Sunbury, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,617
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$51,028/yr
5.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,947
3.5% year-over-year change

Sunbury population

How many people live in Sunbury

Sunbury is home to 9,617 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of Sunbury locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
9,617
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
4,700
Female
51.1%
4,917
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,700 48.9% 4.3%
Female 4,917 51.1% -4.3%
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 Sunbury is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.7% are children under 15, then 9.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.8% of the population, while another 27.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.7%
15 to 24
9.2%
25 to 44
23.8%
45 to 64
27.8%
Over 65
22.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,609 16.7% -12.0%
15 to 24 890 9.2% -14.7%
25 to 44 2,291 23.8% 2.2%
45 to 64 2,671 27.8% 4.7%
Over 65 2,156 22.4% 8.9%
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 Sunbury, 95.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.6%
Non-citizens
1.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 9,193 95.6% -2.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 250 2.6% 21.4%
Non-citizens 174 1.8% 1,350.0%
Racial breakdown
White
82.4%
Black or African American
3.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7%
Other
7.2%
Value Percent
White 7,926 82.4%
Black or African American 320 3.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0%
Two or more races 675 7%
Other 695 7.2%

Households in Sunbury

A peek inside Sunbury households

Sunbury has 4,357 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58% are families, while the remaining 42% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,357
4.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,830
Family households
2,527
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,830 42% 7.8%
Family households 2,527 58% 2.6%
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 Sunbury

The housing landscape of Sunbury

Sunbury's housing consists of 4,947 units, with 53.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 17.1% 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 1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,947
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,649 53.6%
1 unit, attached 846 17.1%
2 units 287 5.8%
3 or 4 units 386 7.8%
5 to 9 units 116 2.3%
10 to 19 units 13 0.3%
20 to 49 units 94 1.9%
50 or more units 504 10.2%
Mobile home 52 1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sunbury

In Sunbury, the median construction year is 1938. About 50.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,498 50.5% 4.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 472 9.5% 16.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 507 10.2% -15.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 320 6.5% 8.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 477 9.6% 1.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 384 7.8% -8.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 244 4.9% 41.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 45 0.9% 32.4%
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.

Sunbury occupancy rates

Out of the 4,357 occupied housing units in Sunbury, 56.8% are owner-occupied, while 43.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,357
4.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,882
Owner occupied
2,475
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,882 43.2% -4.0%
Owner occupied 2,475 56.8% 12.5%
Unoccupied housing units
11.9%
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.

Sunbury housing costs

Housing costs in Sunbury come to a median of $791 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $738.

Median housing costs per month
$791/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 Sunbury
$738/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 Sunbury

Sunbury education at a glance

About 60.6% of the population in Sunbury went to high school, while 18.7% pursued college studies. Another 7.2% earned an associate degree and 8.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 188 2.4% 37.2%
High school diploma 4,670 60.6% -0.6%
College diploma 1,441 18.7% 7.8%
Associate degree 552 7.2% 11.7%
Bachelor's degree 658 8.6% 3.6%
Graduate degree 191 2.5% 11.7%
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 Sunbury

How much people earn in Sunbury

The average annual household income in Sunbury was $65,824 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $51,028, reflecting a +5.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sunbury
$65,824/year
4.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sunbury
$51,028/year
5.2% year-over-year change

Sunbury income by age

In Sunbury, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $60,588. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $61,383 overall. Overall, 81.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $60,588 0.7%
45 - 64 $61,383 9.3%
Over 65 $29,558 3.4%
Above poverty level
7,568
Below poverty level
1,729
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,568 81.4% -2.0%
Below poverty level 1,729 18.6% 15.3%

Average renter income in Sunbury

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sunbury, their median household income was $28,824 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$28,824
Rent-to-income ratio
30.7%
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 Sunbury

Workforce and job types in Sunbury

The job market in Sunbury is powered by 4,497 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.6% run their own businesses, 73.8% are employed by private companies, and 6.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,497
3.1% year-over-year change
White collar
3,076
Blue collar
1,421
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,076 68.4% 3.5%
Blue collar 1,421 31.6% 2.3%
Employer type
Self employees
5.6%
Private companies
73.8%
Governmental workers
6.3%
Not for profit companies
14.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 252 5.6% -3.1%
Private companies 3,317 73.8% 2.8%
Governmental workers 284 6.3% -13.4%
Not for profit companies 644 14.3% 18.2%
Unemployment rate
4.8%
-17.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sunbury stands at 4.8%, 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 Sunbury

How people get around in Sunbury

Commuting methods vary: 86.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.9% 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 3,830 86.2% 1.9%
Bus or trolleybus 11 0.2% -35.3%
Bicycle 6 0.1% -33.3%
Walk 219 4.9% -22.3%
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 Sunbury by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
17801 16,429 7,016 $60,664 $81,409

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FAQs about Sunbury demographics 

What is the total population of Sunbury?

Sunbury has a total population of 9,617 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 -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sunbury?

The gender ratio in Sunbury is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (4,700 residents)
  • 51.1% females (4,917 residents)

What is the median age in Sunbury?

The median age in Sunbury is 45.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sunbury?

The age distribution in Sunbury is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.7% (1,609 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.2% (890 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.8% (2,291 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.8% (2,671 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.4% (2,156 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sunbury?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sunbury is as follows:
  • White: 82.4% (7,926 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.3% (320 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7% (675 residents)
  • Other: 7.2% (695 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.6% of the population in Sunbury.

How many housing units are there in Sunbury?

There are 4,947 housing units in Sunbury, reflecting a +3.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sunbury has a total of 4,357 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sunbury?

Sunbury has a median household income of $51,028, representing a +5.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.2% in Sunbury, with a workforce of 4,497 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.4% (3,076 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.6% (1,421 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.6% (252 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.8% (3,317 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 6.3% (284 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.3% (644 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