% of the population, while another 21.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.8%
15 to 24
25.1%
25 to 44
23.7%
45 to 64
21.7%
Over 65
18.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,367 10.8% -24.1%
15 to 24 5,483 25.1% 10.0%
25 to 44 5,181 23.7% 0.5%
45 to 64 4,735 21.7% 7.9%
Over 65 4,086 18.7% 10.7%
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 Carlisle, 90.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 78.2% of locals are Caucasian, 10.1% are African American and 2.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.6%
Non-citizens
5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 19,770 90.5% 4.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,000 4.6% -20.7%
Non-citizens 1,082 5% 1.0%
Racial breakdown
White
78.2%
Black or African American
10.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7%
Other
2.1%
Value Percent
White 17,087 78.2%
Black or African American 2,207 10.1%
Asian 579 2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1 0%
Two or more races 1,527 7%
Other 451 2.1%

Households in Carlisle

A peek inside Carlisle households

Carlisle has 9,223 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 46.4% are families, while the remaining 53.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,223
5.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,945
Family households
4,278
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,945 53.6% 6.8%
Family households 4,278 46.4% 4.6%
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 Carlisle

The housing landscape of Carlisle

Carlisle's housing consists of 9,819 units, with 35.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 26.6% 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 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,819
6.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,509 35.7%
1 unit, attached 2,615 26.6%
2 units 679 6.9%
3 or 4 units 958 9.8%
5 to 9 units 1,104 11.2%
10 to 19 units 304 3.1%
20 to 49 units 403 4.1%
50 or more units 184 1.9%
Mobile home 38 0.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 25 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
17
240.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Carlisle

In Carlisle, the median construction year is 1953. About 39.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.9% 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, 2.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,902 39.7% 4.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 780 7.9% 9.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 828 8.4% -2.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 970 9.9% -3.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,180 12% 23.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 767 7.8% 8.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 527 5.4% 2.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 641 6.5% 20.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 207 2.1% -9.6%
Built in 2020 or later 17 0.2% 240.0%
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.

Carlisle occupancy rates

Out of the 9,223 occupied housing units in Carlisle, 48.7% are owner-occupied, while 51.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,223
5.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,732
Owner occupied
4,491
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,732 51.3% 6.5%
Owner occupied 4,491 48.7% 5.0%
Unoccupied housing units
6.1%
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.

Carlisle housing costs

Housing costs in Carlisle come to a median of $1,143 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,094.

Median housing costs per month
$1,143/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 Carlisle
$1,094/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 Carlisle

Carlisle education at a glance

About 37.1% of the population in Carlisle went to high school, while 23.4% pursued college studies. Another 6% earned an associate degree and 19.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 220 1.2% -1.8%
High school diploma 6,878 37.1% 15.3%
College diploma 4,339 23.4% -3.3%
Associate degree 1,105 6% 8.8%
Bachelor's degree 3,565 19.2% 2.9%
Graduate degree 2,424 13.1% 13.1%
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 Carlisle

How much people earn in Carlisle

The average annual household income in Carlisle was $84,140 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $61,720, reflecting a +3.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Carlisle
$84,140/year
4.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Carlisle
$61,720/year
3.3% year-over-year change

Carlisle income by age

In Carlisle, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $66,078. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $71,828 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $39,138, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $58,096 in earnings. Overall, 84.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $39,138 -1.9%
25 - 44 $66,078 3.8%
45 - 64 $71,828 1.3%
Over 65 $58,096 13.0%
Above poverty level
15,982
Below poverty level
2,851
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 15,982 84.9% 5.5%
Below poverty level 2,851 15.1% -9.2%

Average renter income in Carlisle

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Carlisle, their median household income was $39,694 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$39,694
Rent-to-income ratio
33.1%
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 Carlisle

Workforce and job types in Carlisle

The job market in Carlisle is powered by 12,024 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.6% run their own businesses, 61.6% are employed by private companies, and 16.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
12,024
7.4% year-over-year change
White collar
9,691
Blue collar
2,333
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,691 80.6% 6.0%
Blue collar 2,333 19.4% 13.6%
Employer type
Self employees
6.6%
Private companies
61.6%
Governmental workers
16.2%
Not for profit companies
15.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 800 6.6% 16.4%
Private companies 7,410 61.6% 4.4%
Governmental workers 1,942 16.2% 3.6%
Not for profit companies 1,872 15.6% 21.7%
Unemployment rate
4.4%
15.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Carlisle stands at 4.4%, 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 Carlisle

How people get around in Carlisle

Commuting methods vary: 72.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 12.2% 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 8,171 72.4% 5.8%
Taxicab 168 1.5% 43.6%
Bus or trolleybus 11 0.1% -38.9%
Railroad 19 0.2% -50.0%
Bicycle 305 2.7% 3.7%
Walk 1,378 12.2% 29.9%
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 Carlisle by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
17013 38,513 15,936 $71,042 $92,146
17015 24,385 9,811 $86,981 $114,694

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FAQs about Carlisle demographics 

What is the total population of Carlisle?

Carlisle has a total population of 21,852 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 +2.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Carlisle?

The gender ratio in Carlisle is as follows:
  • 51.7% males (11,300 residents)
  • 48.3% females (10,552 residents)

What is the median age in Carlisle?

The median age in Carlisle is 35.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Carlisle?

The age distribution in Carlisle is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.8% (2,367 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 25.1% (5,483 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.7% (5,181 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.7% (4,735 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.7% (4,086 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Carlisle?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Carlisle is as follows:
  • White: 78.2% (17,087 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.1% (2,207 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 2.6% (579 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (1 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7% (1,527 residents)
  • Other: 2.1% (451 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.5% of the population in Carlisle.

How many housing units are there in Carlisle?

There are 9,819 housing units in Carlisle, reflecting a +6.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Carlisle has a total of 9,223 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Carlisle?

Carlisle has a median household income of $61,720, representing a +3.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.6% in Carlisle, with a workforce of 12,024 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.6% (9,691 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.4% (2,333 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.6% (800 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.6% (7,410 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.2% (1,942 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.6% (1,872 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