Potter County, Pennsylvania Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 63rd-largest in Pennsylvania
The population of Potter County, Pennsylvania is 16,276 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 63rd-largest county in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $59,840, the median home value is $146,200, and the median age is 48.2.
The population of Potter County has declined 8.4% since 2010 (17,451 → 15,993), a -0.62% annualized rate.
16,276
Population
-0.62%
Annual growth
15
People / sq mi
$59,840
Median Income
$146,200
Median Home Value
Potter County covers 1,081 sq mi of land at 15.1 people per square mile.
About Potter County, PA
Potter County skews on age — the median resident is 48.2, older than the national median. With 16,276 residents, Potter County is a county in Pennsylvania.
The typical household here earns about $59,840, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 7.5%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $146,200, with typical rent around $767.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.1%, below the national 35.0%. About 9.6% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Potter County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Potter County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Potter County had a population of 17,451 in 2010 and 15,993 in 2024, a -8.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,556 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.62%.
15,993
Population (2024)
17,451
Population (2010)
17,556
Peak (2012)
-0.62%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,451 |
| 2011 | 17,448 |
| 2012 | 17,556 |
| 2013 | 17,446 |
| 2014 | 17,183 |
| 2015 | 17,078 |
| 2016 | 16,953 |
| 2017 | 16,839 |
| 2018 | 16,626 |
| 2019 | 16,545 |
| 2020 | 16,387 |
| 2021 | 16,318 |
| 2022 | 16,203 |
| 2023 | 16,040 |
| 2024 | 15,993 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
48.2
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
25.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.4% · Seniors (65+): 25.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,840$-16,241 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,947 |
| Per-capita income | $31,841 |
| Poverty rate | 7.5%-0.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Potter County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
6.7%
Carpool
75.4%
Public transit
9.6%
Work from home
24.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$146,200$-94,300 vs state
Median home value
$767
Median rent
80.2%
Homeownership rate
12,375
Total housing units
54.6%
Occupied
45.4%
Vacant
19.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.3%
With health insurance
89.5%
With broadband internet
28.0%
Foreign-born
9.7%
Veterans (18+)
17.8%
With a disability
96.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.8%
High School+
17.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Pennsylvania
Other counties in Pennsylvania
Part of Pennsylvania
Metro areas in Pennsylvania
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Potter County, Pennsylvania has a population of 16,276 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 63rd-largest county in Pennsylvania. Population density is 15 people per square mile.
The population of Potter County has declined 8.4% since 2010 (17,451 → 15,993), a -0.62% annualized rate.
The median household income in Potter County, Pennsylvania is $59,840, with mean (average) household income of $74,947 and per-capita income of $31,841. 7.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Potter County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.7%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Potter County, Pennsylvania is 48.2 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Potter County is $146,200 and median monthly rent is $767. 80.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 12,375 total housing units, 45.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Potter County, Pennsylvania is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Philadelphia is among the largest cities associated with Potter County, Pennsylvania, with a population of 1,582,432.
Potter County, PA Climate
Potter County, PA has an average annual temperature of 6.6°C (44°F) and receives about 1020 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.6°C
Avg Temp
1020
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 20° | 61 mm |
| February | -5° / 22° | 63 mm |
| March | 0° / 31° | 74 mm |
| April | 6° / 42° | 75 mm |
| May | 12° / 53° | 94 mm |
| June | 16° / 61° | 123 mm |
| July | 19° / 66° | 104 mm |
| August | 18° / 64° | 92 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 94 mm |
| October | 8° / 47° | 79 mm |
| November | 3° / 37° | 87 mm |
| December | -3° / 26° | 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 Potter County, PA
The most comfortable months to visit Potter County, PA are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 25°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Potter County
Visiting or relocating to Potter County, PA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Potter County
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Statewide data for Pennsylvania
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Pennsylvania
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.