Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 17th-largest in Pennsylvania
The population of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania is 215,834 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 17th-largest county in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $64,691, the median home value is $189,900, and the median age is 41.9.
The population of Lackawanna County has grown 1.1% since 2010 (214,523 → 216,859), a +0.08% annualized rate.
215,834
Population
+0.08%
Annual growth
470
People / sq mi
$64,691
Median Income
$189,900
Median Home Value
Lackawanna County covers 459 sq mi of land at 470.3 people per square mile.
About Lackawanna County, PA
What distinguishes Lackawanna County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 470 people per square mile. Lackawanna County is a county in Pennsylvania with a population of 215,834. It ranks #17 among counties in Pennsylvania by population.
Median household income is $64,691, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 10.7%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $189,900, with typical rent around $973.
College attainment is above the local norm at 30.1%, below the national 35.0%. About 9.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Lackawanna County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Lackawanna County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lackawanna County had a population of 214,523 in 2010 and 216,859 in 2024, a 1.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 216,859 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.08%.
216,859
Population (2024)
214,523
Population (2010)
216,859
Peak (2024)
0.08%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 214,523 |
| 2011 | 214,400 |
| 2012 | 214,232 |
| 2013 | 213,797 |
| 2014 | 212,922 |
| 2015 | 211,974 |
| 2016 | 211,108 |
| 2017 | 210,603 |
| 2018 | 210,301 |
| 2019 | 209,808 |
| 2020 | 215,538 |
| 2021 | 216,063 |
| 2022 | 215,797 |
| 2023 | 216,472 |
| 2024 | 216,859 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 83.4% |
| Black or African American | 3.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.9
Median Age
50.9%
Female
49.1%
Male
20.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.8% · Seniors (65+): 20.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,691$-11,390 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,019 |
| Per-capita income | $36,217 |
| Poverty rate | 10.7%+2.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lackawanna County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
3.1%
Carpool
75.9%
Public transit
9.5%
Work from home
21.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$189,900$-50,600 vs state
Median home value
$973
Median rent
65.4%
Homeownership rate
100,013
Total housing units
88.3%
Occupied
11.7%
Vacant
34.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.3%
With health insurance
92.5%
With broadband internet
18.5%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
16.2%
With a disability
89.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.6%
High School+
30.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Pennsylvania
Other counties in Pennsylvania
Part of Pennsylvania
Metro areas in Pennsylvania
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania has a population of 215,834 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 17th-largest county in Pennsylvania. Population density is 470 people per square mile.
The population of Lackawanna County has grown 1.1% since 2010 (214,523 → 216,859), a +0.08% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania is $64,691, with mean (average) household income of $87,019 and per-capita income of $36,217. 10.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lackawanna County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (83.4%), Black or African American (3.1%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania is 41.9 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
The median home value in Lackawanna County is $189,900 and median monthly rent is $973. 65.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 100,013 total housing units, 11.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Philadelphia is among the largest cities associated with Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, with a population of 1,582,432.
Lackawanna County, PA Climate
Lackawanna County, PA has an average annual temperature of 8.7°C (48°F) and receives about 1016 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.7°C
Avg Temp
1016
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 65 mm |
| February | -4° / 25° | 63 mm |
| March | 1° / 34° | 74 mm |
| April | 7° / 45° | 85 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 101 mm |
| June | 19° / 65° | 104 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 97 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 93 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 93 mm |
| October | 10° / 51° | 78 mm |
| November | 5° / 40° | 88 mm |
| December | -1° / 30° | 75 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 Lackawanna County, PA
The most comfortable months to visit Lackawanna 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 -10°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Lackawanna County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.