Centre County, Pennsylvania Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 22nd-largest in Pennsylvania
The population of Centre County, Pennsylvania is 158,041 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 22nd-largest county in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $72,748, the median home value is $308,100, and the median age is 33.8.
The population of Centre County has grown 3.6% since 2010 (154,242 → 159,805), a +0.25% annualized rate.
158,041
Population
+0.25%
Annual growth
143
People / sq mi
$72,748
Median Income
$308,100
Median Home Value
Centre County covers 1,107 sq mi of land at 142.7 people per square mile.
About Centre County, PA
Centre County is a county in Pennsylvania with a population of 158,041. It ranks #22 among counties in Pennsylvania by population. The median age is 33.8, younger than the national median. The population is 52.6% male and 47.4% female.
The median household income in Centre County is $72,748, near the US median of $74,580. 5.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $308,100, with monthly rent averaging $1,181. The homeownership rate of 61.8% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Centre County reflects 46.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 13.6% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.3 minutes each way.
Centre County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Centre County had a population of 154,242 in 2010 and 159,805 in 2024, a 3.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 162,895 in 2018. Average annual growth rate: 0.26%.
159,805
Population (2024)
154,242
Population (2010)
162,895
Peak (2018)
0.26%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 154,242 |
| 2011 | 155,107 |
| 2012 | 155,905 |
| 2013 | 158,342 |
| 2014 | 159,798 |
| 2015 | 160,641 |
| 2016 | 162,287 |
| 2017 | 162,549 |
| 2018 | 162,895 |
| 2019 | 162,095 |
| 2020 | 157,987 |
| 2021 | 158,008 |
| 2022 | 157,992 |
| 2023 | 159,087 |
| 2024 | 159,805 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.9% |
| Black or African American | 3.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
33.8
Median Age
47.4%
Female
52.6%
Male
15.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 11.9% · Seniors (65+): 15.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $72,748$-3,333 vs state |
| Mean household income | $99,196 |
| Per-capita income | $38,732 |
| Poverty rate | 5.7%-2.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Centre County is professional & business services, accounting for 40.7% of workers.
How residents commute
3.6%
Drive alone
7.6%
Carpool
66.0%
Public transit
13.6%
Work from home
20.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$308,100+$67,600 vs state
Median home value
$1,181
Median rent
61.8%
Homeownership rate
66,023
Total housing units
89.4%
Occupied
10.6%
Vacant
38.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.5%
With health insurance
93.5%
With broadband internet
24.8%
Foreign-born
5.2%
Veterans (18+)
10.7%
With a disability
87.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.6%
High School+
46.5%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Centre County, Pennsylvania has a population of 158,041 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 22nd-largest county in Pennsylvania. Population density is 143 people per square mile.
The population of Centre County has grown 3.6% since 2010 (154,242 → 159,805), a +0.25% annualized rate.
The median household income in Centre County, Pennsylvania is $72,748, with mean (average) household income of $99,196 and per-capita income of $38,732. 5.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Centre County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.9%), Black or African American (3.3%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Centre County, Pennsylvania is 33.8 years. Residents are 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
The median home value in Centre County is $308,100 and median monthly rent is $1,181. 61.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 66,023 total housing units, 10.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Centre County, Pennsylvania is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 40.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Philadelphia is among the largest cities associated with Centre County, Pennsylvania, with a population of 1,582,432.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.