Norristown, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
35,893
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,701/yr
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
13,861
-3.3% year-over-year change

Norristown population

How many people live in Norristown

Norristown is home to 35,893 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Norristown locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
35,893
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
17,662
Female
50.8%
18,231
Value Percent YoY change
Male 17,662 49.2% 0.4%
Female 18,231 50.8% 0.2%
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 Norristown is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.1% are children under 15, then 16.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.9% of the population, while another 20.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.1%
15 to 24
16.8%
25 to 44
31.9%
45 to 64
20.8%
Over 65
10.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,222 20.1% 0.3%
15 to 24 6,015 16.8% 4.2%
25 to 44 11,462 31.9% 0.1%
45 to 64 7,472 20.8% -1.7%
Over 65 3,722 10.4% -1.1%
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 Norristown, 78.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 29.6% of locals are Caucasian, 31.4% are African American and 2.1% have Asian roots. Another 1.4% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 15.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 20.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
78.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.4%
Non-citizens
12.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 28,167 78.5% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,382 9.4% -0.1%
Non-citizens 4,344 12.1% 1.8%
Racial breakdown
White
29.6%
Black or African American
31.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.4%
Asian
2.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
20.3%
Other
15.1%
Value Percent
White 10,609 29.6%
Black or African American 11,277 31.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 512 1.4%
Asian 753 2.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 36 0.1%
Two or more races 7,277 20.3%
Other 5,429 15.1%

Households in Norristown

A peek inside Norristown households

Norristown has 12,642 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 59.8% are families, while the remaining 40.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
12,642
-3.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
5,077
Family households
7,565
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,077 40.2% 1.7%
Family households 7,565 59.8% -6.9%
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 Norristown

The housing landscape of Norristown

Norristown's housing consists of 13,861 units, with 13.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 47.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
13,861
-3.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,852 13.4%
1 unit, attached 6,532 47.1%
2 units 1,198 8.6%
3 or 4 units 1,008 7.3%
5 to 9 units 520 3.8%
10 to 19 units 1,230 8.9%
20 to 49 units 546 3.9%
50 or more units 970 7%
Mobile home 5 0%
Homes built since 2020
74
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Norristown

In Norristown, the median construction year is 1957. About 33% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 4,567 33% -14.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 620 4.5% -5.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,493 18% 2.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,895 13.7% 8.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,621 11.7% -13.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 973 7% 17.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 403 2.9% -10.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 513 3.7% 90.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 702 5.1% -5.4%
Built in 2020 or later 74 0.5% 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.

Norristown occupancy rates

Out of the 12,642 occupied housing units in Norristown, 42.6% are owner-occupied, while 57.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
12,642
-3.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
7,250
Owner occupied
5,392
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 7,250 57.4% -6.7%
Owner occupied 5,392 42.6% 0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
8.8%
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.

Norristown housing costs

Housing costs in Norristown come to a median of $1,484 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,422.

Median housing costs per month
$1,484/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 Norristown
$1,422/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 Norristown

Norristown education at a glance

About 48.2% of the population in Norristown went to high school, while 16.4% pursued college studies. Another 8.4% earned an associate degree and 15.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,411 5.2% -18.8%
High school diploma 12,990 48.2% 0.8%
College diploma 4,421 16.4% -0.5%
Associate degree 2,271 8.4% 14.1%
Bachelor's degree 4,255 15.8% 6.2%
Graduate degree 1,616 6% -18.3%
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 Norristown

How much people earn in Norristown

The average annual household income in Norristown was $76,353 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $66,701, reflecting a +2.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Norristown
$76,353/year
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Norristown
$66,701/year
2.5% year-over-year change

Norristown income by age

In Norristown, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $77,126. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $70,845 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $59,032, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $36,200 in earnings. Overall, 81.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $59,032 7.1%
25 - 44 $77,126 5.6%
45 - 64 $70,845 3.8%
Over 65 $36,200 -16.8%
Above poverty level
28,192
Below poverty level
6,447
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 28,192 81.4% 0.2%
Below poverty level 6,447 18.6% -1.6%

Average renter income in Norristown

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Norristown, their median household income was $40,672 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$40,672
Rent-to-income ratio
42%
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 Norristown

Workforce and job types in Norristown

The job market in Norristown is powered by 17,801 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.3% run their own businesses, 77.2% are employed by private companies, and 5.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
17,801
-3.3% year-over-year change
White collar
12,795
Blue collar
5,006
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 12,795 71.9% -4.2%
Blue collar 5,006 28.1% -1.1%
Employer type
Self employees
7.3%
Private companies
77.2%
Governmental workers
5.8%
Not for profit companies
9.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,299 7.3% -8.5%
Private companies 13,735 77.2% -1.8%
Governmental workers 1,023 5.8% -7.4%
Not for profit companies 1,744 9.8% -8.5%
Unemployment rate
7.2%
33.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Norristown stands at 7.2%, 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 Norristown

How people get around in Norristown

In Norristown, the average commute time is 27 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 74% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4% 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
-1.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 12,932 74% -6.4%
Taxicab 121 0.7% 108.6%
Bus or trolleybus 831 4.8% -12.8%
Subway or elevated 112 0.6% N/A
Railroad 127 0.7% -22.6%
Motorcycle 8 0% 60.0%
Bicycle 52 0.3% -21.2%
Walk 699 4% -11.5%
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 Norristown by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
19401 43,359 16,222 $69,908 $82,645
19403 44,017 18,988 $104,071 $132,387

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FAQs about Norristown demographics 

What is the total population of Norristown?

Norristown has a total population of 35,893 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Norristown?

The gender ratio in Norristown is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (17,662 residents)
  • 50.8% females (18,231 residents)

What is the median age in Norristown?

The median age in Norristown is 33.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Norristown?

The age distribution in Norristown is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.1% (7,222 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.8% (6,015 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.9% (11,462 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.8% (7,472 residents)
  • Over 65: 10.4% (3,722 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Norristown?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Norristown is as follows:
  • White: 29.6% (10,609 residents)
  • Black or African American: 31.4% (11,277 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.4% (512 residents)
  • Asian: 2.1% (753 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (36 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 20.3% (7,277 residents)
  • Other: 15.1% (5,429 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 78.5% of the population in Norristown.

How many housing units are there in Norristown?

There are 13,861 housing units in Norristown, reflecting a -3.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Norristown has a total of 12,642 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Norristown?

Norristown has a median household income of $66,701, representing a +2.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92.8% in Norristown, with a workforce of 17,801 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.9% (12,795 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.1% (5,006 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.3% (1,299 residents)
  • Private companies: 77.2% (13,735 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 5.8% (1,023 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.8% (1,744 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