Old Forge, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,573
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$71,812/yr
-2.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,959
0.2% year-over-year change

Old Forge population

How many people live in Old Forge

Old Forge is home to 8,573 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.3% of Old Forge locals are male, and 52.7% are female.

Total population
8,573
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.3%
4,058
Female
52.7%
4,515
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,058 47.3% -4.0%
Female 4,515 52.7% 4.9%
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 Old Forge is 47, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.4% are children under 15, then 5.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.9% of the population, while another 27% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.4%
15 to 24
5.2%
25 to 44
25.9%
45 to 64
27%
Over 65
24.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,496 17.4% -1.2%
15 to 24 446 5.2% -2.6%
25 to 44 2,217 25.9% 1.8%
45 to 64 2,315 27% -9.0%
Over 65 2,099 24.5% 14.1%
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 Old Forge, 94.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 82.4% of locals are Caucasian, 0.7% are African American and 1.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4%
Non-citizens
1.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,117 94.7% -1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 346 4% 22.7%
Non-citizens 110 1.3% 155.8%
Racial breakdown
White
82.4%
Black or African American
0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.8%
Other
1.4%
Value Percent
White 7,064 82.4%
Black or African American 57 0.7%
Asian 149 1.7%
Two or more races 1,186 13.8%
Other 117 1.4%

Households in Old Forge

A peek inside Old Forge households

Old Forge has 3,786 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.9% are families, while the remaining 45.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,786
1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,706
Family households
2,080
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,706 45.1% 10.6%
Family households 2,080 54.9% -5.8%
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 Old Forge

The housing landscape of Old Forge

Old Forge's housing consists of 3,959 units, with 68.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.9% 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
3,959
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,728 68.9%
1 unit, attached 235 5.9%
2 units 437 11%
3 or 4 units 280 7.1%
5 to 9 units 140 3.5%
10 to 19 units 52 1.3%
20 to 49 units 5 0.1%
50 or more units 10 0.2%
Mobile home 72 1.8%
Homes built since 2020
25
108.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Old Forge

In Old Forge, the median construction year is 1960. About 28% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,110 28% -13.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 344 8.7% 25.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 550 13.9% 19.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 676 17.1% 21.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 548 13.8% -6.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 268 6.8% -9.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 206 5.2% -18.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 168 4.2% -11.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 64 1.6% 42.2%
Built in 2020 or later 25 0.6% 108.3%
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.

Old Forge occupancy rates

Out of the 3,786 occupied housing units in Old Forge, 70% are owner-occupied, while 30% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,786
1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,137
Owner occupied
2,649
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,137 30% 5.2%
Owner occupied 2,649 70% -0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
4.4%
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.

Old Forge housing costs

Housing costs in Old Forge come to a median of $933 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $859.

Median housing costs per month
$933/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 Old Forge
$859/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 Old Forge

Old Forge education at a glance

About 37.4% of the population in Old Forge went to high school, while 19.6% pursued college studies. Another 10.1% earned an associate degree and 18% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 212 3% 23.3%
High school diploma 2,615 37.4% -1.0%
College diploma 1,367 19.6% 19.9%
Associate degree 705 10.1% -4.9%
Bachelor's degree 1,260 18% -18.6%
Graduate degree 826 11.8% 29.3%
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 Old Forge

How much people earn in Old Forge

The average annual household income in Old Forge was $90,362 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $71,812, reflecting a -2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Old Forge
$90,362/year
-1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Old Forge
$71,812/year
-2.0% year-over-year change

Old Forge income by age

In Old Forge, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $113,523. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $102,736 overall. Overall, 92.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $113,523 14.8%
45 - 64 $102,736 -0.8%
Over 65 $40,373 -12.9%
Above poverty level
7,778
Below poverty level
626
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,778 92.6% 0.0%
Below poverty level 626 7.4% 1.8%

Average renter income in Old Forge

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Old Forge, their median household income was $37,750 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 27.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$37,750
Rent-to-income ratio
27.3%
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 Old Forge

Workforce and job types in Old Forge

The job market in Old Forge is powered by 4,285 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.3% run their own businesses, 64.6% are employed by private companies, and 18.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,285
-4.2% year-over-year change
White collar
3,419
Blue collar
866
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,419 79.8% -2.4%
Blue collar 866 20.2% -10.5%
Employer type
Self employees
6.3%
Private companies
64.6%
Governmental workers
18.4%
Not for profit companies
10.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 271 6.3% -32.8%
Private companies 2,768 64.6% -1.8%
Governmental workers 787 18.4% 0.2%
Not for profit companies 459 10.7% -1.3%
Unemployment rate
5.5%
-6.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Old Forge stands at 5.5%, 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 Old Forge

How people get around in Old Forge

In Old Forge, the average commute time is 21 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 88.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
21 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,724 88.3% -3.2%
Taxicab 21 0.5% 61.5%
Walk 66 1.6% -7.0%
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 Old Forge by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
18518 8,573 3,786 $71,812 $90,362

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FAQs about Old Forge demographics 

What is the total population of Old Forge?

Old Forge has a total population of 8,573 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 Old Forge?

The gender ratio in Old Forge is as follows:
  • 47.3% males (4,058 residents)
  • 52.7% females (4,515 residents)

What is the median age in Old Forge?

The median age in Old Forge is 47.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Old Forge?

The age distribution in Old Forge is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.4% (1,496 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5.2% (446 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.9% (2,217 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27% (2,315 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.5% (2,099 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Old Forge?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Old Forge is as follows:
  • White: 82.4% (7,064 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.7% (57 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.7% (149 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.8% (1,186 residents)
  • Other: 1.4% (117 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.7% of the population in Old Forge.

How many housing units are there in Old Forge?

There are 3,959 housing units in Old Forge, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Old Forge has a total of 3,786 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Old Forge?

Old Forge has a median household income of $71,812, representing a -2.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Old Forge?

The employment rate is 94.5% in Old Forge, with a workforce of 4,285 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.8% (3,419 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.2% (866 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.3% (271 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.6% (2,768 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.4% (787 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.7% (459 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