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

Total population
378,792
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$80,079/yr
3.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
151,220
0.5% year-over-year change

Lehigh County population

How many people live in Lehigh County

Lehigh County is home to 378,792 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Lehigh County locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
378,792
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
186,394
Female
50.8%
192,398
Value Percent YoY change
Male 186,394 49.2% 0.8%
Female 192,398 50.8% 1.0%
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 Lehigh County is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.3% are children under 15, then 12.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.2% of the population, while another 25% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.3%
15 to 24
12.9%
25 to 44
26.2%
45 to 64
25%
Over 65
17.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 69,392 18.3% -0.1%
15 to 24 48,699 12.9% 0.9%
25 to 44 99,108 26.2% 1.7%
45 to 64 94,585 25% -0.6%
Over 65 67,008 17.7% 2.9%
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 Lehigh County, 79.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 62.3% of locals are Caucasian, 6.5% are African American and 3.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 15% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
79.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13.6%
Non-citizens
6.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 301,710 79.6% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 51,634 13.6% 1.8%
Non-citizens 25,448 6.7% 9.8%
Racial breakdown
White
62.3%
Black or African American
6.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
3.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
15%
Other
12.1%
Value Percent
White 236,150 62.3%
Black or African American 24,476 6.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,801 0.5%
Asian 13,517 3.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 53 0%
Two or more races 56,971 15%
Other 45,824 12.1%

Households in Lehigh County

A peek inside Lehigh County households

Lehigh County has 144,386 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67.2% are families, while the remaining 32.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
144,386
0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
47,410
Family households
96,976
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 47,410 32.8% 2.5%
Family households 96,976 67.2% -0.2%
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 Lehigh County

The housing landscape of Lehigh County

Lehigh County's housing consists of 151,220 units, with 49.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 24.6% 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 1.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
151,220
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 75,046 49.6%
1 unit, attached 37,248 24.6%
2 units 6,168 4.1%
3 or 4 units 6,910 4.6%
5 to 9 units 6,582 4.4%
10 to 19 units 7,163 4.7%
20 to 49 units 3,481 2.3%
50 or more units 6,002 4%
Mobile home 2,563 1.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 57 0%
Homes built since 2020
1,697
81.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lehigh County

In Lehigh County, the median construction year is 1968. About 24.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 36,524 24.2% -0.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 8,570 5.7% 2.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 17,637 11.7% -2.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 15,521 10.3% -1.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 19,351 12.8% -0.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 14,845 9.8% -2.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 13,404 8.9% 2.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 15,296 10.1% 0.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 8,375 5.5% 10.3%
Built in 2020 or later 1,697 1.1% 81.5%
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.

Lehigh County occupancy rates

Out of the 144,386 occupied housing units in Lehigh County, 65.6% are owner-occupied, while 34.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
144,386
0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
49,711
Owner occupied
94,675
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 49,711 34.4% -0.4%
Owner occupied 94,675 65.6% 1.2%
Unoccupied housing units
4.5%
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.

Lehigh County housing costs

Housing costs in Lehigh County come to a median of $1,416 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,383.

Median housing costs per month
$1,416/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 Lehigh County
$1,383/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 Lehigh County

Lehigh County education at a glance

About 38% of the population in Lehigh County went to high school, while 17.7% pursued college studies. Another 8.8% earned an associate degree and 20.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 10,710 3.6% 0.6%
High school diploma 111,929 38% -0.1%
College diploma 51,985 17.7% -2.3%
Associate degree 25,863 8.8% 3.8%
Bachelor's degree 59,124 20.1% 3.2%
Graduate degree 34,683 11.8% 5.7%
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 Lehigh County

How much people earn in Lehigh County

The average annual household income in Lehigh County was $110,753 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $80,079, reflecting a +3.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lehigh County
$110,753/year
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lehigh County
$80,079/year
3.3% year-over-year change

Lehigh County income by age

In Lehigh County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,370. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $100,107 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $44,030, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $58,170 in earnings. Overall, 88.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $44,030 9.7%
25 - 44 $85,370 4.2%
45 - 64 $100,107 1.4%
Over 65 $58,170 3.6%
Above poverty level
323,639
Below poverty level
41,942
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 323,639 88.5% 1.2%
Below poverty level 41,942 11.5% -0.9%

Employment in Lehigh County

Workforce and job types in Lehigh County

The job market in Lehigh County is powered by 185,591 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.7% run their own businesses, 71.7% are employed by private companies, and 8.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
185,591
1.1% year-over-year change
White collar
137,232
Blue collar
48,359
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 137,232 73.9% 1.0%
Blue collar 48,359 26.1% 1.4%
Employer type
Self employees
7.7%
Private companies
71.7%
Governmental workers
8.3%
Not for profit companies
12.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 14,212 7.7% 5.4%
Private companies 133,111 71.7% 0.7%
Governmental workers 15,440 8.3% 2.2%
Not for profit companies 22,828 12.3% 0.0%
Unemployment rate
5.9%
8.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lehigh County stands at 5.9%, 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 Lehigh County

How people get around in Lehigh County

In Lehigh County, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 80.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
-0.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 147,128 80.8% -1.2%
Taxicab 562 0.3% 97.9%
Bus or trolleybus 2,387 1.3% -3.1%
Subway or elevated 45 0% N/A
Railroad 36 0% 0.0%
Ferryboat 13 0% -7.1%
Motorcycle 14 0% -33.3%
Bicycle 173 0.1% -15.6%
Walk 3,781 2.1% -6.2%
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 Lehigh County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
18011 5,338 1,958 $104,449 $116,676
18015 34,852 12,150 $60,800 $99,146
18018 32,965 14,119 $75,417 $102,678
18031 11,570 4,098 $113,625 $157,986
18032 9,555 4,083 $81,098 $95,549
18034 9,209 2,922 $153,200 $250,466
18036 15,581 6,009 $129,123 $171,095
18037 7,472 3,035 $83,542 $101,474
18041 5,768 2,373 $98,615 $117,666

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FAQs about Lehigh County demographics 

What is the total population of Lehigh County?

Lehigh County has a total population of 378,792 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 +0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lehigh County?

The gender ratio in Lehigh County is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (186,394 residents)
  • 50.8% females (192,398 residents)

What is the median age in Lehigh County?

The median age in Lehigh County is 39.6.

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

The age distribution in Lehigh County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.3% (69,392 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.9% (48,699 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.2% (99,108 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25% (94,585 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.7% (67,008 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lehigh County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lehigh County is as follows:
  • White: 62.3% (236,150 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.5% (24,476 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (1,801 residents)
  • Asian: 3.6% (13,517 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (53 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15% (56,971 residents)
  • Other: 12.1% (45,824 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 79.6% of the population in Lehigh County.

How many housing units are there in Lehigh County?

There are 151,220 housing units in Lehigh County, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lehigh County has a total of 144,386 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lehigh County?

Lehigh County has a median household income of $80,079, 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 Lehigh County?

The employment rate is 94.1% in Lehigh County, with a workforce of 185,591 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.9% (137,232 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.1% (48,359 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.7% (14,212 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.7% (133,111 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.3% (15,440 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.3% (22,828 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