Elk County, Pennsylvania Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 59th-largest in Pennsylvania
The population of Elk County, Pennsylvania is 30,703 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 59th-largest county in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $64,103, the median home value is $128,600, and the median age is 48.5.
The population of Elk County has declined 5.5% since 2010 (31,862 → 30,124), a -0.40% annualized rate.
30,703
Population
-0.40%
Annual growth
37
People / sq mi
$64,103
Median Income
$128,600
Median Home Value
Elk County covers 827 sq mi of land at 37.1 people per square mile.
About Elk County, PA
Elk County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 9.2% of the population. With 30,703 residents, Elk County is a county in Pennsylvania.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $64,103 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 4.8%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $128,600, with typical rent around $720.
19.9% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (2.8%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Elk County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Elk County had a population of 31,862 in 2010 and 30,124 in 2024, a -5.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 31,862 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.39%.
30,124
Population (2024)
31,862
Population (2010)
31,862
Peak (2010)
-0.39%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 31,862 |
| 2011 | 31,798 |
| 2012 | 31,619 |
| 2013 | 31,462 |
| 2014 | 31,187 |
| 2015 | 30,898 |
| 2016 | 30,516 |
| 2017 | 30,274 |
| 2018 | 30,096 |
| 2019 | 29,894 |
| 2020 | 30,939 |
| 2021 | 30,795 |
| 2022 | 30,453 |
| 2023 | 30,221 |
| 2024 | 30,124 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
48.5
Median Age
49.1%
Female
50.9%
Male
23.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.5% · Seniors (65+): 23.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,103$-11,978 vs state |
| Mean household income | $80,111 |
| Per-capita income | $35,683 |
| Poverty rate | 4.8%-3.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Elk County is manufacturing, accounting for 35.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
2.5%
Carpool
82.8%
Public transit
2.8%
Work from home
18.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$128,600$-111,900 vs state
Median home value
$720
Median rent
78.9%
Homeownership rate
16,876
Total housing units
79.9%
Occupied
20.1%
Vacant
21.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.3%
With health insurance
89.1%
With broadband internet
9.2%
Foreign-born
8.0%
Veterans (18+)
16.7%
With a disability
98.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.5%
High School+
19.9%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Elk County, Pennsylvania has a population of 30,703 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 59th-largest county in Pennsylvania. Population density is 37 people per square mile.
The population of Elk County has declined 5.5% since 2010 (31,862 → 30,124), a -0.40% annualized rate.
The median household income in Elk County, Pennsylvania is $64,103, with mean (average) household income of $80,111 and per-capita income of $35,683. 4.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Elk County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.1%), Black or African American (0.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Elk County, Pennsylvania is 48.5 years. Residents are 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
The median home value in Elk County is $128,600 and median monthly rent is $720. 78.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 16,876 total housing units, 20.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Elk County, Pennsylvania is manufacturing, employing 35.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.
Philadelphia is among the largest cities associated with Elk 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.