McKeesport, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
17,380
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$34,219/yr
7.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,510
-1.3% year-over-year change

McKeesport population

How many people live in McKeesport

McKeesport is home to 17,380 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.1% of McKeesport locals are male, and 53.9% are female.

Total population
17,380
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.1%
8,019
Female
53.9%
9,361
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,019 46.1% 0.1%
Female 9,361 53.9% -1.5%
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 McKeesport is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.1% are children under 15, then 9.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.5% of the population, while another 25.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
41
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.1%
15 to 24
9.4%
25 to 44
25.5%
45 to 64
25.2%
Over 65
20.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,315 19.1% -0.1%
15 to 24 1,629 9.4% -2.0%
25 to 44 4,434 25.5% -3.0%
45 to 64 4,374 25.2% -1.2%
Over 65 3,628 20.9% 2.5%
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 McKeesport, 96% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 49.7% of locals are Caucasian, 35.8% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.6%
Non-citizens
1.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,679 96% -1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 446 2.6% -4.7%
Non-citizens 255 1.5% 34.2%
Racial breakdown
White
49.7%
Black or African American
35.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.4%
Other
3.3%
Value Percent
White 8,634 49.7%
Black or African American 6,217 35.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 17 0.1%
Asian 115 0.7%
Two or more races 1,816 10.4%
Other 581 3.3%

Households in McKeesport

A peek inside McKeesport households

McKeesport has 7,668 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 49.9% are families, while the remaining 50.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,668
-3.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,841
Family households
3,827
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,841 50.1% -1.8%
Family households 3,827 49.9% -4.2%
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 McKeesport

The housing landscape of McKeesport

McKeesport's housing consists of 9,510 units, with 67.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.3% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,510
-1.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,422 67.5%
1 unit, attached 790 8.3%
2 units 431 4.5%
3 or 4 units 365 3.8%
5 to 9 units 282 3%
10 to 19 units 307 3.2%
20 to 49 units 239 2.5%
50 or more units 652 6.9%
Mobile home 22 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
27
-10.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in McKeesport

In McKeesport, the median construction year is 1947. About 40.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 1.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,866 40.6% -1.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,262 13.3% -2.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,669 17.6% 19.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,209 12.7% -1.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 652 6.9% -8.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 262 2.8% 10.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 213 2.2% -36.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 139 1.5% -41.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 211 2.2% -5.0%
Built in 2020 or later 27 0.3% -10.0%
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.

McKeesport occupancy rates

Out of the 7,668 occupied housing units in McKeesport, 50.9% are owner-occupied, while 49.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,668
-3.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,765
Owner occupied
3,903
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,765 49.1% -6.8%
Owner occupied 3,903 50.9% 1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
19.4%
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.

McKeesport housing costs

Housing costs in McKeesport come to a median of $743 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $848.

Median housing costs per month
$743/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 McKeesport
$848/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 McKeesport

McKeesport education at a glance

About 54.5% of the population in McKeesport went to high school, while 19.3% pursued college studies. Another 11.9% earned an associate degree and 6.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 471 3.5% -6.7%
High school diploma 7,271 54.5% -0.6%
College diploma 2,571 19.3% 0.6%
Associate degree 1,589 11.9% 5.9%
Bachelor's degree 876 6.6% -15.7%
Graduate degree 570 4.3% -3.9%
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 McKeesport

How much people earn in McKeesport

The average annual household income in McKeesport was $49,175 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $34,219, reflecting a +7.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in McKeesport
$49,175/year
3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in McKeesport
$34,219/year
7.4% year-over-year change

McKeesport income by age

In McKeesport, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $40,129. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $39,288 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $6,119, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $33,594 in earnings. Overall, 68.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $6,119 -7.5%
25 - 44 $40,129 36.6%
45 - 64 $39,288 7.8%
Over 65 $33,594 7.6%
Above poverty level
11,210
Below poverty level
5,239
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 11,210 68.2% 0.7%
Below poverty level 5,239 31.8% -3.3%

Average renter income in McKeesport

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in McKeesport, their median household income was $24,050 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$24,050
Rent-to-income ratio
42.3%
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 McKeesport

Workforce and job types in McKeesport

The job market in McKeesport is powered by 6,396 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.4% run their own businesses, 67% are employed by private companies, and 9.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,396
-3.4% year-over-year change
White collar
4,857
Blue collar
1,539
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,857 75.9% -5.5%
Blue collar 1,539 24.1% 3.5%
Employer type
Self employees
6.4%
Private companies
67%
Governmental workers
9.5%
Not for profit companies
17.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 410 6.4% -6.0%
Private companies 4,282 67% -3.3%
Governmental workers 610 9.5% -6.4%
Not for profit companies 1,094 17.1% -1.1%
Unemployment rate
11.5%
11.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in McKeesport stands at 11.5%, 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 McKeesport

How people get around in McKeesport

In McKeesport, the average commute time is 27 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 78.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
27 min
-2.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,767 78.5% 0.5%
Taxicab 6 0.1% -85.4%
Bus or trolleybus 405 6.7% -31.8%
Bicycle 11 0.2% -15.4%
Walk 185 3% -21.3%
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 McKeesport by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
15132 18,898 8,480 $35,397 $49,673

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FAQs about McKeesport demographics 

What is the total population of McKeesport?

McKeesport has a total population of 17,380 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 -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in McKeesport?

The gender ratio in McKeesport is as follows:
  • 46.1% males (8,019 residents)
  • 53.9% females (9,361 residents)

What is the median age in McKeesport?

The median age in McKeesport is 41.

What is the age distribution of the population in McKeesport?

The age distribution in McKeesport is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.1% (3,315 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.4% (1,629 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.5% (4,434 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.2% (4,374 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.9% (3,628 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of McKeesport?

The racial and ethnic makeup of McKeesport is as follows:
  • White: 49.7% (8,634 residents)
  • Black or African American: 35.8% (6,217 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (17 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (115 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.4% (1,816 residents)
  • Other: 3.3% (581 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96% of the population in McKeesport.

How many housing units are there in McKeesport?

There are 9,510 housing units in McKeesport, reflecting a -1.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

McKeesport has a total of 7,668 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in McKeesport?

McKeesport has a median household income of $34,219, representing a +7.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 88.5% in McKeesport, with a workforce of 6,396 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.9% (4,857 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.1% (1,539 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.4% (410 residents)
  • Private companies: 67% (4,282 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.5% (610 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 17.1% (1,094 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