Living in Allentown, Pennsylvania
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Allentown · Census data 2020–2024
Allentown has 125,976 residents with a median age of 33.1. The median household income is $55,494 (29% lower than the Pennsylvania median), the median home value is $206,600, the median rent is $1,317/month.
Allentown at a glance
- Population
- 125,976
- Median age
- 33.1State: 40.9
- Median household income
- $55,494State: $77,971
- Median home value
- $206,600State: $254,500
- Median rent
- $1,317/moState: $1,209
- Homeowners
- 43.2%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 19.1%
- Average commute
- 25 min
Is Allentown a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 19% lower than the state median; an average commute of 25 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 29% lower than the Pennsylvania median; unemployment of 9%; a poverty rate of 21%.
The weather is best in May–June and August–September.
Cost of living in Allentown
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Allentown the median home value is $206,600, 38% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,317 per month, which is 35% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,550 a month in housing costs.
Allentown median household income
The median household income in Allentown is $55,494 and the income per person is $26,892. 21% of residents live below the poverty line (Pennsylvania: 11.7%).
Housing in Allentown: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 49,502
- Owner-occupied
- 43.2%
- Renter-occupied
- 56.8%
- Vacant
- 6.3%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1952
- Average household size
- 2.60
Allentown demographics
- Population
- 125,976
- Median age
- 33.1
- Under 18
- 24.4%
- 65 and older
- 13.5%
- Households
- 46,374
- Foreign-born
- 24%
- Veterans
- 3.8%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Allentown ›
Education in Allentown
19.1% of adults 25 and older in Allentown have a bachelor's degree or higher (Pennsylvania: 35.2%), and 5.7% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Allentown
- Unemployment rate
- 9%State: 5.3%
- Average commute
- 25 minState: 26 min
- Work from home
- 9%
- Drive alone
- 69.7%
- Public transit
- 3.3%
- Walk to work
- 3.7%
- Homes with broadband
- 86.5%
Allentown vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown | 125,976 | $55,494 | $206,600 | $1,317 |
| Dorneyville | 5,211 | $128,732 | $417,600 | $1,934 |
| Fullerton | 16,724 | $69,317 | $239,700 | $1,428 |
| Salisbury | 13,677 | $101,299 | $344,700 | $1,502 |
| Cetronia | 2,120 | $79,222 | $292,800 | $1,098 |
| South Whitehall | 21,390 | $102,872 | $365,100 | $1,865 |
| Emmaus | 11,889 | $83,917 | $266,000 | $1,389 |
| Catasauqua | 6,541 | $85,049 | $209,900 | $1,031 |
| Fountain Hill | 4,834 | $64,107 | $246,700 | $1,275 |
More for people moving to Allentown
Allentown ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Allentown: FAQ
What is the median household income in Allentown, PA?
The median household income in Allentown is $55,494, 29% lower than the Pennsylvania median of $77,971 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Allentown?
The median home value in Allentown is $206,600, compared with $254,500 in Pennsylvania.
How much is rent in Allentown?
The median gross rent in Allentown is $1,317 per month, about 35% of household income.
Is Allentown, PA a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 19% lower than the state median; an average commute of 25 minutes. Minuses: median household income 29% lower than the Pennsylvania median; unemployment of 9%; a poverty rate of 21%.
What is the median age in Allentown?
The median age in Allentown is 33.1 years (Pennsylvania: 40.9).
How long is the commute in Allentown?
The average commute to work in Allentown is 25 minutes; 9% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Allentown?
The unemployment rate in Allentown is 9% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Allentown?
19.1% of adults in Allentown have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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