Shamokin, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,853
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$39,690/yr
8.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,409
-0.2% year-over-year change

Shamokin population

How many people live in Shamokin

Shamokin is home to 6,853 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.6% of Shamokin locals are male, and 52.4% are female.

Total population
6,853
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.6%
3,264
Female
52.4%
3,589
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,264 47.6% -6.6%
Female 3,589 52.4% 5.7%
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 Shamokin is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.9% are children under 15, then 15.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.9% of the population, while another 24.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.9%
15 to 24
15.9%
25 to 44
24.9%
45 to 64
24.7%
Over 65
16.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,228 17.9% -16.2%
15 to 24 1,091 15.9% 20.0%
25 to 44 1,706 24.9% 2.5%
45 to 64 1,695 24.7% -5.2%
Over 65 1,133 16.5% 6.6%
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 Shamokin, 97.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 11.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.8%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,688 97.6% -0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 127 1.8% 29.6%
Non-citizens 38 0.6% -26.9%
Racial breakdown
White
83.8%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.7%
Other
3.5%
Value Percent
White 5,743 83.8%
Black or African American 71 1%
Two or more races 801 11.7%
Other 238 3.5%

Households in Shamokin

A peek inside Shamokin households

Shamokin has 3,023 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.2% are families, while the remaining 48.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,023
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,476
Family households
1,547
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,476 48.8% 1.4%
Family households 1,547 51.2% 1.5%
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 Shamokin

The housing landscape of Shamokin

Shamokin's housing consists of 4,409 units, with 25.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 55.1% 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
4,409
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,114 25.3%
1 unit, attached 2,431 55.1%
2 units 48 1.1%
3 or 4 units 259 5.9%
5 to 9 units 163 3.7%
10 to 19 units 64 1.4%
20 to 49 units 82 1.9%
50 or more units 232 5.3%
Mobile home 16 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
5
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Shamokin

In Shamokin, the median construction year is 1938. About 65.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 1.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,871 65.1% -1.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 442 10% 32.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 330 7.5% 24.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 330 7.5% -18.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 288 6.5% -19.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 72 1.6% -39.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5 0.1% N/A
Built between 2000 and 2009 63 1.4% 152.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3 0.1% -50.0%
Built in 2020 or later 5 0.1% 0.0%
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.

Shamokin occupancy rates

Out of the 3,023 occupied housing units in Shamokin, 59.6% are owner-occupied, while 40.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 31.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,023
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,222
Owner occupied
1,801
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,222 40.4% 11.3%
Owner occupied 1,801 59.6% -4.2%
Unoccupied housing units
31.4%
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.

Shamokin housing costs

Housing costs in Shamokin come to a median of $684 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $824.

Median housing costs per month
$684/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 Shamokin
$824/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 Shamokin

Shamokin education at a glance

About 67.4% of the population in Shamokin went to high school, while 14.3% pursued college studies. Another 5.4% earned an associate degree and 9.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 126 2.4% -46.6%
High school diploma 3,533 67.4% 9.2%
College diploma 748 14.3% -1.8%
Associate degree 285 5.4% 10.0%
Bachelor's degree 482 9.2% -21.2%
Graduate degree 64 1.2% -25.6%
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 Shamokin

How much people earn in Shamokin

The average annual household income in Shamokin was $52,821 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $39,690, reflecting a +8.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Shamokin
$52,821/year
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Shamokin
$39,690/year
8.9% year-over-year change

Shamokin income by age

In Shamokin, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $59,219. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $49,712 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $75,625, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $27,539 in earnings. Overall, 76.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $75,625 N/A
25 - 44 $59,219 54.4%
45 - 64 $49,712 -9.4%
Over 65 $27,539 23.2%
Above poverty level
5,093
Below poverty level
1,584
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,093 76.3% 4.8%
Below poverty level 1,584 23.7% -6.5%

Average renter income in Shamokin

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Shamokin, their median household income was $22,067 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 44.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$22,067
Rent-to-income ratio
44.8%
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 Shamokin

Workforce and job types in Shamokin

The job market in Shamokin is powered by 2,633 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 36% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.1% run their own businesses, 80.6% are employed by private companies, and 7.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,633
-11.1% year-over-year change
White collar
1,684
Blue collar
949
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,684 64% -15.9%
Blue collar 949 36% -0.9%
Employer type
Self employees
7.1%
Private companies
80.6%
Governmental workers
7.3%
Not for profit companies
5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 187 7.1% -4.1%
Private companies 2,122 80.6% -9.5%
Governmental workers 193 7.3% -41.3%
Not for profit companies 131 5% 40.9%
Unemployment rate
2.1%
14.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Shamokin stands at 2.1%, 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 Shamokin

How people get around in Shamokin

Commuting methods vary: 87.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 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 2,280 87.8% -9.3%
Bus or trolleybus 1 0% -66.7%
Walk 155 6% -30.5%
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 Shamokin by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
17872 8,894 3,935 $48,750 $60,454

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FAQs about Shamokin demographics 

What is the total population of Shamokin?

Shamokin has a total population of 6,853 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 Shamokin?

The gender ratio in Shamokin is as follows:
  • 47.6% males (3,264 residents)
  • 52.4% females (3,589 residents)

What is the median age in Shamokin?

The median age in Shamokin is 39.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Shamokin?

The age distribution in Shamokin is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.9% (1,228 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.9% (1,091 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.9% (1,706 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.7% (1,695 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.5% (1,133 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Shamokin?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shamokin is as follows:
  • White: 83.8% (5,743 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (71 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.7% (801 residents)
  • Other: 3.5% (238 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.6% of the population in Shamokin.

How many housing units are there in Shamokin?

There are 4,409 housing units in Shamokin, 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 Shamokin and what is the average household size?

Shamokin has a total of 3,023 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Shamokin?

Shamokin has a median household income of $39,690, representing a +8.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.9% in Shamokin, with a workforce of 2,633 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64% (1,684 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 36% (949 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.1% (187 residents)
  • Private companies: 80.6% (2,122 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.3% (193 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5% (131 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