New Castle, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
21,579
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$42,219/yr
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,622
-1.1% year-over-year change

New Castle population

How many people live in New Castle

New Castle is home to 21,579 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.8% of New Castle locals are male, and 53.2% are female.

Total population
21,579
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.8%
10,103
Female
53.2%
11,476
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,103 46.8% 0.8%
Female 11,476 53.2% -2.0%
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 New Castle is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.8% are children under 15, then 10.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.6% of the population, while another 24.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.8%
15 to 24
10.9%
25 to 44
25.6%
45 to 64
24.8%
Over 65
18.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,262 19.8% -4.8%
15 to 24 2,355 10.9% 2.0%
25 to 44 5,532 25.6% -1.1%
45 to 64 5,357 24.8% 0.9%
Over 65 4,073 18.9% 0.8%
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 New Castle, 97.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 10% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.5%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 21,106 97.8% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 333 1.5% -25.0%
Non-citizens 140 0.6% -33.3%
Racial breakdown
White
76.6%
Black or African American
11.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10%
Other
2.1%
Value Percent
White 16,541 76.6%
Black or African American 2,419 11.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0%
Two or more races 2,168 10%
Other 445 2.1%

Households in New Castle

A peek inside New Castle households

New Castle has 9,406 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.3% are families, while the remaining 49.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,406
0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,672
Family households
4,734
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,672 49.7% 5.4%
Family households 4,734 50.3% -3.6%
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 New Castle

The housing landscape of New Castle

New Castle's housing consists of 10,622 units, with 72.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.9% 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 0.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,622
-1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,741 72.9%
1 unit, attached 415 3.9%
2 units 374 3.5%
3 or 4 units 552 5.2%
5 to 9 units 470 4.4%
10 to 19 units 160 1.5%
20 to 49 units 181 1.7%
50 or more units 663 6.2%
Mobile home 66 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
1
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in New Castle

In New Castle, the median construction year is 1944. About 45% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13% 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 4,782 45% -1.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,383 13% 4.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,923 18.1% 2.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 745 7% -5.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,188 11.2% -2.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 399 3.8% 4.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 84 0.8% -42.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 92 0.9% -23.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 25 0.2% 8.7%
Built in 2020 or later 1 0% N/A
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.

New Castle occupancy rates

Out of the 9,406 occupied housing units in New Castle, 54.8% are owner-occupied, while 45.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,406
0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,247
Owner occupied
5,159
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,247 45.2% 0.3%
Owner occupied 5,159 54.8% 1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
11.4%
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.

New Castle housing costs

Housing costs in New Castle come to a median of $767 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $741.

Median housing costs per month
$767/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 New Castle
$741/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 New Castle

New Castle education at a glance

About 54.6% of the population in New Castle went to high school, while 18.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.9% earned an associate degree and 12.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 465 2.8% 1.3%
High school diploma 9,005 54.6% -2.4%
College diploma 3,065 18.6% -2.7%
Associate degree 1,467 8.9% 12.2%
Bachelor's degree 2,062 12.5% 8.9%
Graduate degree 444 2.7% -4.1%
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 New Castle

How much people earn in New Castle

The average annual household income in New Castle was $53,524 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $42,219, reflecting a +1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in New Castle
$53,524/year
3.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in New Castle
$42,219/year
1.8% year-over-year change

New Castle income by age

In New Castle, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $45,114. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $51,564 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $40,330, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $32,354 in earnings. Overall, 72.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $40,330 0.2%
25 - 44 $45,114 -2.8%
45 - 64 $51,564 6.2%
Over 65 $32,354 -1.6%
Above poverty level
15,048
Below poverty level
5,709
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 15,048 72.5% -2.6%
Below poverty level 5,709 27.5% 7.1%

Average renter income in New Castle

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in New Castle, their median household income was $23,333 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$23,333
Rent-to-income ratio
38.1%
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 New Castle

Workforce and job types in New Castle

The job market in New Castle is powered by 8,074 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.2% run their own businesses, 71% are employed by private companies, and 10.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,074
3.8% year-over-year change
White collar
6,047
Blue collar
2,027
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,047 74.9% 4.5%
Blue collar 2,027 25.1% 1.8%
Employer type
Self employees
6.2%
Private companies
71%
Governmental workers
10.7%
Not for profit companies
12.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 504 6.2% 2.4%
Private companies 5,733 71% 3.4%
Governmental workers 863 10.7% 11.2%
Not for profit companies 974 12.1% 0.6%
Unemployment rate
12.5%
-8.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in New Castle stands at 12.5%, 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 New Castle

How people get around in New Castle

In New Castle, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 84.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
3.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,682 84.4% 1.2%
Taxicab 8 0.1% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 128 1.6% 1.6%
Bicycle 27 0.3% 92.9%
Walk 95 1.2% -35.4%
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 New Castle by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
16101 30,767 13,265 $51,128 $67,459
16102 4,929 2,040 $56,053 $73,409
16105 15,418 6,907 $65,855 $96,273

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FAQs about New Castle demographics 

What is the total population of New Castle?

New Castle has a total population of 21,579 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 -0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in New Castle?

The gender ratio in New Castle is as follows:
  • 46.8% males (10,103 residents)
  • 53.2% females (11,476 residents)

What is the median age in New Castle?

The median age in New Castle is 39.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in New Castle?

The age distribution in New Castle is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.8% (4,262 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.9% (2,355 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.6% (5,532 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.8% (5,357 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.9% (4,073 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of New Castle?

The racial and ethnic makeup of New Castle is as follows:
  • White: 76.6% (16,541 residents)
  • Black or African American: 11.2% (2,419 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10% (2,168 residents)
  • Other: 2.1% (445 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.8% of the population in New Castle.

How many housing units are there in New Castle?

There are 10,622 housing units in New Castle, reflecting a -1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

New Castle has a total of 9,406 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in New Castle?

New Castle has a median household income of $42,219, 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 New Castle?

The employment rate is 87.5% in New Castle, with a workforce of 8,074 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.9% (6,047 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.1% (2,027 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.2% (504 residents)
  • Private companies: 71% (5,733 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.7% (863 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.1% (974 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