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Population Review

Fayette County, Pennsylvania Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 27th-largest in Pennsylvania

The population of Fayette County, Pennsylvania is 126,967 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 27th-largest county in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $56,093, the median home value is $126,900, and the median age is 45.4.

The population of Fayette County has declined 9.2% since 2010 (136,431 → 123,941), a -0.68% annualized rate.

Fayette County within Pennsylvania · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

126,967

Population

-0.68%

Annual growth

161

People / sq mi

$56,093

Median Income

$126,900

Median Home Value

Fayette County covers 791 sq mi of land at 160.6 people per square mile.

About Fayette County, PA

Fayette County is a county in Pennsylvania with a population of 126,967. It ranks #27 among counties in Pennsylvania by population. The median age is 45.4, older than the national median. The population is 50.1% male and 49.9% female.

The median household income in Fayette County is $56,093, below the US median of $74,580. 12.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $126,900, with monthly rent averaging $771. The homeownership rate of 72.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Fayette County reflects 18.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.6 minutes each way.

Fayette County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Fayette County had a population of 136,431 in 2010 and 123,941 in 2024, a -9.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 136,431 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.68%.

2010 · 136K20102024

123,941

Population (2024)

136,431

Population (2010)

136,431

Peak (2010)

-0.68%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010136,431
2011136,008
2012135,283
2013134,610
2014134,009
2015133,272
2016132,371
2017131,340
2018130,452
2019129,422
2020128,585
2021127,136
2022125,622
2023124,699
2024123,941

Race & Ethnicity

White90.1%
Black or African American4.1%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.9%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

45.4

Median Age

49.9%

Female

50.1%

Male

22.1%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
4.9%
5–9
5.4%
10–14
5.5%
15–19
5.4%
20–24
5.1%
25–34
11.9%
35–44
11.2%
45–54
13.4%
55–59
7.7%
60–64
7.4%
65–74
13.2%
75–84
6.1%
85+
2.8%

Children (under 15): 15.8% · Seniors (65+): 22.1%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$56,093$-19,988 vs state
Mean household income$74,330
Per-capita income$32,278
Poverty rate12.3%+4.2% vs state
Unemployment rate3.6%
Employment-to-population50.4%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
26.5%
Manufacturing
10.1%
Education & health care
9.8%
Retail trade
8.2%
Construction
7.9%
Finance & real estate
7.1%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.5%
Public administration
3.8%

The largest employment sector in Fayette County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.5% of workers.

How residents commute

1.3%

Drive alone

1.7%

Carpool

81.0%

Public transit

6.6%

Work from home

26.6 min

Avg commute

Housing

$126,900$-113,600 vs state

Median home value

$771

Median rent

72.5%

Homeownership rate

62,060

Total housing units

88.6%

Occupied

11.4%

Vacant

27.5%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

95.6%

With health insurance

88.3%

With broadband internet

15.1%

Foreign-born

7.2%

Veterans (18+)

20.3%

With a disability

97.2%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

90.0%

High School+

18.9%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Pennsylvania

Other counties in Pennsylvania

Part of Pennsylvania

Metro areas in Pennsylvania

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayette County, Pennsylvania has a population of 126,967 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 27th-largest county in Pennsylvania. Population density is 161 people per square mile.

The population of Fayette County has declined 9.2% since 2010 (136,431 → 123,941), a -0.68% annualized rate.

The median household income in Fayette County, Pennsylvania is $56,093, with mean (average) household income of $74,330 and per-capita income of $32,278. 12.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Fayette County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.1%), Black or African American (4.1%), 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 Fayette County, Pennsylvania is 45.4 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.

The median home value in Fayette County is $126,900 and median monthly rent is $771. 72.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 62,060 total housing units, 11.4% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Fayette County, Pennsylvania is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.6%.

Philadelphia is among the largest cities associated with Fayette County, Pennsylvania, with a population of 1,582,432.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.