Lykens, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,878
2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,318/yr
6.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
970
0.4% year-over-year change

Lykens population

How many people live in Lykens

Lykens is home to 1,878 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 54.3% of Lykens locals are male, and 45.7% are female.

Total population
1,878
2.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
54.3%
1,020
Female
45.7%
858
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,020 54.3% 4.2%
Female 858 45.7% 0.8%
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 Lykens is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.6% are children under 15, then 6.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.4% of the population, while another 29% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.6%
15 to 24
6.5%
25 to 44
27.4%
45 to 64
29%
Over 65
17.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 369 19.6% 5.1%
15 to 24 122 6.5% -21.8%
25 to 44 514 27.4% -5.0%
45 to 64 545 29% 16.2%
Over 65 328 17.5% 4.8%
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 Lykens, 96.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 80.6% of locals are Caucasian, 0.2% are African American and 2.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 15.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.4%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,815 96.6% 2.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 63 3.4% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
80.6%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
15.6%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 1,513 80.6%
Black or African American 4 0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 7 0.4%
Asian 53 2.8%
Two or more races 292 15.6%
Other 9 0.5%

Households in Lykens

A peek inside Lykens households

Lykens has 828 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.9% are families, while the remaining 46.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
828
-0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
382
Family households
446
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 382 46.1% -3.3%
Family households 446 53.9% 2.8%
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 Lykens

The housing landscape of Lykens

Lykens's housing consists of 970 units, with 59.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 20.4% 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 3.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
970
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 580 59.8%
1 unit, attached 198 20.4%
2 units 17 1.8%
3 or 4 units 52 5.4%
5 to 9 units 31 3.2%
20 to 49 units 43 4.4%
50 or more units 11 1.1%
Mobile home 38 3.9%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lykens

In Lykens, the median construction year is 1938. About 55.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13.9% 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 541 55.8% -5.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 135 13.9% 31.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 114 11.8% -16.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 35 3.6% 59.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 85 8.8% 34.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 7 0.7% 40.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5 0.5% -87.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 48 5% 100.0%
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.

Lykens occupancy rates

Out of the 828 occupied housing units in Lykens, 61.5% are owner-occupied, while 38.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
828
-0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
319
Owner occupied
509
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 319 38.5% -4.8%
Owner occupied 509 61.5% 3.0%
Unoccupied housing units
14.6%
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.

Lykens housing costs

Housing costs in Lykens come to a median of $941 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $804.

Median housing costs per month
$941/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 Lykens
$804/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 Lykens

Lykens education at a glance

About 47.4% of the population in Lykens went to high school, while 29.3% pursued college studies. Another 6.2% earned an associate degree and 8.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 65 4.5% 12.1%
High school diploma 692 47.4% 0.7%
College diploma 428 29.3% 10.6%
Associate degree 91 6.2% -19.5%
Bachelor's degree 123 8.4% -0.8%
Graduate degree 60 4.1% 0.0%
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 Lykens

How much people earn in Lykens

The average annual household income in Lykens was $75,202 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,318, reflecting a +6.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lykens
$75,202/year
4.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lykens
$73,318/year
6.1% year-over-year change

Lykens income by age

In Lykens, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $96,250. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,286 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $120,385, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $60,577 in earnings. Overall, 76.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $120,385 N/A
25 - 44 $96,250 -6.1%
45 - 64 $74,286 1.6%
Over 65 $60,577 2.8%
Above poverty level
1,434
Below poverty level
430
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,434 76.9% 2.3%
Below poverty level 430 23.1% 4.6%

Employment in Lykens

Workforce and job types in Lykens

The job market in Lykens is powered by 865 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 60.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 39.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.2% run their own businesses, 66.7% are employed by private companies, and 17% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
865
4.3% year-over-year change
White collar
520
Blue collar
345
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 520 60.1% 1.8%
Blue collar 345 39.9% 8.5%
Employer type
Self employees
5.2%
Private companies
66.7%
Governmental workers
17%
Not for profit companies
11.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 45 5.2% -27.4%
Private companies 577 66.7% 11.0%
Governmental workers 147 17% -5.2%
Not for profit companies 96 11.1% 4.3%
Unemployment rate
3.7%
-50.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lykens stands at 3.7%, 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 Lykens

How people get around in Lykens

Commuting methods vary: 74.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.2% 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 642 74.6% 2.9%
Bicycle 35 4.1% 29.6%
Walk 19 2.2% 11.8%
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 Lykens by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
17048 3,870 1,554 $73,993 $83,568
17097 721 282 $69,063 $73,159
17030 541 309 $0 $62,789

Explore more communities

FAQs about Lykens demographics 

What is the total population of Lykens?

Lykens has a total population of 1,878 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 +2.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lykens?

The gender ratio in Lykens is as follows:
  • 54.3% males (1,020 residents)
  • 45.7% females (858 residents)

What is the median age in Lykens?

The median age in Lykens is 44.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lykens?

The age distribution in Lykens is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.6% (369 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.5% (122 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.4% (514 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29% (545 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.5% (328 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lykens?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lykens is as follows:
  • White: 80.6% (1,513 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (4 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (7 residents)
  • Asian: 2.8% (53 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.6% (292 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (9 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.6% of the population in Lykens.

How many housing units are there in Lykens?

There are 970 housing units in Lykens, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lykens has a total of 828 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lykens?

Lykens has a median household income of $73,318, representing a +6.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.3% in Lykens, with a workforce of 865 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 60.1% (520 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 39.9% (345 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.2% (45 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.7% (577 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17% (147 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.1% (96 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