University City, Philadelphia, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
18,830
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$38,814/yr
-1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,507
4.3% year-over-year change

University City population

How many people live in University City

University City is home to 18,830 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.8% of University City locals are male, and 54.2% are female.

Total population
18,830
1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.8%
8,627
Female
54.2%
10,203
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,627 45.8% 0.8%
Female 10,203 54.2% 1.8%
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 University City is 24, with the population distributed as follows: about 11% are children under 15, then 42.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.4% of the population, while another 10.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 7.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
23.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
11%
15 to 24
42.3%
25 to 44
28.4%
45 to 64
10.5%
Over 65
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,064 11% 1.6%
15 to 24 7,960 42.3% -1.1%
25 to 44 5,354 28.4% 4.2%
45 to 64 1,972 10.5% 0.8%
Over 65 1,481 7.9% 5.0%
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 University City, 82.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 37.8% of locals are Caucasian, 36.8% are African American and 14.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
82.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.6%
Non-citizens
11%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 15,522 82.4% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,242 6.6% 2.7%
Non-citizens 2,066 11% 7.7%
Racial breakdown
White
37.8%
Black or African American
36.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
14.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.1%
Other
1.9%
Value Percent
White 7,110 37.8%
Black or African American 6,925 36.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 108 0.6%
Asian 2,803 14.9%
Two or more races 1,525 8.1%
Other 359 1.9%

Households in University City

A peek inside University City households

University City has 7,197 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 29% are families, while the remaining 71% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,197
5.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
5,107
Family households
2,090
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,107 71% 8.6%
Family households 2,090 29% -0.7%
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 University City

The housing landscape of University City

University City's housing consists of 8,507 units, with 2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 28.1% 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,507
4.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 172 2%
1 unit, attached 2,389 28.1%
2 units 661 7.8%
3 or 4 units 1,220 14.3%
5 to 9 units 1,037 12.2%
10 to 19 units 421 5%
20 to 49 units 699 8.2%
50 or more units 1,885 22.2%
Mobile home 23 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
265
33.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in University City

In University City, the median construction year is 1948. About 44.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 14.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,793 44.6% 4.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 553 6.5% 34.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 667 7.8% -3.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 488 5.7% 3.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 434 5.1% 10.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 252 3% -15.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 311 3.7% 1.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 535 6.3% 7.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,208 14.2% -4.1%
Built in 2020 or later 265 3.1% 33.2%
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.

University City occupancy rates

Out of the 7,197 occupied housing units in University City, 16.9% are owner-occupied, while 83.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,197
5.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,980
Owner occupied
1,218
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,980 83.1% 6.8%
Owner occupied 1,218 16.9% 0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
15.4%
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.

University City housing costs

Housing costs in University City come to a median of $1,307 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,364.

Median housing costs per month
$1,307/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 University City
$1,364/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 University City

University City education at a glance

About 26.3% of the population in University City went to high school, while 37.2% pursued college studies. Another 2.9% earned an associate degree and 19.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 269 1.6% 1.9%
High school diploma 4,324 26.3% 1.2%
College diploma 6,114 37.2% -1.8%
Associate degree 479 2.9% 23.1%
Bachelor's degree 3,156 19.2% 1.7%
Graduate degree 2,100 12.8% 4.2%
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 University City

How much people earn in University City

The average annual household income in University City was $58,174 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $38,814, reflecting a -1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in University City
$58,174/year
1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in University City
$38,814/year
-1.8% year-over-year change

University City income by age

In University City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $52,288. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $45,814 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $27,352, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $20,036 in earnings. Overall, 63.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $27,352 -1.6%
25 - 44 $52,288 1.5%
45 - 64 $45,814 -0.6%
Over 65 $20,036 -2.6%
Above poverty level
8,692
Below poverty level
5,086
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,692 63.1% 1.6%
Below poverty level 5,086 36.9% 1.8%

Employment in University City

Workforce and job types in University City

90.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.2% run their own businesses, 57.6% are employed by private companies, and 11.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
7,757
Blue collar
800
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,757 90.6% 0.5%
Blue collar 800 9.4% -2.8%
Employer type
Self employees
6.2%
Private companies
57.6%
Governmental workers
11.6%
Not for profit companies
24.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 527 6.2% 30.4%
Private companies 4,929 57.6% -3.0%
Governmental workers 994 11.6% 10.3%
Not for profit companies 2,108 24.6% -2.3%

Transportation in University City

How people get around in University City

In University City, the average commute time is 9 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 39.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 37.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
9 min
12.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,211 39.3% 1.0%
Taxicab 94 1.7% -10.5%
Bus or trolleybus 931 16.6% 16.8%
Railroad 89 1.6% 74.5%
Bicycle 180 3.2% -29.1%
Walk 2,117 37.7% -6.0%
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 University City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
19104 55,172 21,088 $38,814 $60,764

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FAQs about University City demographics 

What is the total population of University City?

University City has a total population of 18,830 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 +1.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in University City?

The gender ratio in University City is as follows:
  • 45.8% males (8,627 residents)
  • 54.2% females (10,203 residents)

What is the median age in University City?

The median age in University City is 23.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in University City?

The age distribution in University City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11% (2,064 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 42.3% (7,960 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.4% (5,354 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 10.5% (1,972 residents)
  • Over 65: 7.9% (1,481 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of University City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of University City is as follows:
  • White: 37.8% (7,110 residents)
  • Black or African American: 36.8% (6,925 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (108 residents)
  • Asian: 14.9% (2,803 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.1% (1,525 residents)
  • Other: 1.9% (359 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 82.4% of the population in University City.

How many housing units are there in University City?

There are 8,507 housing units in University City, reflecting a +4.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

University City has a total of 7,197 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in University City?

University City has a median household income of $38,814, representing a -1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for University City?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.6% (7,757 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.4% (800 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.2% (527 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.6% (4,929 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.6% (994 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 24.6% (2,108 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