Erie, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
93,850
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$46,113/yr
6.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
43,681
0.7% year-over-year change

Erie population

How many people live in Erie

Erie is home to 93,850 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49% of Erie locals are male, and 51% are female.

Total population
93,850
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49%
45,974
Female
51%
47,876
Value Percent YoY change
Male 45,974 49% -1.3%
Female 47,876 51% 0.6%
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 Erie is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.5% are children under 15, then 17.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.4% of the population, while another 22.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.5%
15 to 24
17.1%
25 to 44
26.4%
45 to 64
22.6%
Over 65
16.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 16,437 17.5% -2.8%
15 to 24 16,037 17.1% 3.5%
25 to 44 24,826 26.4% -0.8%
45 to 64 21,200 22.6% -2.2%
Over 65 15,350 16.4% 2.0%
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 Erie, 90% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 67.4% of locals are Caucasian, 16.9% are African American and 2.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.9%
Non-citizens
4.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 84,455 90% -1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,576 5.9% 12.5%
Non-citizens 3,819 4.1% 22.4%
Racial breakdown
White
67.4%
Black or African American
16.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10%
Other
2.6%
Value Percent
White 63,301 67.4%
Black or African American 15,850 16.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 291 0.3%
Asian 2,606 2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 10 0%
Two or more races 9,348 10%
Other 2,444 2.6%

Households in Erie

A peek inside Erie households

Erie has 39,848 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.8% are families, while the remaining 48.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
39,848
1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
19,223
Family households
20,625
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 19,223 48.2% 0.8%
Family households 20,625 51.8% 1.4%
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 Erie

The housing landscape of Erie

Erie's housing consists of 43,681 units, with 60.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.6% 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 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
43,681
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 26,529 60.7%
1 unit, attached 1,559 3.6%
2 units 6,333 14.5%
3 or 4 units 3,119 7.1%
5 to 9 units 1,818 4.2%
10 to 19 units 908 2.1%
20 to 49 units 685 1.6%
50 or more units 2,513 5.8%
Mobile home 217 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
57
1.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Erie

In Erie, the median construction year is 1949. About 39.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 17,126 39.2% 2.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 5,194 11.9% 3.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 7,189 16.5% -3.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,217 9.6% -3.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,994 11.4% 5.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,924 4.4% -13.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,623 3.7% 10.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,051 2.4% 0.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 306 0.7% -0.7%
Built in 2020 or later 57 0.1% 1.8%
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.

Erie occupancy rates

Out of the 39,848 occupied housing units in Erie, 54.1% are owner-occupied, while 45.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
39,848
1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
18,274
Owner occupied
21,574
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 18,274 45.9% -1.3%
Owner occupied 21,574 54.1% 3.2%
Unoccupied housing units
8.8%
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.

Erie housing costs

Housing costs in Erie come to a median of $848 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $870.

Median housing costs per month
$848/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 Erie
$870/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 Erie

Erie education at a glance

About 45.2% of the population in Erie went to high school, while 21.9% pursued college studies. Another 8.4% earned an associate degree and 14.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,759 3.7% 8.8%
High school diploma 33,337 45.2% -3.0%
College diploma 16,148 21.9% 0.7%
Associate degree 6,168 8.4% 1.9%
Bachelor's degree 10,521 14.3% 2.5%
Graduate degree 4,861 6.6% 7.5%
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 Erie

How much people earn in Erie

The average annual household income in Erie was $62,166 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $46,113, reflecting a +6.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Erie
$62,166/year
3.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Erie
$46,113/year
6.3% year-over-year change

Erie income by age

In Erie, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $51,377. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $53,976 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $27,383, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $37,676 in earnings. Overall, 77% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $27,383 -10.2%
25 - 44 $51,377 10.3%
45 - 64 $53,976 3.3%
Over 65 $37,676 2.2%
Above poverty level
66,879
Below poverty level
20,008
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 66,879 77% 1.2%
Below poverty level 20,008 23% -5.9%

Average renter income in Erie

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Erie, their median household income was $27,121 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,121
Rent-to-income ratio
38.5%
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 Erie

Workforce and job types in Erie

The job market in Erie is powered by 41,218 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.7% run their own businesses, 67.1% are employed by private companies, and 10.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
41,218
0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
31,880
Blue collar
9,338
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 31,880 77.3% 1.2%
Blue collar 9,338 22.7% -2.7%
Employer type
Self employees
5.7%
Private companies
67.1%
Governmental workers
10.8%
Not for profit companies
16.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,360 5.7% -1.5%
Private companies 27,641 67.1% -0.7%
Governmental workers 4,452 10.8% 6.2%
Not for profit companies 6,765 16.4% 1.4%
Unemployment rate
7.1%
2.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Erie stands at 7.1%, 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 Erie

How people get around in Erie

In Erie, the average commute time is 18 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 80.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
18 min
-1.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 32,392 80.1% -2.1%
Taxicab 279 0.7% 56.7%
Bus or trolleybus 913 2.3% -14.8%
Motorcycle 69 0.2% 7.8%
Bicycle 269 0.7% -14.1%
Walk 2,473 6.1% 17.5%
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 Erie by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
16501 2,022 1,288 $16,394 $27,418
16502 15,995 7,077 $38,566 $56,819
16503 15,753 6,031 $32,340 $48,763
16504 15,931 6,476 $56,622 $70,949
16505 15,270 7,345 $72,938 $103,558
16506 24,070 10,144 $81,060 $107,303
16507 8,597 3,439 $33,361 $47,277
16508 14,958 6,791 $56,391 $69,958
16509 28,595 12,367 $68,846 $89,051
16510 24,198 10,037 $66,450 $81,628

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FAQs about Erie demographics 

What is the total population of Erie?

Erie has a total population of 93,850 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 Erie?

The gender ratio in Erie is as follows:
  • 49% males (45,974 residents)
  • 51% females (47,876 residents)

What is the median age in Erie?

The median age in Erie is 34.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Erie?

The age distribution in Erie is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.5% (16,437 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.1% (16,037 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.4% (24,826 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.6% (21,200 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.4% (15,350 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Erie?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Erie is as follows:
  • White: 67.4% (63,301 residents)
  • Black or African American: 16.9% (15,850 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (291 residents)
  • Asian: 2.8% (2,606 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (10 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10% (9,348 residents)
  • Other: 2.6% (2,444 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90% of the population in Erie.

How many housing units are there in Erie?

There are 43,681 housing units in Erie, 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 Erie and what is the average household size?

Erie has a total of 39,848 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Erie?

Erie has a median household income of $46,113, representing a +6.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92.9% in Erie, with a workforce of 41,218 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.3% (31,880 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.7% (9,338 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.7% (2,360 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.1% (27,641 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.8% (4,452 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 16.4% (6,765 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