Pittsburgh, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
304,759
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,742/yr
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
161,908
1.4% year-over-year change

Pittsburgh population

How many people live in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is home to 304,759 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.7% of Pittsburgh locals are male, and 51.3% are female.

Total population
304,759
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.7%
148,532
Female
51.3%
156,227
Value Percent YoY change
Male 148,532 48.7% -0.5%
Female 156,227 51.3% 1.2%
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 Pittsburgh is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.2% are children under 15, then 19.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 33.4% of the population, while another 19.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.2%
15 to 24
19.6%
25 to 44
33.4%
45 to 64
19.2%
Over 65
15.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 37,137 12.2% -1.3%
15 to 24 59,623 19.6% 1.0%
25 to 44 101,768 33.4% 0.7%
45 to 64 58,564 19.2% -2.7%
Over 65 47,667 15.6% 4.3%
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 Pittsburgh, 89.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 62.7% of locals are Caucasian, 22.3% are African American and 6.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.2%
Non-citizens
5.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 272,010 89.2% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 15,899 5.2% 6.0%
Non-citizens 16,850 5.5% -0.4%
Racial breakdown
White
62.7%
Black or African American
22.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
6.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.8%
Other
1.9%
Value Percent
White 191,048 62.7%
Black or African American 67,858 22.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 552 0.2%
Asian 18,763 6.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 53 0%
Two or more races 20,757 6.8%
Other 5,728 1.9%

Households in Pittsburgh

A peek inside Pittsburgh households

Pittsburgh has 138,188 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 42.7% are families, while the remaining 57.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
138,188
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
79,171
Family households
59,017
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 79,171 57.3% -0.2%
Family households 59,017 42.7% 1.3%
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 Pittsburgh

The housing landscape of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh's housing consists of 161,908 units, with 43.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 14.1% 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 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
161,908
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 70,572 43.6%
1 unit, attached 22,776 14.1%
2 units 12,655 7.8%
3 or 4 units 10,891 6.7%
5 to 9 units 8,951 5.5%
10 to 19 units 7,387 4.6%
20 to 49 units 7,581 4.7%
50 or more units 20,407 12.6%
Mobile home 646 0.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 42 0%
Homes built since 2020
1,584
88.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pittsburgh

In Pittsburgh, the median construction year is 1942. About 48.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 78,226 48.3% 1.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 12,483 7.7% 3.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 20,662 12.8% -0.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 12,220 7.6% -2.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 10,715 6.6% 3.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 6,937 4.3% 3.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5,088 3.1% -7.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5,589 3.4% -4.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 8,404 5.2% 9.4%
Built in 2020 or later 1,584 1% 88.1%
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.

Pittsburgh occupancy rates

Out of the 138,188 occupied housing units in Pittsburgh, 47.7% are owner-occupied, while 52.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
138,188
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
72,332
Owner occupied
65,856
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 72,332 52.3% -0.5%
Owner occupied 65,856 47.7% 1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
14.7%
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.

Pittsburgh housing costs

Housing costs in Pittsburgh come to a median of $1,164 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,261.

Median housing costs per month
$1,164/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 Pittsburgh
$1,261/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 Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh education at a glance

About 28.8% of the population in Pittsburgh went to high school, while 19.4% pursued college studies. Another 6.6% earned an associate degree and 23.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 19.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,217 1.6% 3.0%
High school diploma 74,896 28.8% -0.6%
College diploma 50,646 19.4% -1.3%
Associate degree 17,309 6.6% -2.5%
Bachelor's degree 61,732 23.7% 1.4%
Graduate degree 51,527 19.8% 4.6%
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 Pittsburgh

How much people earn in Pittsburgh

The average annual household income in Pittsburgh was $97,085 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,742, reflecting a +2.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pittsburgh
$97,085/year
4.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pittsburgh
$65,742/year
2.5% year-over-year change

Pittsburgh income by age

In Pittsburgh, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $78,360. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $75,373 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $30,181, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $45,341 in earnings. Overall, 80.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $30,181 4.4%
25 - 44 $78,360 3.7%
45 - 64 $75,373 2.6%
Over 65 $45,341 0.4%
Above poverty level
222,691
Below poverty level
55,301
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 222,691 80.1% -0.7%
Below poverty level 55,301 19.9% 3.0%

Average renter income in Pittsburgh

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Pittsburgh, their median household income was $42,304 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$42,304
Rent-to-income ratio
35.8%
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 Pittsburgh

Workforce and job types in Pittsburgh

The job market in Pittsburgh is powered by 160,277 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 89% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 11% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.4% run their own businesses, 60.7% are employed by private companies, and 11.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
160,277
-0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
142,673
Blue collar
17,604
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 142,673 89% 0.1%
Blue collar 17,604 11% -1.6%
Employer type
Self employees
5.4%
Private companies
60.7%
Governmental workers
11.2%
Not for profit companies
22.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 8,675 5.4% 0.3%
Private companies 97,323 60.7% -1.9%
Governmental workers 17,915 11.2% 0.5%
Not for profit companies 36,364 22.7% 4.8%
Unemployment rate
6.1%
2.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Pittsburgh stands at 6.1%, 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 Pittsburgh

How people get around in Pittsburgh

Commuting methods vary: 53.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 9.6% 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 83,293 53.3% -2.1%
Taxicab 679 0.4% 35.0%
Bus or trolleybus 16,949 10.8% -6.9%
Subway or elevated 378 0.2% N/A
Ferryboat 36 0% 56.5%
Motorcycle 209 0.1% -33.2%
Bicycle 1,887 1.2% 5.0%
Walk 14,983 9.6% -2.5%
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 Pittsburgh by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
15104 8,034 3,605 $40,104 $54,548
15120 18,029 8,462 $55,714 $75,315
15201 13,333 7,112 $93,231 $122,891
15203 10,370 5,902 $67,345 $110,183
15204 8,467 3,528 $59,420 $74,239
15205 24,060 11,392 $70,991 $93,011
15206 29,056 14,416 $72,920 $106,374
15207 10,961 4,839 $57,427 $73,797
15208 10,094 4,304 $63,086 $111,603
15210 25,227 10,495 $52,169 $69,587

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FAQs about Pittsburgh demographics 

What is the total population of Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has a total population of 304,759 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 +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Pittsburgh?

The gender ratio in Pittsburgh is as follows:
  • 48.7% males (148,532 residents)
  • 51.3% females (156,227 residents)

What is the median age in Pittsburgh?

The median age in Pittsburgh is 33.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Pittsburgh?

The age distribution in Pittsburgh is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.2% (37,137 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 19.6% (59,623 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 33.4% (101,768 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.2% (58,564 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.6% (47,667 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pittsburgh?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pittsburgh is as follows:
  • White: 62.7% (191,048 residents)
  • Black or African American: 22.3% (67,858 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (552 residents)
  • Asian: 6.2% (18,763 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (53 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.8% (20,757 residents)
  • Other: 1.9% (5,728 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.2% of the population in Pittsburgh.

How many housing units are there in Pittsburgh?

There are 161,908 housing units in Pittsburgh, reflecting a +1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Pittsburgh has a total of 138,188 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has a median household income of $65,742, 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 Pittsburgh?

The employment rate is 93.9% in Pittsburgh, with a workforce of 160,277 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89% (142,673 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 11% (17,604 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.4% (8,675 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.7% (97,323 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.2% (17,915 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 22.7% (36,364 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