Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania is 44,217 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 12th-largest city in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $47,970, the median home value is $108,000, and the median age is 35.3.
The population has grown 7.5% since 2010 (41,526 → 44,661).
44,217
Population
6457
People / sq mi
$47,970
Median Income
$108,000
Median Home Value
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Wilkes-Barre covers 6.8 sq mi of land at 6457 people per square mile.
About Wilkes-Barre, PA
In Wilkes-Barre, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $108,000. With 44,217 residents, Wilkes-Barre is a city in Pennsylvania. It ranks #12 among cities in Pennsylvania by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $47,970, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 17.4%, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $108,000, with typical rent around $939.
College attainment is 19.4%, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 7.4% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
Wilkes-Barre city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Wilkes-Barre city had a population of 41,526 in 2010 and 44,661 in 2024, a 7.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 44,661 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.55%.
44,661
Population (2024)
41,526
Population (2010)
44,661
Peak (2024)
0.55%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 41,526 |
| 2011 | 41,418 |
| 2012 | 41,370 |
| 2013 | 41,068 |
| 2014 | 41,067 |
| 2015 | 40,931 |
| 2016 | 40,823 |
| 2017 | 40,946 |
| 2018 | 40,900 |
| 2019 | 40,766 |
| 2020 | 44,277 |
| 2021 | 44,346 |
| 2022 | 44,323 |
| 2023 | 44,424 |
| 2024 | 44,661 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 55.4% |
| Black or African American | 13.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.3% |
Economy & Income
$47,970
Median Household Income
$25,581
Per Capita Income
17.4%
Poverty Rate
4.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$108,000
Median Home Value
$939
Median Rent
48.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
85.0%
High School+
19.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
2.3%
Drive Alone
70.4%
Public Transit
7.4%
Work From Home
20.0 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
24.5%
Foreign Born
74.4%
Non-English at Home
5.7%
Veterans
15.0%
With Disability
91.8%
Health Insurance
89.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 22.8% |
| Manufacturing | 11.7% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.8% |
| Retail Trade | 10.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 9.0% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.2% |
| Information | 4.9% |
| Construction | 4.4% |
| Public Administration | 3.9% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.7% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.3% |
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania has a population of 44,217 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 12th-largest city in Pennsylvania.
The median household income in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania is $47,970, with 17.4% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania is $108,000, with median monthly rent at $939 and a homeownership rate of 48.9%.
The median age in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania is 35.3 years. The population is 48.8% male and 51.2% female.
The population has grown 7.5% since 2010 (41,526 → 44,661).
Where to stay in Wilkes-Barre
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.