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

Total population
158,576
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$74,291/yr
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
66,475
0.7% year-over-year change

Centre County population

How many people live in Centre County

Centre County is home to 158,576 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.7% of Centre County locals are male, and 47.3% are female.

Total population
158,576
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.7%
83,539
Female
47.3%
75,037
Value Percent YoY change
Male 83,539 52.7% 0.4%
Female 75,037 47.3% 0.3%
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 Centre County is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.8% are children under 15, then 26.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.9% of the population, while another 21.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.8%
15 to 24
26.5%
25 to 44
23.9%
45 to 64
21.8%
Over 65
15.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 18,733 11.8% -1.1%
15 to 24 42,066 26.5% 1.2%
25 to 44 37,963 23.9% -0.3%
45 to 64 34,542 21.8% -1.1%
Over 65 25,272 15.9% 3.0%
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 Centre County, 90.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 83.9% of locals are Caucasian, 3.3% are African American and 5.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4%
Non-citizens
5.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 143,965 90.8% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6,361 4% -0.3%
Non-citizens 8,250 5.2% -6.1%
Racial breakdown
White
83.9%
Black or African American
3.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
5.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.8%
Other
0.9%
Value Percent
White 133,022 83.9%
Black or African American 5,257 3.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 475 0.3%
Asian 9,133 5.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 14 0%
Two or more races 9,183 5.8%
Other 1,492 0.9%

Households in Centre County

A peek inside Centre County households

Centre County has 59,013 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.7% are families, while the remaining 45.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
59,013
0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
26,751
Family households
32,262
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 26,751 45.3% 1.0%
Family households 32,262 54.7% -0.8%
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 Centre County

The housing landscape of Centre County

Centre County's housing consists of 66,475 units, with 57.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7% 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 5.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
66,475
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 37,951 57.1%
1 unit, attached 4,672 7%
2 units 1,920 2.9%
3 or 4 units 2,588 3.9%
5 to 9 units 4,042 6.1%
10 to 19 units 4,625 7%
20 to 49 units 3,418 5.1%
50 or more units 3,776 5.7%
Mobile home 3,465 5.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 18 0%
Homes built since 2020
677
66.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Centre County

In Centre County, the median construction year is 1980. About 14.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 9,495 14.3% -1.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,408 3.6% -0.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,685 8.6% 5.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 6,333 9.5% 1.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 9,073 13.6% -5.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 9,086 13.7% 3.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 9,220 13.9% -0.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 8,551 12.9% 2.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5,947 9% 0.0%
Built in 2020 or later 677 1% 66.8%
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.

Centre County occupancy rates

Out of the 59,013 occupied housing units in Centre County, 61.8% are owner-occupied, while 38.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
59,013
0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
22,546
Owner occupied
36,467
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 22,546 38.2% -0.1%
Owner occupied 36,467 61.8% 0.1%
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.

Centre County housing costs

Housing costs in Centre County come to a median of $1,226 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,207.

Median housing costs per month
$1,226/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 Centre County
$1,207/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 Centre County

Centre County education at a glance

About 30.7% of the population in Centre County went to high school, while 25.6% pursued college studies. Another 6% earned an associate degree and 18.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 17.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,230 1.6% -4.7%
High school diploma 41,558 30.7% 0.2%
College diploma 34,661 25.6% 1.0%
Associate degree 8,157 6% 3.0%
Bachelor's degree 25,314 18.7% 2.3%
Graduate degree 23,421 17.3% -2.0%
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 Centre County

How much people earn in Centre County

The average annual household income in Centre County was $100,944 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $74,291, reflecting a +2.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Centre County
$100,944/year
1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Centre County
$74,291/year
2.1% year-over-year change

Centre County income by age

In Centre County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $79,162. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $103,905 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $21,458, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $65,656 in earnings. Overall, 83.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $21,458 9.1%
25 - 44 $79,162 -3.6%
45 - 64 $103,905 4.9%
Over 65 $65,656 4.4%
Above poverty level
113,643
Below poverty level
22,187
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 113,643 83.7% 0.2%
Below poverty level 22,187 16.3% -3.9%

Employment in Centre County

Workforce and job types in Centre County

The job market in Centre County is powered by 73,509 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.6% run their own businesses, 56.6% are employed by private companies, and 22.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
73,509
-0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
62,362
Blue collar
11,147
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 62,362 84.8% -0.3%
Blue collar 11,147 15.2% -0.4%
Employer type
Self employees
7.6%
Private companies
56.6%
Governmental workers
22.5%
Not for profit companies
13.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5,612 7.6% 4.6%
Private companies 41,573 56.6% 0.1%
Governmental workers 16,555 22.5% -2.2%
Not for profit companies 9,769 13.3% -1.2%
Unemployment rate
4.2%
6.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Centre County stands at 4.2%, 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 Centre County

How people get around in Centre County

Commuting methods vary: 69.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 9% 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 50,026 69.8% -4.2%
Taxicab 225 0.3% 30.1%
Bus or trolleybus 2,269 3.2% -12.5%
Subway or elevated 10 0% N/A
Ferryboat 20 0% 900.0%
Motorcycle 17 0% 0.0%
Bicycle 1,286 1.8% 0.8%
Walk 6,448 9% 17.7%
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 Centre County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
16677 239 83 $0 $118,865
16801 40,774 16,900 $61,836 $95,067
16802 14,793 63 $0 $0
16803 23,977 10,637 $73,532 $108,028
16820 1,457 456 $83,900 $101,770
16823 29,126 11,293 $76,245 $95,226
16826 439 197 $60,938 $75,873
16827 5,123 2,285 $103,558 $130,543
16828 5,000 2,093 $76,468 $97,006
16829 762 283 $61,750 $81,510

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FAQs about Centre County demographics 

What is the total population of Centre County?

Centre County has a total population of 158,576 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 Centre County?

The gender ratio in Centre County is as follows:
  • 52.7% males (83,539 residents)
  • 47.3% females (75,037 residents)

What is the median age in Centre County?

The median age in Centre County is 34.2.

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

The age distribution in Centre County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.8% (18,733 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 26.5% (42,066 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.9% (37,963 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.8% (34,542 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.9% (25,272 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Centre County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Centre County is as follows:
  • White: 83.9% (133,022 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.3% (5,257 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (475 residents)
  • Asian: 5.8% (9,133 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (14 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.8% (9,183 residents)
  • Other: 0.9% (1,492 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.8% of the population in Centre County.

How many housing units are there in Centre County?

There are 66,475 housing units in Centre County, 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 Centre County and what is the average household size?

Centre County has a total of 59,013 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Centre County?

Centre County has a median household income of $74,291, representing a +2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.8% in Centre County, with a workforce of 73,509 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.8% (62,362 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.2% (11,147 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.6% (5,612 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.6% (41,573 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.5% (16,555 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.3% (9,769 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