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Population Review

Northampton County, Pennsylvania Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 13th-largest in Pennsylvania

The population of Northampton County, Pennsylvania is 315,927 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 13th-largest county in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $86,687, the median home value is $285,000, and the median age is 42.0.

The population of Northampton County has grown 8.4% since 2010 (297,941 → 322,989), a +0.58% annualized rate.

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

315,927

Population

+0.58%

Annual growth

854

People / sq mi

$86,687

Median Income

$285,000

Median Home Value

Northampton County covers 370 sq mi of land at 854.3 people per square mile.

About Northampton County, PA

Northampton County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 854 people per square mile. With 315,927 residents, Northampton County is a county in Pennsylvania. It ranks #13 among counties in Pennsylvania by population.

Households here are among the highest-earning of all US counties: median income is $86,687, above the US median of $78,538. Only 5.9% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $285,000, with typical rent around $1,335.

About 33.8% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, near the 35.0% national figure. A solid 12.6% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.

That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Northampton County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.

Northampton County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Northampton County had a population of 297,941 in 2010 and 322,989 in 2024, a 8.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 322,989 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.58%.

2024 · 323K20102024
Northampton County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

322,989

Population (2024)

297,941

Population (2010)

322,989

Peak (2024)

0.58%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010297,941
2011298,305
2012299,099
2013299,066
2014299,748
2015300,264
2016301,629
2017303,178
2018304,949
2019305,515
2020312,810
2021318,215
2022318,044
2023320,844
2024322,989

Race & Ethnicity

White76.7%
Black or African American5.9%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.9%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

42.0

Median Age

50.5%

Female

49.5%

Male

19.9%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
4.7%
5–9
4.9%
10–14
6.1%
15–19
7.3%
20–24
6.8%
25–34
11.9%
35–44
12.0%
45–54
12.4%
55–59
7.0%
60–64
7.1%
65–74
11.3%
75–84
5.7%
85+
2.9%

Children (under 15): 15.7% · Seniors (65+): 19.9%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$86,687+$10,606 vs state
Mean household income$113,739
Per-capita income$44,837
Poverty rate5.9%-2.2% vs state
Unemployment rate3.0%
Employment-to-population59.8%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
27.6%
Manufacturing
13.3%
Finance & real estate
9.8%
Education & health care
7.2%
Retail trade
7.2%
Construction
5.8%
Information
5.3%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.3%

The largest employment sector in Northampton County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.6% of workers.

How residents commute

1.1%

Drive alone

2.0%

Carpool

76.0%

Public transit

12.6%

Work from home

27.3 min

Avg commute

Housing

$285,000+$44,500 vs state

Median home value

$1,335

Median rent

71.1%

Homeownership rate

128,612

Total housing units

94.5%

Occupied

5.5%

Vacant

28.9%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

95.8%

With health insurance

93.5%

With broadband internet

29.4%

Foreign-born

6.5%

Veterans (18+)

12.2%

With a disability

85.3%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

92.7%

High School+

33.8%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Pennsylvania

Other counties in Pennsylvania

Part of Pennsylvania

Metro areas in Pennsylvania

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Northampton County, Pennsylvania has a population of 315,927 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 13th-largest county in Pennsylvania. Population density is 854 people per square mile.

The population of Northampton County has grown 8.4% since 2010 (297,941 → 322,989), a +0.58% annualized rate.

The median household income in Northampton County, Pennsylvania is $86,687, with mean (average) household income of $113,739 and per-capita income of $44,837. 5.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Northampton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (76.7%), Black or African American (5.9%), 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 Northampton County, Pennsylvania is 42.0 years. Residents are 50.5% female and 49.5% male.

The median home value in Northampton County is $285,000 and median monthly rent is $1,335. 71.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 128,612 total housing units, 5.5% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Northampton County, Pennsylvania is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.

Philadelphia is among the largest cities associated with Northampton 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.