Erie County, Pennsylvania Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 15th-largest in Pennsylvania
The population of Erie County, Pennsylvania is 269,544 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 15th-largest county in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $61,476, the median home value is $169,500, and the median age is 40.1.
The population of Erie County has declined 4.7% since 2010 (280,809 → 267,750), a -0.34% annualized rate.
269,544
Population
-0.34%
Annual growth
337
People / sq mi
$61,476
Median Income
$169,500
Median Home Value
Erie County covers 799 sq mi of land at 337.4 people per square mile.
About Erie County, PA
Erie County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 337 people per square mile. With 269,544 residents, Erie County is a county in Pennsylvania. It ranks #15 among counties in Pennsylvania by population.
Median household income is $61,476, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 10.7%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $169,500, with typical rent around $876.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 29.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.2% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Erie County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Erie County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Erie County had a population of 280,809 in 2010 and 267,750 in 2024, a -4.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 281,416 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.34%.
267,750
Population (2024)
280,809
Population (2010)
281,416
Peak (2012)
-0.34%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 280,809 |
| 2011 | 281,244 |
| 2012 | 281,416 |
| 2013 | 280,905 |
| 2014 | 279,660 |
| 2015 | 278,452 |
| 2016 | 276,639 |
| 2017 | 273,855 |
| 2018 | 271,780 |
| 2019 | 269,529 |
| 2020 | 270,739 |
| 2021 | 269,455 |
| 2022 | 269,112 |
| 2023 | 268,203 |
| 2024 | 267,750 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 83.5% |
| Black or African American | 6.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.1
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
19.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.1% · Seniors (65+): 19.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $61,476$-14,605 vs state |
| Mean household income | $82,408 |
| Per-capita income | $34,285 |
| Poverty rate | 10.7%+2.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Erie County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.4% of workers.
How residents commute
1.1%
Drive alone
3.2%
Carpool
76.4%
Public transit
8.2%
Work from home
19.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$169,500$-71,000 vs state
Median home value
$876
Median rent
68.3%
Homeownership rate
120,019
Total housing units
91.7%
Occupied
8.3%
Vacant
31.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.9%
With health insurance
92.9%
With broadband internet
16.8%
Foreign-born
7.3%
Veterans (18+)
15.8%
With a disability
93.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.6%
High School+
29.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Pennsylvania
Other counties in Pennsylvania
Part of Pennsylvania
Metro areas in Pennsylvania
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Erie County, Pennsylvania has a population of 269,544 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 15th-largest county in Pennsylvania. Population density is 337 people per square mile.
The population of Erie County has declined 4.7% since 2010 (280,809 → 267,750), a -0.34% annualized rate.
The median household income in Erie County, Pennsylvania is $61,476, with mean (average) household income of $82,408 and per-capita income of $34,285. 10.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Erie County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (83.5%), Black or African American (6.9%), 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 Erie County, Pennsylvania is 40.1 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Erie County is $169,500 and median monthly rent is $876. 68.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 120,019 total housing units, 8.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Erie County, Pennsylvania is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Philadelphia is among the largest cities associated with Erie County, Pennsylvania, with a population of 1,582,432.
Erie County, PA Climate
Erie County, PA has an average annual temperature of 9.3°C (49°F) and receives about 1072 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
1072
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 26° | 62 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 58 mm |
| March | 2° / 35° | 77 mm |
| April | 7° / 45° | 85 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 85 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 105 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 89 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 103 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 116 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 97 mm |
| November | 6° / 42° | 102 mm |
| December | 0° / 32° | 93 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 Erie County, PA
The most comfortable months to visit Erie County, PA are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Erie County
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Statewide data for Pennsylvania
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Pennsylvania
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.