New Kensington, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,011
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$49,063/yr
-1.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,066
0.8% year-over-year change

New Kensington population

How many people live in New Kensington

New Kensington is home to 12,011 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.7% of New Kensington locals are male, and 48.3% are female.

Total population
12,011
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.7%
6,214
Female
48.3%
5,797
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,214 51.7% 2.7%
Female 5,797 48.3% -3.8%
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 New Kensington is 49, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.6% are children under 15, then 10.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.7% of the population, while another 30.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
48.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.6%
15 to 24
10.5%
25 to 44
22.7%
45 to 64
30.8%
Over 65
22.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,632 13.6% 7.7%
15 to 24 1,262 10.5% -12.1%
25 to 44 2,727 22.7% 5.7%
45 to 64 3,694 30.8% 1.6%
Over 65 2,696 22.4% -7.2%
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 New Kensington, 98.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 83.5% of locals are Caucasian, 9.3% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 11,798 98.2% -0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 141 1.2% 12.8%
Non-citizens 72 0.6% -7.7%
Racial breakdown
White
83.5%
Black or African American
9.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
5.8%
Other
1.3%
Value Percent
White 10,025 83.5%
Black or African American 1,114 9.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0%
Asian 10 0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 7 0.1%
Two or more races 699 5.8%
Other 155 1.3%

Households in New Kensington

A peek inside New Kensington households

New Kensington has 6,220 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.1% are families, while the remaining 49.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,220
2.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,104
Family households
3,116
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,104 49.9% 5.7%
Family households 3,116 50.1% -0.5%
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 New Kensington

The housing landscape of New Kensington

New Kensington's housing consists of 7,066 units, with 65.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.2% 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 1.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,066
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,618 65.4%
1 unit, attached 510 7.2%
2 units 297 4.2%
3 or 4 units 374 5.3%
5 to 9 units 211 3%
10 to 19 units 284 4%
20 to 49 units 168 2.4%
50 or more units 516 7.3%
Mobile home 82 1.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 6 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
15
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in New Kensington

In New Kensington, the median construction year is 1952. About 32.3% 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, 0.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,285 32.3% 9.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 941 13.3% -3.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,415 20% -6.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 763 10.8% -13.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 934 13.2% 0.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 409 5.8% 20.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 175 2.5% -5.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 59 0.8% 47.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 70 1% 20.7%
Built in 2020 or later 15 0.2% 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.

New Kensington occupancy rates

Out of the 6,220 occupied housing units in New Kensington, 58.5% are owner-occupied, while 41.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,220
2.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,580
Owner occupied
3,640
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,580 41.5% 5.2%
Owner occupied 3,640 58.5% 0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
12.0%
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.

New Kensington housing costs

Housing costs in New Kensington come to a median of $860 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $751.

Median housing costs per month
$860/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 New Kensington
$751/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 New Kensington

New Kensington education at a glance

About 45.3% of the population in New Kensington went to high school, while 17.9% pursued college studies. Another 13.9% earned an associate degree and 14.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 118 1.2% -48.0%
High school diploma 4,575 45.3% -0.3%
College diploma 1,803 17.9% -16.1%
Associate degree 1,405 13.9% 12.4%
Bachelor's degree 1,502 14.9% 15.4%
Graduate degree 688 6.8% 14.9%
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 New Kensington

How much people earn in New Kensington

The average annual household income in New Kensington was $65,257 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $49,063, reflecting a -1.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in New Kensington
$65,257/year
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in New Kensington
$49,063/year
-1.2% year-over-year change

New Kensington income by age

In New Kensington, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $66,185. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $53,731 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $25,571, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $37,201 in earnings. Overall, 83.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $25,571 5.8%
25 - 44 $66,185 3.5%
45 - 64 $53,731 -0.4%
Over 65 $37,201 -12.7%
Above poverty level
9,849
Below poverty level
1,890
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,849 83.9% 0.5%
Below poverty level 1,890 16.1% -2.3%

Average renter income in New Kensington

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in New Kensington, their median household income was $22,926 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$22,926
Rent-to-income ratio
39.3%
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 New Kensington

Workforce and job types in New Kensington

The job market in New Kensington is powered by 5,548 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.4% run their own businesses, 73.1% are employed by private companies, and 8.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,548
-2.3% year-over-year change
White collar
3,913
Blue collar
1,635
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,913 70.5% -6.8%
Blue collar 1,635 29.5% 10.3%
Employer type
Self employees
8.4%
Private companies
73.1%
Governmental workers
8.9%
Not for profit companies
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 466 8.4% 13.7%
Private companies 4,058 73.1% -1.2%
Governmental workers 492 8.9% -21.0%
Not for profit companies 532 9.6% -1.7%
Unemployment rate
6.8%
34.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in New Kensington stands at 6.8%, 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 New Kensington

How people get around in New Kensington

Commuting methods vary: 78.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.9% 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 4,264 78.7% -10.8%
Bus or trolleybus 85 1.6% 23.2%
Walk 158 2.9% 58.0%
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 New Kensington by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
15068 36,203 16,821 $63,426 $85,982

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FAQs about New Kensington demographics 

What is the total population of New Kensington?

New Kensington has a total population of 12,011 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 -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in New Kensington?

The gender ratio in New Kensington is as follows:
  • 51.7% males (6,214 residents)
  • 48.3% females (5,797 residents)

What is the median age in New Kensington?

The median age in New Kensington is 48.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in New Kensington?

The age distribution in New Kensington is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.6% (1,632 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.5% (1,262 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.7% (2,727 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.8% (3,694 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.4% (2,696 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of New Kensington?

The racial and ethnic makeup of New Kensington is as follows:
  • White: 83.5% (10,025 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.3% (1,114 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (10 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (7 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.8% (699 residents)
  • Other: 1.3% (155 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.2% of the population in New Kensington.

How many housing units are there in New Kensington?

There are 7,066 housing units in New Kensington, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

New Kensington has a total of 6,220 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in New Kensington?

New Kensington has a median household income of $49,063, representing a -1.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for New Kensington?

The employment rate is 93.2% in New Kensington, with a workforce of 5,548 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.5% (3,913 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.5% (1,635 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.4% (466 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.1% (4,058 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.9% (492 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.6% (532 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