Wilkes Barre, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
78,275
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,468/yr
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
36,150
-0.1% year-over-year change

Wilkes Barre population

How many people live in Wilkes Barre

Wilkes Barre is home to 78,275 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.2% of Wilkes Barre locals are male, and 49.8% are female.

Total population
78,275
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.2%
39,251
Female
49.8%
39,024
Value Percent YoY change
Male 39,251 50.2% 1.2%
Female 39,024 49.8% -0.4%
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 Wilkes Barre is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.4% are children under 15, then 15.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.7% of the population, while another 22.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.4%
15 to 24
15.5%
25 to 44
26.7%
45 to 64
22.3%
Over 65
18.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 13,619 17.4% 3.2%
15 to 24 12,121 15.5% 3.3%
25 to 44 20,921 26.7% -1.3%
45 to 64 17,464 22.3% -2.7%
Over 65 14,150 18.1% 1.8%
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 Wilkes Barre, 84.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 65% of locals are Caucasian, 8.6% are African American and 1.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 11.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 13.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.4%
Non-citizens
7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 66,258 84.6% -0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6,539 8.4% 0.3%
Non-citizens 5,478 7% 17.4%
Racial breakdown
White
65%
Black or African American
8.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
13.2%
Other
11.4%
Value Percent
White 50,866 65%
Black or African American 6,741 8.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 131 0.2%
Asian 1,086 1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 236 0.3%
Two or more races 10,320 13.2%
Other 8,895 11.4%

Households in Wilkes Barre

A peek inside Wilkes Barre households

Wilkes Barre has 31,169 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.3% are families, while the remaining 41.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
31,169
0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
12,995
Family households
18,174
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 12,995 41.7% 1.1%
Family households 18,174 58.3% -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 Wilkes Barre

The housing landscape of Wilkes Barre

Wilkes Barre's housing consists of 36,150 units, with 56% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 13.9% 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 2.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
36,150
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 20,232 56%
1 unit, attached 5,039 13.9%
2 units 2,632 7.3%
3 or 4 units 2,503 6.9%
5 to 9 units 1,301 3.6%
10 to 19 units 616 1.7%
20 to 49 units 920 2.5%
50 or more units 1,931 5.3%
Mobile home 976 2.7%
Homes built since 2020
126
37.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wilkes Barre

In Wilkes Barre, the median construction year is 1954. About 38.8% 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. Then, 4.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 14,034 38.8% -2.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,442 9.5% 0.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,211 8.9% 4.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,695 7.5% 3.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,494 15.2% -5.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,402 6.6% 3.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,327 6.4% -1.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,701 4.7% 9.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 718 2% 18.1%
Built in 2020 or later 126 0.4% 37.0%
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.

Wilkes Barre occupancy rates

Out of the 31,169 occupied housing units in Wilkes Barre, 59.2% are owner-occupied, while 40.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
31,169
0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
12,730
Owner occupied
18,439
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 12,730 40.8% -1.1%
Owner occupied 18,439 59.2% 0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
13.8%
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.

Wilkes Barre housing costs

Housing costs in Wilkes Barre come to a median of $961 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $988.

Median housing costs per month
$961/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 Wilkes Barre
$988/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 Wilkes Barre

Wilkes Barre education at a glance

About 44.6% of the population in Wilkes Barre went to high school, while 21.5% pursued college studies. Another 9.4% earned an associate degree and 13.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,210 3.6% -7.6%
High school diploma 27,381 44.6% 2.3%
College diploma 13,227 21.5% -3.5%
Associate degree 5,772 9.4% -3.4%
Bachelor's degree 8,467 13.8% 0.3%
Graduate degree 4,409 7.2% 3.7%
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 Wilkes Barre

How much people earn in Wilkes Barre

The average annual household income in Wilkes Barre was $75,697 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $57,468, reflecting a +2.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wilkes Barre
$75,697/year
3.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wilkes Barre
$57,468/year
2.2% year-over-year change

Wilkes Barre income by age

In Wilkes Barre, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $58,235. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $63,684 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $29,890, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $50,235 in earnings. Overall, 80.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $29,890 -13.6%
25 - 44 $58,235 -3.9%
45 - 64 $63,684 -0.5%
Over 65 $50,235 3.1%
Above poverty level
58,274
Below poverty level
14,177
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 58,274 80.4% -1.1%
Below poverty level 14,177 19.6% 4.9%

Employment in Wilkes Barre

Workforce and job types in Wilkes Barre

70.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.3% run their own businesses, 71.1% are employed by private companies, and 12.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
24,807
Blue collar
10,420
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 24,807 70.4% -3.8%
Blue collar 10,420 29.6% 7.1%
Employer type
Self employees
5.3%
Private companies
71.1%
Governmental workers
12.9%
Not for profit companies
10.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,857 5.3% 0.6%
Private companies 25,048 71.1% -1.3%
Governmental workers 4,557 12.9% -2.0%
Not for profit companies 3,765 10.7% 3.2%

Transportation in Wilkes Barre

How people get around in Wilkes Barre

In Wilkes Barre, the average commute time is 62 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 92.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
62 min
1.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 28,204 92.2% -2.2%
Taxicab 268 0.9% 40.3%
Bus or trolleybus 457 1.5% -4.4%
Bicycle 93 0.3% 75.5%
Walk 1,557 5.1% -7.9%
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 Wilkes Barre by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
18701 4,294 1,249 $33,329 $49,324
18702 41,970 16,951 $56,378 $74,812
18705 15,624 6,339 $59,344 $73,660
18706 16,387 6,630 $58,558 $79,011

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FAQs about Wilkes Barre demographics 

What is the total population of Wilkes Barre?

Wilkes Barre has a total population of 78,275 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 Wilkes Barre?

The gender ratio in Wilkes Barre is as follows:
  • 50.2% males (39,251 residents)
  • 49.8% females (39,024 residents)

What is the median age in Wilkes Barre?

The median age in Wilkes Barre is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wilkes Barre?

The age distribution in Wilkes Barre is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.4% (13,619 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.5% (12,121 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.7% (20,921 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.3% (17,464 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.1% (14,150 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wilkes Barre?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wilkes Barre is as follows:
  • White: 65% (50,866 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.6% (6,741 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (131 residents)
  • Asian: 1.4% (1,086 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (236 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.2% (10,320 residents)
  • Other: 11.4% (8,895 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.6% of the population in Wilkes Barre.

How many housing units are there in Wilkes Barre?

There are 36,150 housing units in Wilkes Barre, reflecting a -0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wilkes Barre has a total of 31,169 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wilkes Barre?

Wilkes Barre has a median household income of $57,468, representing a +2.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Wilkes Barre?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.4% (24,807 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.6% (10,420 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.3% (1,857 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.1% (25,048 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.9% (4,557 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.7% (3,765 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