Lock Haven, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,447
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$46,102/yr
14.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,723
4.4% year-over-year change

Lock Haven population

How many people live in Lock Haven

Lock Haven is home to 8,447 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Lock Haven locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
8,447
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
4,191
Female
50.4%
4,256
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,191 49.6% 4.5%
Female 4,256 50.4% -2.7%
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 Lock Haven is 29, with the population distributed as follows: about 14% are children under 15, then 29.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.7% of the population, while another 15.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
28.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
14%
15 to 24
29.8%
25 to 44
25.7%
45 to 64
15.4%
Over 65
15.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,187 14% -5.8%
15 to 24 2,513 29.8% -4.8%
25 to 44 2,173 25.7% 10.5%
45 to 64 1,302 15.4% -6.3%
Over 65 1,272 15.1% 12.7%
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 Lock Haven, 96.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 89.5% of locals are Caucasian, 2.6% are African American and 0.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2%
Non-citizens
1.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,123 96.2% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 165 2% 37.5%
Non-citizens 159 1.9% 50.0%
Racial breakdown
White
89.5%
Black or African American
2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.1%
Other
1.7%
Value Percent
White 7,563 89.5%
Black or African American 223 2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 12 0.1%
Asian 79 0.9%
Two or more races 430 5.1%
Other 140 1.7%

Households in Lock Haven

A peek inside Lock Haven households

Lock Haven has 3,415 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
3,415
4.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,698
Family households
1,717
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,698 49.7% 1.7%
Family households 1,717 50.3% 6.2%
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 Lock Haven

The housing landscape of Lock Haven

Lock Haven's housing consists of 3,723 units, with 34.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.7% 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 1.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,723
4.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,300 34.9%
1 unit, attached 138 3.7%
2 units 729 19.6%
3 or 4 units 803 21.6%
5 to 9 units 158 4.2%
10 to 19 units 166 4.5%
20 to 49 units 186 5%
50 or more units 177 4.8%
Mobile home 66 1.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lock Haven

In Lock Haven, the median construction year is 1958. About 37.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.4% 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 1,396 37.5% 18.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 54 1.4% -48.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 489 13.1% 17.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 472 12.7% -7.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 626 16.8% 9.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 184 4.9% 23.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 162 4.4% -31.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 88 2.4% -26.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 252 6.8% -10.6%
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.

Lock Haven occupancy rates

Out of the 3,415 occupied housing units in Lock Haven, 38.5% are owner-occupied, while 61.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,415
4.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,100
Owner occupied
1,315
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,100 61.5% -6.1%
Owner occupied 1,315 38.5% 25.5%
Unoccupied housing units
8.3%
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.

Lock Haven housing costs

Housing costs in Lock Haven come to a median of $812 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $792.

Median housing costs per month
$812/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 Lock Haven
$792/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 Lock Haven

Lock Haven education at a glance

About 46.7% of the population in Lock Haven went to high school, while 28.4% pursued college studies. Another 4.9% earned an associate degree and 11.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 95 1.3% -3.1%
High school diploma 3,328 46.7% 1.2%
College diploma 2,024 28.4% -3.5%
Associate degree 347 4.9% 37.1%
Bachelor's degree 823 11.5% -2.4%
Graduate degree 514 7.2% 25.1%
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 Lock Haven

How much people earn in Lock Haven

The average annual household income in Lock Haven was $58,717 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $46,102, reflecting a +14.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lock Haven
$58,717/year
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lock Haven
$46,102/year
14.9% year-over-year change

Lock Haven income by age

In Lock Haven, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $74,125. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $31,588 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,400, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $29,792 in earnings. Overall, 79% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,400 44.0%
25 - 44 $74,125 10.5%
45 - 64 $31,588 -1.6%
Over 65 $29,792 36.1%
Above poverty level
5,453
Below poverty level
1,446
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,453 79% 4.9%
Below poverty level 1,446 21% -17.6%

Average renter income in Lock Haven

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lock Haven, their median household income was $29,315 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$29,315
Rent-to-income ratio
32.4%
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 Lock Haven

Workforce and job types in Lock Haven

The job market in Lock Haven is powered by 3,833 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.4% run their own businesses, 68.2% are employed by private companies, and 15.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,833
0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
2,951
Blue collar
882
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,951 77% -0.9%
Blue collar 882 23% 6.9%
Employer type
Self employees
5.4%
Private companies
68.2%
Governmental workers
15.4%
Not for profit companies
11%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 208 5.4% -6.3%
Private companies 2,612 68.2% -4.9%
Governmental workers 591 15.4% 21.1%
Not for profit companies 422 11% 21.6%
Unemployment rate
11.2%
32.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lock Haven stands at 11.2%, 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 Lock Haven

How people get around in Lock Haven

In Lock Haven, the average commute time is 18 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 75.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 11.9% 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
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,771 75.9% 0.9%
Bicycle 8 0.2% 14.3%
Walk 435 11.9% -2.7%
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 Lock Haven by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
17745 17,718 7,282 $58,555 $75,529

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Lock Haven demographics 

What is the total population of Lock Haven?

Lock Haven has a total population of 8,447 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 Lock Haven?

The gender ratio in Lock Haven is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (4,191 residents)
  • 50.4% females (4,256 residents)

What is the median age in Lock Haven?

The median age in Lock Haven is 28.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lock Haven?

The age distribution in Lock Haven is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14% (1,187 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 29.8% (2,513 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.7% (2,173 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 15.4% (1,302 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.1% (1,272 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lock Haven?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lock Haven is as follows:
  • White: 89.5% (7,563 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.6% (223 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (12 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (79 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.1% (430 residents)
  • Other: 1.7% (140 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.2% of the population in Lock Haven.

How many housing units are there in Lock Haven?

There are 3,723 housing units in Lock Haven, reflecting a +4.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lock Haven has a total of 3,415 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lock Haven?

Lock Haven has a median household income of $46,102, representing a +14.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Lock Haven?

The employment rate is 88.8% in Lock Haven, with a workforce of 3,833 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77% (2,951 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23% (882 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.4% (208 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.2% (2,612 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.4% (591 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11% (422 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