Philadelphia, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,579,706
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,953/yr
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
748,270
1.2% year-over-year change

Philadelphia population

How many people live in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is home to 1,579,706 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.3% of Philadelphia locals are male, and 52.7% are female.

Total population
1,579,706
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.3%
747,386
Female
52.7%
832,320
Value Percent YoY change
Male 747,386 47.3% -0.3%
Female 832,320 52.7% -0.1%
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 Philadelphia is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.8% are children under 15, then 13.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.2% of the population, while another 22% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.8%
15 to 24
13.2%
25 to 44
32.2%
45 to 64
22%
Over 65
14.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 281,421 17.8% -1.5%
15 to 24 209,215 13.2% 0.7%
25 to 44 509,009 32.2% 0.3%
45 to 64 347,943 22% -1.8%
Over 65 232,118 14.7% 2.2%
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 Philadelphia, 81.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 35.1% of locals are Caucasian, 39.4% are African American and 8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
81.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.4%
Non-citizens
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,284,141 81.3% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 179,535 11.4% 1.6%
Non-citizens 116,030 7.4% 3.5%
Racial breakdown
White
35.1%
Black or African American
39.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.4%
Other
8.6%
Value Percent
White 555,069 35.1%
Black or African American 621,637 39.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 7,518 0.5%
Asian 125,902 8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 615 0%
Two or more races 133,309 8.4%
Other 135,656 8.6%

Households in Philadelphia

A peek inside Philadelphia households

Philadelphia has 679,428 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.4% are families, while the remaining 48.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
679,428
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
330,141
Family households
349,287
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 330,141 48.6% 4.1%
Family households 349,287 51.4% -0.8%
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 Philadelphia

The housing landscape of Philadelphia

Philadelphia's housing consists of 748,270 units, with 8.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 55.6% 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 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
748,270
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 63,292 8.5%
1 unit, attached 416,326 55.6%
2 units 59,135 7.9%
3 or 4 units 48,323 6.5%
5 to 9 units 26,434 3.5%
10 to 19 units 18,890 2.5%
20 to 49 units 27,590 3.7%
50 or more units 85,114 11.4%
Mobile home 3,032 0.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 134 0%
Homes built since 2020
7,990
81.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Philadelphia

In Philadelphia, the median construction year is 1949. About 39.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 298,317 39.9% 1.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 79,828 10.7% 1.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 107,781 14.4% -3.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 79,642 10.6% -0.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 57,862 7.7% 0.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 33,592 4.5% 1.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 18,957 2.5% -5.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 26,474 3.5% 11.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 37,827 5.1% 7.2%
Built in 2020 or later 7,990 1.1% 81.1%
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.

Philadelphia occupancy rates

Out of the 679,428 occupied housing units in Philadelphia, 51.8% are owner-occupied, while 48.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
679,428
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
327,523
Owner occupied
351,905
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 327,523 48.2% 2.6%
Owner occupied 351,905 51.8% 0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
9.2%
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.

Philadelphia housing costs

Housing costs in Philadelphia come to a median of $1,286 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,397.

Median housing costs per month
$1,286/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 Philadelphia
$1,397/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 Philadelphia

Philadelphia education at a glance

About 37.6% of the population in Philadelphia went to high school, while 18.6% pursued college studies. Another 6.2% earned an associate degree and 19.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 56,760 4.6% 2.9%
High school diploma 467,404 37.6% -1.4%
College diploma 231,417 18.6% -2.0%
Associate degree 76,659 6.2% 2.1%
Bachelor's degree 237,628 19.1% 1.4%
Graduate degree 175,039 14.1% 3.6%
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 Philadelphia

How much people earn in Philadelphia

The average annual household income in Philadelphia was $90,217 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $61,953, reflecting a +2.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Philadelphia
$90,217/year
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Philadelphia
$61,953/year
2.1% year-over-year change

Philadelphia income by age

In Philadelphia, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $74,716. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $67,182 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,540, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $39,481 in earnings. Overall, 78.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,540 2.7%
25 - 44 $74,716 3.7%
45 - 64 $67,182 3.6%
Over 65 $39,481 0.1%
Above poverty level
1,194,559
Below poverty level
322,354
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,194,559 78.8% 0.7%
Below poverty level 322,354 21.2% -3.2%

Average renter income in Philadelphia

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Philadelphia, their median household income was $43,713 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$43,713
Rent-to-income ratio
38.4%
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 Philadelphia

Workforce and job types in Philadelphia

The job market in Philadelphia is powered by 746,803 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.3% run their own businesses, 63% are employed by private companies, and 12.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
746,803
0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
626,387
Blue collar
120,416
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 626,387 83.9% 0.9%
Blue collar 120,416 16.1% -0.2%
Employer type
Self employees
7.3%
Private companies
63%
Governmental workers
12.4%
Not for profit companies
17.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 54,248 7.3% 2.6%
Private companies 470,722 63% -0.2%
Governmental workers 92,781 12.4% 0.4%
Not for profit companies 129,052 17.3% 3.8%
Unemployment rate
8.2%
-2.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Philadelphia stands at 8.2%, 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 Philadelphia

How people get around in Philadelphia

In Philadelphia, the average commute time is 32 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 53.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 7.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
32 min
-0.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 390,339 53.7% -0.3%
Taxicab 4,317 0.6% 15.5%
Bus or trolleybus 75,495 10.4% -4.4%
Subway or elevated 31,583 4.4% N/A
Railroad 10,576 1.5% -8.4%
Motorcycle 591 0.1% -5.3%
Bicycle 13,332 1.8% -2.0%
Walk 51,600 7.1% -4.5%
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 Philadelphia by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
19102 6,195 4,347 $102,093 $148,963
19103 25,900 17,577 $99,644 $164,782
19104 55,172 21,088 $38,814 $60,764
19106 14,597 9,023 $121,047 $178,467
19107 14,825 9,266 $69,105 $108,447
19111 66,283 26,068 $61,138 $81,417
19114 30,411 13,904 $77,708 $91,063

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FAQs about Philadelphia demographics 

What is the total population of Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a total population of 1,579,706 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 -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Philadelphia?

The gender ratio in Philadelphia is as follows:
  • 47.3% males (747,386 residents)
  • 52.7% females (832,320 residents)

What is the median age in Philadelphia?

The median age in Philadelphia is 35.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Philadelphia?

The age distribution in Philadelphia is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.8% (281,421 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.2% (209,215 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.2% (509,009 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22% (347,943 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.7% (232,118 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Philadelphia?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Philadelphia is as follows:
  • White: 35.1% (555,069 residents)
  • Black or African American: 39.4% (621,637 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (7,518 residents)
  • Asian: 8% (125,902 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (615 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.4% (133,309 residents)
  • Other: 8.6% (135,656 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 81.3% of the population in Philadelphia.

How many housing units are there in Philadelphia?

There are 748,270 housing units in Philadelphia, reflecting a +1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Philadelphia has a total of 679,428 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a median household income of $61,953, representing a +2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 91.8% in Philadelphia, with a workforce of 746,803 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.9% (626,387 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.1% (120,416 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.3% (54,248 residents)
  • Private companies: 63% (470,722 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.4% (92,781 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 17.3% (129,052 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