Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 1st-largest in Pennsylvania
The population of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania is 1,582,432 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 1st-largest county in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $60,698, the median home value is $232,400, and the median age is 35.1.
The population of Philadelphia County has grown 3.0% since 2010 (1,528,303 → 1,573,916), a +0.21% annualized rate.
1,582,432
Population
+0.21%
Annual growth
11781
People / sq mi
$60,698
Median Income
$232,400
Median Home Value
Philadelphia County covers 134 sq mi of land at 11780.6 people per square mile.
About Philadelphia County, PA
Philadelphia County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 11,781 people per square mile. With 1,582,432 residents, Philadelphia County is a county in Pennsylvania. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Pennsylvania in the country, at #1 by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $60,698 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 17.5%, above the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $232,400, with typical rent around $1,323.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 34.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, near the national 35.0%. An unusually large 16.4% of workers are remote, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 32 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Philadelphia County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Philadelphia County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Philadelphia County had a population of 1,528,303 in 2010 and 1,573,916 in 2024, a 3.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 1,600,788 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.21%.
1,573,916
Population (2024)
1,528,303
Population (2010)
1,600,788
Peak (2020)
0.21%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,528,303 |
| 2011 | 1,540,615 |
| 2012 | 1,552,087 |
| 2013 | 1,558,713 |
| 2014 | 1,565,949 |
| 2015 | 1,571,679 |
| 2016 | 1,576,604 |
| 2017 | 1,581,699 |
| 2018 | 1,586,422 |
| 2019 | 1,584,439 |
| 2020 | 1,600,788 |
| 2021 | 1,589,918 |
| 2022 | 1,570,554 |
| 2023 | 1,563,349 |
| 2024 | 1,573,916 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 36.1% |
| Black or African American | 39.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
35.1
Median Age
52.6%
Female
47.4%
Male
14.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.1% · Seniors (65+): 14.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,698$-15,383 vs state |
| Mean household income | $88,307 |
| Per-capita income | $37,669 |
| Poverty rate | 17.5%+9.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Philadelphia County is professional & business services, accounting for 32.5% of workers.
How residents commute
17.9%
Drive alone
7.5%
Carpool
46.7%
Public transit
16.4%
Work from home
32.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$232,400$-8,100 vs state
Median home value
$1,323
Median rent
52.3%
Homeownership rate
739,725
Total housing units
90.5%
Occupied
9.5%
Vacant
47.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.8%
With health insurance
93.4%
With broadband internet
18.3%
Foreign-born
4.0%
Veterans (18+)
17.4%
With a disability
76.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.4%
High School+
34.6%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Common questions about Philadelphia County, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania has a population of 1,582,432 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 1st-largest county in Pennsylvania. Population density is 11781 people per square mile.
The population of Philadelphia County has grown 3.0% since 2010 (1,528,303 → 1,573,916), a +0.21% annualized rate.
The median household income in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania is $60,698, with mean (average) household income of $88,307 and per-capita income of $37,669. 17.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Philadelphia County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (39.9%), White (36.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania is 35.1 years. Residents are 52.6% female and 47.4% male.
The median home value in Philadelphia County is $232,400 and median monthly rent is $1,323. 52.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 739,725 total housing units, 9.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 32.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.3%.
Philadelphia is among the largest cities associated with Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, with a population of 1,582,432.
Philadelphia County, PA Climate
Philadelphia County, PA has an average annual temperature of 12.4°C (54°F) and receives about 1150 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.4°C
Avg Temp
1150
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 31° | 89 mm |
| February | 1° / 34° | 72 mm |
| March | 6° / 42° | 100 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 97 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 110 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 93 mm |
| July | 25° / 76° | 114 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 112 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 100 mm |
| October | 14° / 56° | 80 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 93 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 90 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 Philadelphia County, PA
The most comfortable months to visit Philadelphia County, PA are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Philadelphia County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.