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 defined demographically by education — 46.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national average. With 158,041 residents, Centre County is a county in Pennsylvania. It ranks #22 among counties in Pennsylvania by population.
Median household income is $72,748, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 5.7%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $308,100, with typical rent around $1,181.
Centre County is among the best-educated US counties: 46.5% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. A solid 13.6% of workers are based at home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Centre County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
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+
Largest cities in Pennsylvania
Other counties in Pennsylvania
Part of Pennsylvania
Metro areas in Pennsylvania
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.
Centre County, PA Climate
Centre County, PA has an average annual temperature of 9.3°C (49°F) and receives about 1007 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.3°C
Avg Temp
1007
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 25° | 65 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 67 mm |
| March | 3° / 37° | 83 mm |
| April | 9° / 47° | 79 mm |
| May | 15° / 58° | 95 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 110 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 97 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 87 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 90 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 75 mm |
| November | 5° / 41° | 86 mm |
| December | -1° / 31° | 73 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Centre County, PA
The most comfortable months to visit Centre County, PA are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Centre County
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Top-rated places to stay near Centre County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.