Luzerne County, Pennsylvania Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 12th-largest in Pennsylvania
The population of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania is 325,978 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 12th-largest county in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $62,321, the median home value is $163,800, and the median age is 42.1.
The population of Luzerne County has grown 3.2% since 2010 (321,017 → 331,379), a +0.23% annualized rate.
325,978
Population
+0.23%
Annual growth
366
People / sq mi
$62,321
Median Income
$163,800
Median Home Value
Luzerne County covers 890 sq mi of land at 366.3 people per square mile.
About Luzerne County, PA
What distinguishes Luzerne County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 366 people per square mile. With 325,978 residents, Luzerne County is a county in Pennsylvania. It ranks #12 among counties in Pennsylvania by population.
Median household income is $62,321, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 11.3%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $163,800, with typical rent around $958.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 25.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 9.3% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Luzerne County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Luzerne County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Luzerne County had a population of 321,017 in 2010 and 331,379 in 2024, a 3.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 331,379 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.23%.
331,379
Population (2024)
321,017
Population (2010)
331,379
Peak (2024)
0.23%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 321,017 |
| 2011 | 321,073 |
| 2012 | 321,232 |
| 2013 | 319,737 |
| 2014 | 319,269 |
| 2015 | 318,203 |
| 2016 | 317,192 |
| 2017 | 318,031 |
| 2018 | 318,093 |
| 2019 | 317,438 |
| 2020 | 325,222 |
| 2021 | 325,975 |
| 2022 | 326,892 |
| 2023 | 328,909 |
| 2024 | 331,379 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 78.3% |
| Black or African American | 5.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
42.1
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
19.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.6% · Seniors (65+): 19.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $62,321$-13,760 vs state |
| Mean household income | $82,477 |
| Per-capita income | $34,857 |
| Poverty rate | 11.3%+3.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Luzerne County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
2.6%
Carpool
76.0%
Public transit
9.3%
Work from home
23.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$163,800$-76,700 vs state
Median home value
$958
Median rent
67.8%
Homeownership rate
151,012
Total housing units
88.4%
Occupied
11.6%
Vacant
32.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.7%
With health insurance
90.9%
With broadband internet
17.6%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
16.0%
With a disability
85.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.7%
High School+
25.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Pennsylvania
Other counties in Pennsylvania
Part of Pennsylvania
Metro areas in Pennsylvania
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Luzerne County, Pennsylvania has a population of 325,978 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 12th-largest county in Pennsylvania. Population density is 366 people per square mile.
The population of Luzerne County has grown 3.2% since 2010 (321,017 → 331,379), a +0.23% annualized rate.
The median household income in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania is $62,321, with mean (average) household income of $82,477 and per-capita income of $34,857. 11.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Luzerne County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (78.3%), Black or African American (5.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania is 42.1 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Luzerne County is $163,800 and median monthly rent is $958. 67.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 151,012 total housing units, 11.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Philadelphia is among the largest cities associated with Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, with a population of 1,582,432.
Luzerne County, PA Climate
Luzerne County, PA has an average annual temperature of 9.2°C (49°F) and receives about 1023 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.2°C
Avg Temp
1023
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 25° | 64 mm |
| February | -3° / 26° | 61 mm |
| March | 2° / 36° | 74 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 86 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 102 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 109 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 98 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 95 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 95 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 78 mm |
| November | 5° / 41° | 87 mm |
| December | 0° / 31° | 74 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 Luzerne County, PA
The most comfortable months to visit Luzerne 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 -9°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Luzerne County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.